wrote in message
...

That all depends upon how the utility has connected the primary of the
distribution transformer. In the US, it's quite common for on connection
on
the transformer primary to be connected to a grounded neutral. If that's
the case, several amps will flow through the ground connection under
normal
circumstances.

"Several" amps?

First, most heavy loads are 240 volts and for these loans there is no
neutral current. The 120 volt loads partly cancel. MAYBE you might get
a
net neutral current of 30 amps.

That 30 amps of neutral current is traveling over wires rated to carry 100
or 200 amps (depending upon service). The voltage drop between "pole
pig"
and service entrance on the neutral might be a volt or two but likely a
fraction of a volt.

That voltage difference is what would be driving current through the
"ground
connection." Let's say there is 25 ohms resistance. Even 3 or 4 volts
could drive only a fraction of one amp.


_PRIMARY_ return current. Thousands to tens of thousands of volts to drive
the ground current plus many ohms of resistance in the neutral wire back to
the substation many miles away.