Understanding Ground Loops...

[Gepetto]

I tripped over this article that provides a good, simple explanation of ground loops and why they occur, especially as relates to audio equipment. And how to fix them...

Find and Eliminate Ground Loops - Circuit Cellar

 

[Hexis22]

Good read.

What we plug into household outlets today has sure changed compared to basic incandescent lamps and two pronged AC corded amps.

 

[marcok]

https://www.jensen-transformers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/an004.pdf
Also this AN is very interesting .
Ciao
Marco

 

[Pure_Brew]

I remember back when I was performing A/V installations, the biggest problems I would run into with ground loops were typically solved by grounding the CATV system.

Had this customer that had scrolling lines on her TV using the component video input. I noticed there was no ground on her CATV distribution, and told her to call the cable company to take care of it. She got some pushback, so I told her to try again and claim code violation, contact the city, yadda yadda.

They finally came back, fixed the ground and voila- problem solved.

 

[marcok]

I have experience with two British units : Quad 33 preamp and NAD 4150 tuner .
It was sufficient disconnect the ground , possible because they are class 2 units .
I don't know why everything must be grounded in UK .
Anyway Jensen AN was very useful to understand the phenomenon .
Ciao
Marco

 

[wattsabundant]

If you wish to send a Phase Linear amplifier into orbit, connect each output to an oscilloscope with a grounded power cable and a grounded signal generator. The amplifier will make all kinds of oscillations and squeals as it tries to self destruct.

 

[mlucitt]

If you wish to send a Phase Linear amplifier into orbit, connect each output to an oscilloscope with a grounded power cable and a grounded signal generator. The amplifier will make all kinds of oscillations and squeals as it tries to self destruct.

Not if you have also grounded your Phase Linear amplifier.

 

[vince666]

interesting, thanks!