Earthing as Neutral

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthing_system look for TN-C system

The disadvantage of this system is that if someone disconnects an earth wire they may receive a fatal electric shock!

Follow British Standard 7671 to avoid unpopularity with the dead victim's relatives, their lawyers and fire insurance companies.

From what I recall our antipodean friends do/did use a single phase earth return system on long rural lines at 6.5KV to earth. But I could be wrong, it's over 10 years since I read about it

England and France use 250KV DC for bulk power transfer using earth as return. I suppose the English Channel with all that brine reduces the ground resistance.

These systems are refered to as Single Wire Earth Return (SWER) and are often used in rural areas where long supply runs are required and the current demand moderate. The supply voltage is in the range of a few tens of kilovolts, enabling the use of high tensile steel conductors (due to the low current) and consequenyly, fewer poles.

The 240v circuit is the secondary winding of a step down transformer and the kv turning of the primary is earthed, as is the 'neutral' of the load circuit. In South Australia the supply voltage is 19kv, sufficient for the return current to make it's way back to the power station. In areas where SWER lines are in use, there can be considerable voltage drop along the ground in the vicinity of the power station due to the earth current.

There have been many fatal accidents involving farm implements contacting SWER lines. LOOK UP and LIVE!

I've once saw a well pump with a single wire run along the surface for power..

well?

Australia uses such a system in the outback.

That's "Injeneur"!