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GCSE Combined Science · key term
The blue-insulated wire that completes the mains circuit and is at, or close to, earth potential (0 V).
Used by AQA and Edexcel
Specification 6.2.3.2 · Paper 5, Paper 6
Revise: Mains Electricity and WiringIn normal operation, the live and neutral wires form the circuit through the appliance. The earth wire is not an extra wire needed to make the appliance work: it is there for protection and normally carries no current.
Paper 5, Paper 6
The mains wire that completes the circuit with the live wire and is normally close to earth potential.
The earth wire normally carries no current. The neutral wire completes the operating circuit, even though it is at or close to 0 V.
Explain that a switch or fuse in the neutral wire could stop the current while leaving the appliance connected to the live supply.
Do not describe the neutral wire as always safe to touch, or assume that a fuse prevents every electric shock.
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The neutral wire completes the circuit with the live wire, allowing current to flow through the appliance. Both are involved in its normal operation.