Yup,
Steve's said it all really!. [Linked Image]
It'd pay for your neighbour to get a licenced Electrician in to check things out.
At least then, the Electrician can talk one-on-one with the guy and actually open the panel, etc, where this would be needed.
Giving advice like this on-line could open up all sorts of cans of worms. [Linked Image]