What is the purpose of a neutral conductor in a star-connected three-phase system, and how does it help in maintaining balance? 

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SSC JE Electrical 4 Dec 2023 Official Paper II
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  1. The neutral conductor is used to increase the voltage between two phases, and it assists in load balancing. 
  2. The neutral conductor is used for grounding the system, and it helps in equalising phase voltages. 
  3. The neutral conductor is used for phase shifting, and it helps in generating higher voltage. 
  4. The neutral conductor is used for overcurrent protection, and it helps in phase separation. 

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : The neutral conductor is used for grounding the system, and it helps in equalising phase voltages. 
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Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is: (2) The neutral conductor is used for grounding the system, and it helps in equalizing phase voltages.

Explanation:

In a star-connected three-phase system, the neutral conductor serves several important purposes, including:

Grounding: The neutral conductor is often connected to the ground, providing a reference point for the system. This grounding helps in stabilizing the system and providing a safe path for fault currents to dissipate into the ground.

Equalizing Phase Voltages: In a balanced three-phase system, where loads are evenly distributed, the voltages across each phase are ideally equal. The neutral conductor helps maintain this balance by providing a return path for unbalanced currents. If the system becomes unbalanced due to uneven loads, the neutral conductor allows the system to remain stable and helps prevent excessive voltage variations.

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