Why Neutral Cable Size is Half of Phase Cable?
In a three-phase power system, each phase (R, Y and B) delivers current to the load, with the neutral wire serving as the return path for imbalanced current.
In ideal balanced conditions, the sum of currents in three phases is zero. In theory, the neutral conducts no current. In real-world applications, minor imbalances in the load lead the neutral to be carrying some current yet never as much as the phases.
Neutral conductors can be reduced to half the size of phase conductors without compromising safety (or) performance as they do not carry full load current.
Key Point:
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Phase conductors can carry full load current.
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Neutral conductor carries only unbalanced current.
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This optimization saves copper and aluminum, lowers costs and improves cable design efficiency and all while assuring safe operation.
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