Single phase - No Earth

[baconbutty]

Hi,

Living in Thailand building construction and associated codes seem to be defined but poorly implemented at best. I have a situation where the house I am in has no earth to any of the outlets. The main cause for concern for me is earthing of WC items (Shower/Sink/Toilet) and washing machine and oven. I do get an occasional small shock from exposed metal items such as a laptop fingerprint reader and items that get plugged into USB such as digital cams...

Is it normal (or known) for Neutral to be linked to earth, and does this provide a robust earth path, or do I need to be looking to get a 2-meter copper bar sunken into the ground and run the earth all over the house?

Thanks guys

 

[Dragon Tamer]

yes the neutral in an outlet is connected to earth ground sometimes, other times it is reconnected to an ac circuit to create an closed circuit. i don't know how things work in Thailand. but in any case, it is not a reliable way to provide a safe path for a short circuited devecie to go to ground. my best advice would be to leave that place and get back to a place that has proper grounding prongs, ie RUN AWAY!!!