One thing that you must keep in mind is that many 240 volt appliances also require 120 volts. If the neutral weren't there, you would have to derive one anyway. It is common to drive heating elemebts with 240 and timers, lights, fans, mini-brains, Et,c, with 120. So the return current will often be in the mA range while the 240 volt load will be in the 10's of amps.
Joe
Of course, in reality, it wouldn't be a derived neutral. It would be a derived equal voltage point within the load appliance. This would add alot of complexity and could only be useful as a college senior project or to impress the local MENSA babe.
[This message has been edited by JoeTestingEngr (edited 07-30-2006).]
