Fredster,
A Neutral, in my understanding of the term,
is a Return conductor, for an installation or a single circuit, all this means is that there is a circuit, between the incoming wire
and the voltage source.
An Earth (Ground), is used for safety purposes only, for the protection of metal bodied appliances, etc, in case a Live Wire contacts the body of the appliance, etc.
This will normally operate a fuse, to make the circuit safe.
Hope I haven't confused you.
[This message has been edited by Trumpy (edited 02-04-2003).]