On Sat, 21 Apr 2001 jkunz@unixag-kl.fh-kl.de wrote:

> Protective ground is identical to N. It is only an extra wire to the N
> point. This is needed for protection only. (Therefore it is called 
> protective ground. ;-)  )

Some clarification is in order...

Protective ground is NOT identical to N, even if they are wired together
at the main breaker panel (as in USA). Neutral is a current carrying
conductor, and because of the resistance in the wire, it may be at some
voltage above ground potential. This is why you NEVER attach the
neutral to the protective ground. 

Remember: if there is any possibility of current flow, use the Neutral
wire.

Remember: Always connect the protective ground to the chassis of the
machine.

These voltage are high enough you can destroy valuable antique hardware,
which would be bad. You might get shocked too...

clint