In the UK (and the rest of at least Western Europe is similar), the house
supply is 230v 50Hz. The neutral is grounded at a number of places, but not
necessarily at the house (in the UK - some other countries do have
individual ground rods for each property). Where PME (Protective Multiple
Earthing) is used, the neutral and 'earth' (ground) wire in the house are
tied together. This means that a ruptured neutral outside the house can lead
to 'earth' in the house floating at 220 v above ground, although this is
statistically rare. Water pipes etc in the house are bonded to the 'earth'
wire. You can refuse to have PME installed, although the electricity
companies don't like it. But the bottom line is that you have live and
neutral coming into your equipment, and you keep both sides isolated from
ground connections.
Personally, I prefer to have 'ground' as 'ground', and let the neutral take
up whatever potential it likes, keeping the neutral isolated from chassis.
I'm off now: be back Jan 4th to read the accumulated comments. A happy
Christmas to all, and a healthy, happy and prosperous '99.
73
Peter G3RZP
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