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
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.