Latest horror...

[bernardgreen]

I agree, it had no bearing on the matter

 

[mwatsonxx]

Come on then smart arse's give a better explanation, if you dare???

 

[endecotp]

I simply removed the transformer, connected brown to red, blue to blue, and earth to earth, went downstairs and switched the light on, and it all works as it should.

You're now supplying 240V to something that was previously being supplied with only 120V. That's not always a good idea....

 

[echoes]

Come on then smart arse's give a better explanation, if you dare???

1. arses
2. It's already been given by @DetlefSchmitz

 

[JohnW2]

Really, thanks for the advice.

Yes, but bernard was talking about a 'Variac', which is not what the OP has. As has been said, the OP has an auto-transformer (not a variable voltage transformer/'Variac'), which does not have an 'infinitely variable output'. In fact, in the OP's case, it has only one possible output, since the winding only has one tap.

Kind Regards, John

 

[JohnW2]

You're now supplying 240V to something that was previously being supplied with only 120V. That's not always a good idea....

Indeed. You just beat me by a minute to making the same comment!

Kind Regards, John

 

[JohnW2]

I agree, it sounds like he was talking balls.

He was, and on this occasion there is no way he can deny it

Kind Regards, John

 

[mwatsonxx]

Thanks guys for correcting my incorrect use of ', as to be expected.

 

[echoes]

I'd like to hear more about these balls and pipes, and how they help explain anything other than a fun pipe-and-ball machine.

 

[mwatsonxx]

The neutral is connected to earth at the substation. So it stays more or less at earth potential, while the live goes more positive and more negative than earth.

What an incredible easily understood explanation, bring it on>

 

[echoes]

Thanks guys for correcting my incorrect use of ', as to be expected.

You're very welcome.

 

[JohnW2]

Come on then smart arse's give a better explanation, if you dare???

All you explained is why current has to flow in one conductor when it flows in the other. You could just as easily argued that the 'balls under pressure' were in the neutral pipe and the 'return path' in the line one.

The OP asked what was the difference between the neutral and line conductors, and Detlef has given the answer - that the only difference is that one is connected to earth at the substation transformer. If there were no such connection to earth (i.e. if the supply were 'floating'), the L and N would be, as the OP suggested, totally indistinguishable and interchangeable.

Kind Regards, John

 

[echoes]

What an incredible easily understood explanation, bring it on>

Ok, I give you a cable with 2 conductors in it, unmarked. You can measure 240 V a.c. across the 2 conductors.
Please explain how you would correctly identify the L & N conductors. You may talk of balls and pipes if you like.

 

[mwatsonxx]

You're very welcome.

Interesting name "echoes" ie no substance.

Stand up and give an explanation of voltage, excuse me for not holding my breath.

 

[bernardgreen]

Come on then smart arse's give a better explanation, if you dare???

Consider water flowing through a pipe. Voltage is water pressure. Amps are the rate of flow, Ohms are the length and diameter of the pipe work.

A capacitor is