A lost neutral occurs when the neutral conductor in a 120/240V single-phase system becomes disconnected or fails. This can cause severe voltage imbalances across circuits, leading to:
Overvoltage on some circuits (potentially frying electronics and appliances)
Undervoltage on others (causing motors to overheat and fail)
Floating voltages that create unpredictable and dangerous conditions
Common Causes of a Lost Neutral:
Loose connection at the panel, meter, or service point
Damaged overhead triplex neutral from weather, trees, or animal damage
Corroded or broken neutral in underground service conductors
Faulty neutral in the main panel or meter socket
Loose or disconnected neutral in subpanels or junction boxes