What can occur between two ends of a broken neutral?

When dealing with a broken neutral, the phenomenon that occurs between the two ends of the break is voltage. In a three-phase or single-phase electrical system, the neutral is designed to act as a return path for current and to stabilize the voltage across the phases. If the neutral connection is lost, it can lead to an imbalance of voltage in the system.

When the neutral is broken, the voltage can fluctuate and may rise at the point where the neutral is open, leading to a scenario where voltage is present between the two ends. This can create hazardous conditions, including overvoltage situations that could potentially damage equipment or pose a safety risk.

Understanding the implications of a broken neutral is crucial for linemen as they work on maintaining and repairing electrical systems to ensure safety and reliability. Other factors, such as current or resistance, may play a role in the overall system, but in this specific context, it is the irregular voltage readings that signify the issue caused by a broken neutral.