Odd plug wiring

[Zdr262]

One of my plugs in the living room went dead out of nowhere, I tried resetting all breakers with no success. I traced the wires (with a circuit tracer) to a unused plug in my sons room, which was also dead. When I pulled the plug out it was wired differently than any other I’ve seen. The neutral wire is also spliced into the ground, I have attached a picture. Is there a reason why electrician do this? Also is it dangerous? Would this have caused The plug in the living room to short after it worked fine for 3 years?

 

[Edtwozeronine]

I see you're using ground instead of earth which is American terminology. Either way replace and properly re-wire the plug and the socket outlet while the circuit breaker for that circuit is turned off.

 

[westward10]

When you say spliced into ground is there actually a ground wire or is the neutral being used as ground.