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what is a ground loop?

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=11308
Printed Date: July 20, 2025 at 9:00 AM


Topic: what is a ground loop?

Posted By: rick_21_69
Subject: what is a ground loop?
Date Posted: March 22, 2003 at 11:44 PM

what is a ground loop? and what causes it? just wondering



Replies:

Posted By: Velocity Motors
Date Posted: March 23, 2003 at 1:39 AM

A ground loop occurs when there is more than one ground connection path between two pieces of equipment. The duplicate ground paths form the equivalent of a loop antenna which very efficiently picks up interference currents. Lead resistance transforms these currents into voltage fluctuations. As a consequence of ground-loop induced voltages, the ground reference in the system is no longer a stable potential, so signals ride on the noise. The noise becomes part of the program signal.



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Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA


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