DIYbanter - View Single Post - one-wire pole transformers

HeyBub[_3_]

wrote:

I think the return path for the other side of the primary
transformer is the earth. Earth is used as a return in
many distribution systems and while it saves money,
it leads to some problems. I see what the OP and you
are talking about all over here in rural NJ. You have 3
wires on top of the poles, which are the 3 phases.
If you look at where you have houses, a single wire
leads from one of those to the transformer. I believe
the other side is connected to earth ground. That
arragement then serves a small group of houses. With a
larger commercial/industiral user you see 3 transfomers,
one connected to each of the 3 phases.

pic
http://thereifixedit.files.wordpress...t-to-earth.jpg