On Wed, 04 Apr 2007 15:40:01 -0500, Richard J Kinch
wrote:

Bud-- writes:

The second function is sometimes called "earthing" to make clear which
"grounding" function is being discussed. If a surge suppressor must be
"grounded" it is not terribly clear what is intended. If it is earthed,
it is very clear.

Nope.

"Earthing" is simply the British English for the American English term
"grouding".

Kind of like they say "tension" instead of our "voltage".

A "high tension" line just means "high voltage". Has nothing to do with
how tightly the wires are strung.

The global character of Internet discussion has worsened an age-old
problem.

That "tension" comes from "retension" (meaning 'keeping', for those
unable to say what they mean). It's a polite way of saying "Really
keep away from those wires. They bite." :-)