Let's break down what's likely meant by "high amperage traveling on a neutral wire blowing fuses and melting buss bar connections." This is a serious and dangerous situation, indicating a fault in the electrical system.

Understanding the Basics Hot Wire (Live Wire)

This is the wire that carries the electricity to a device or appliance.

Neutral Wire

This wire is supposed to carry electricity back to the power source (e.g., the electrical panel, and ultimately the utility transformer). In a balanced system, the current in the neutral should be relatively low, ideally near zero.

Ground Wire (Earth Wire)

This is a safety wire that provides a low-resistance path for electricity to flow back to the source in the event of a fault (like a short circuit). It's connected to the earth and is meant to trip a circuit breaker or blow a fuse, preventing electrical shock.

Fuse/Circuit Breaker

These are safety devices designed to interrupt the flow of electricity if the current exceeds a safe level. They protect the wiring from overheating and causing a fire.

Buss Bar

A buss bar is a conductive strip (usually copper or aluminum) in an electrical panel that serves as a common connection point for multiple circuits. Neutral buss bars provide the common connection for all the neutral wires in the system, and ground buss bars for the ground wires.

The Problem: High Amperage on the Neutral Wire

The statement suggests that an abnormally high amount of current is flowing through the neutral wire. This is not how a properly functioning electrical system is designed to work. Here's how it can happen and the consequences:1. Neutral Wire Break or High Resistance Connection



What it is

If the neutral wire becomes disconnected (a break) or has a loose/corroded/high-resistance connection somewhere in the system (between the panel and the utility transformer), it disrupts the intended return path for the current.

How it causes the problem

Imagine you have two circuits (Circuit A and Circuit B) sharing a neutral. If the neutral connection becomes bad, the current from both Circuit A and Circuit B cannot easily return to the transformer. Instead, it might try to find alternate paths, potentially through other circuits, through grounding paths, or through each other's appliances. This can lead to unpredictable current flow and voltage imbalances on the circuits.2.

Unbalanced Loads



What it is

In a balanced electrical system (especially in a 240V split-phase system common in North America), the loads are distributed relatively evenly between the two "hot" legs (L1 and L2). Ideally, the current returning on the neutral is the difference between the current on L1 and L2.

How it causes the problem

If one leg is heavily loaded and the other is lightly loaded, a significant amount of current will flow on the neutral wire, even if the neutral connection is good. While this is normal to some degree, if the imbalance is extreme and the neutral wire is undersized or has a weak connection, it can lead to overheating. Adding to that, older buildings use the bare minimum size of wire, so it doesn't take much to overload the wire.3.

Shared Neutral Wiring Faults (Multi-Wire Branch Circuits)



What it is

In some older installations, "multi-wire branch circuits" were used to save on wiring. These circuits share a single neutral wire between two hot wires (connected to opposite phases).

How it causes the problem

If the neutral connection is compromised in a multi-wire branch circuit, the voltage on the two circuits can become wildly unbalanced. One circuit might see a very high voltage (above 120V), and the other might see a very low voltage. This can damage appliances and create a serious safety hazard.4.

Return path through the ground



What it is

Electricity will always take the path of least resistance.

How it causes the problem

Electricity will choose the path of least resistance when returning back to the source. When the neutral is corroded or broken, electricity will see the grounding wire as the next best option to complete the circuit.

How it Blows Fuses and Melts Buss Bar Connections Overcurrent

The primary reason for blown fuses and melted buss bars is overcurrent. When a wire carries more current than it is rated for, it heats up. Fuses and circuit breakers are designed to trip when this happens. Buss bars are designed to handle the rated current of the panel, but they can overheat and melt if subjected to prolonged overcurrent.

Heat Generation

The excessive current flow generates a tremendous amount of heat in the neutral wire, especially at any point of high resistance (like a loose connection).

Melting

The heat can melt the insulation on the wires, the plastic components of the electrical panel, and even the buss bar itself. The melting of the buss bar connection is a particularly dangerous sign, as it indicates a severe and prolonged overcurrent condition. The melted metal can also create a fire hazard and further short circuits.

Voltage Spikes and Imbalances

A floating neutral or a bad neutral connection can cause voltage spikes and imbalances, which can damage sensitive electronics and cause fuses to blow.

Why the Damage Doesn't Necessarily Extend to Multiple Locations (Though it Can)

While the problem can cause widespread damage, it's not always the case. Here's why: Point of Weakness

The damage often concentrates at the point of greatest resistance or the weakest link in the circuit (e.g., a loose screw on a buss bar connection, a corroded wire splice). This is where the heat will be most intense.

Fuse/Breaker Action

Fuses and circuit breakers are designed to interrupt the current flow quickly. If they work properly, they can limit the extent of the damage by shutting down the circuit before it overheats excessively. However, sometimes fuses can be the wrong type or size, breakers can fail to trip properly, or the overcurrent condition is so severe that the fuse/breaker is too slow to prevent damage.

Circuit Loading

The severity of the problem depends on the load on the affected circuits. If the circuits are lightly loaded, the overcurrent might not be high enough to cause immediate catastrophic failure, but it will still cause gradual heating and potential long-term damage.

Progressive Failure

Often, the problem starts as a small issue (e.g., a slightly loose connection). As the connection corrodes or loosens further, the resistance increases, the heat increases, and the problem escalates until a fuse blows or something melts.

Why It's Dangerous and Requires Immediate Attention

This situation is extremely dangerous for the following reasons: Fire Hazard

Overheated wires and melted connections are a major fire hazard.

Electrical Shock

A floating neutral can cause unpredictable voltages on outlets and appliances, creating a serious risk of electric shock.

Appliance Damage

Voltage spikes and imbalances can damage or destroy sensitive electronic devices and appliances.

Progressive Deterioration

The problem will likely get worse over time, increasing the risk of a catastrophic failure.

What to Do DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FIX THIS YOURSELF IF YOU ARE NOT A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN. Electricity is dangerous, and you could be seriously injured or killed. Turn off the affected circuit breaker(s) immediately. This will reduce the risk of further damage or fire. Contact a licensed and qualified electrician as soon as possible. Explain the symptoms you've observed (blown fuses, melted connections, etc.).The electrician will: Inspect the entire electrical system to find the source of the problem. Repair or replace any damaged wiring or components. Correct any imbalances in the electrical load. Ensure that the electrical system is safe and up to code.

In summary, high amperage on the neutral wire, blowing fuses, and melting buss bar connections is a sign of a serious electrical fault. It's caused by a disruption in the intended return path of the current, leading to overcurrent, overheating, and potential for fire, shock, and appliance damage. It requires immediate attention from a qualified electrician. Flag for review