On Nov 10, 11:10*am, bud-- wrote:
The "earthing" function of the "ground" keeps the house voltage at a
reasonable potential with respect to the earth, provides a sink for some
surges, and is likely to blow high voltage fuses if a high voltage
distribution wire crosses with the wires to houses.

That's the part that doesn't do anything for me. What's the real
point in any ground rods, etc at the building. Isn't there a ground
rod of some sort at the transformer 100' away. How much potential
difference could develop between the house and the transformer?