The neutral wire, typically white or gray, connects to the neutral busbar, which acts as the collection point for all return currents in the panel. Neutrals are grounded but carry current under load. Individuals contacting a lifted neutral potentially provide an alternate path to ground. Electricity must flow in a complete loop, traveling from the utility source, through the hot wire to power a device, and then returning to the source through the neutral wire. The. Correct wiring methods for circuit breakers within distribution boxes are fundamental to ensuring electrical safety and compliance with established codes. He reaches in with his bare hand and grabs the neutral bus bar. Ten seconds later, he's torquing down terminal screws on that same bar, skin contact the whole time. Electrical current flowed into the home through the neutral and the equipment grounding conductor, which energized the metal frame of the gas furnace and the frames of other appliances in the home. See the illustration below from the 2021 IRC Figure 3501.