"w_tom" wrote in message
...
running dogg demonstrates why these pictures of the 'primary
protection' system require inspection:
http://www.tvtower.com/fpl.html

A household earth ground (another earth ground) is essential
also for human safety. The neutral wire failed inside a
transformer. Building's earth ground had been compromised.
But since the lights still worked, the homeowner did nothing.
To transport electricity back to the defective transformer,
the house use a natural gas line. Fortunately no one was home
when gas line gaskets finally failed at the meter; the house
exploded.

If that doesn't souind like an urban myth....


Many say lights work just fine. Therefore, don't worry. Be
happy. Even the military calls for inspections of these
grounding connections every 5 years or sooner. A homeowner
must take responsibility for his ground connections. The
consequences sometimes can be catastrophic as demonstrated by
multiple examples.

running dogg wrote:
... My grandfather once lived in a rural area where the power
poles didn't have grounds. When lightning hit the pole, foot
long flames came out of the sockets. It ruined everything
electrical, and he had to rewire his house several times, but
it didn't burn down.