MadSci Network: Engineering
Query:

Subject: What are ground loops?

Date: Mon Aug 30 16:21:12 1999
Posted by David Hackos
Grade level: grad (science) School: National Institutes of Health
City: Bethesda State/Province: MD Country: USA
Area of science: Engineering
ID: 936044472.Eg
Message:

    Often when I set up equipment to make highly sensitive electrical 
measurements for my research, noise is a constant problem.  Over the years 
I have learned how to deal with noise problems by following a certain set 
of rules, such as avoiding ground loops.  However, no one has ever 
explained to me the precise physical basis for ground loops.
    Now clearly ground loops are not a problem when everything is grounded 
with very thick wire.  However, extremely think wire is often not 
practical.  Under these circumstances, why exactly does the topology of the 
ground bus matter?  Also, it would be extremely helpful to me to hear a 
physicist's version of the best way to ground sensitive electronic 
equipment.

Thanks for your time.


Re: What are ground loops?

Current Queue | Current Queue for Engineering | Engineering archives

Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Engineering.



MadSci Home | Information | Search | Random Knowledge Generator | MadSci Archives | Mad Library | MAD Labs | MAD FAQs | Ask a ? | Join Us! | Help Support MadSci


MadSci Network, webadmin@www.madsci.org
© 1995-1999. All rights reserved.