Brettski,
I just read this thread. Glad you contacted your B-I-L. He is absolutely right.
I'm not an electrician, but for nearly 40 years my job has required me to deal with safe and unsafe power distribution on land, at sea, and in the air. More than once I've somehow cheated death because of mis-understandings of proper safety.
In an installation like this, don't skimp on the ground wire and the mechanical ground connections. Try to check it at least annually. Measuring the voltage between neutral and ground, while the line is under load, is a good way to evaluate it. There shouldn't be more than a few volts difference -- if there is, find the problem. Make sure to use Ground Fault Interrupters. Corrosion, frost damage, and many other conditions can easily create life-threatening situations.
Sorry to sound so grim. I, for one, really enjoy and value your posts. I'd sure hate to see them suddenly stop.
Stay safe,
Ken
