What is the current flowing on the neutral conductor of a multiwire circuit called?

The current flowing on the neutral conductor of a multiwire circuit is termed unbalanced current. This occurs in multiwire branch circuits where conductors share a common neutral. If the loads on the phase conductors are different, the neutral conductor carries the difference in current between the two or more phases. For example, if one phase is drawing 10 amps and another is drawing 6 amps, the neutral will conduct the unbalanced 4 amps to ensure that the total current returning to the source is correct.

Understanding unbalanced current is essential for electrical safety and efficiency. If too much unbalanced current flows through the neutral, it can lead to overheating and potential hazards. Therefore, it’s crucial in electrical design to ensure that loads are balanced as much as possible to minimize the unbalanced current in the neutral conductor.