I shall have to do some more study of the various issues involved. I know from experience with controlling the primary of a transformer with a SCR and phase angle control that there are issues of inrush current as you can be switching the peak mains voltage across the transformer. It works but is brutal and electrically noisy but that can be addressed. I asked as although switching the secondary would require a larger SCR I don't think the inrush would happen as the inductance of the windings would help to regulate it. Time to speak to a guy I know that designs switching power supplies.
As far as UK electrics I think at least they are all the same set-up, with 1ph live, neutral, earth, and 3ph + earth.. From many threads over on rec.crafts.metalworking there are many different electrical supply configurations in the US and in some situations you have to know what you have. Some of these may apply more to industrial supplies though. It would be interesting to know why your neighbour thought european electric supply so dangerous, particularly as regards lighting. To my knowledge the UK is regarded to have some of the safest electric requirements in the world for domestic use.
Re SiC elements and electroglass they do apparently use a c>Right, plus the book has pictures, which are helpful to a guy like me. >