Neutral current diversion
In simple terms a neutral current diversion can occur when the combined protective earthing and neutral conductor in an electrical system fails. The current in that system may itself then be diverted by making a haphazard circuit via exposed metal workings in the surrounding, in buildings this might also including gas, water and oil pipes which can be highly dangerous.
In technical terms the Electrical Contractors Association describe neutral current diversion as "the event of a lost protective earthed neutral (PEN) conductor on a TN-C-S (PME) electrical supply, the installation loses its intended connection to neutral and Earth. Current is then ‘diverted’ and will find its way back to the supply transformer any way it can. One common route is through shared metallic pipework, such as gas and water pipes."
Definition from "ECA Members: Help us research neutral current diversion" The IET, Electrical Contractors Association (ECA), Electrical Safety First (ESF), NAPIT, NICEIC and SELECT are working together to investigate the prevalence of Neutral Current Diversion (NCD) incidents across the UK.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Articles about electricity.
- BSRIA articles.
- BSRIA definitions.
- Building management system.
- Building services.
- ECA articles.
- Electric.
- Electrical appliance.
- Electrical consumption.
- Electrical energy.
- Electrical equipment.
- Electrical installation.
- Electrical power.
- Electrical safety.
- Electrician.
- Electricity.
- Electricity bill.
- Glossary of electrical terms.
- Low-voltage switchgear and protective devices.
- Mains electricity.
- Safe isolation for low voltage.
- Transducers and transformers.
Featured articles and news
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.