Comments on: Ground Loops Demystified e-book

By: Tomi Engdahl

Tomi Engdahl — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 08:15:21 +0000

“ground loop” is the correct and widely accepted term, while “earth loop” is technically understandable but uncommon and potentially confusing.

Why “Earth Loop” Is Rare
In many regions (UK, EU, Australia), “earth” is the term for protective grounding of mains systems.
But:
A ground loop does not have to involve protective earth at all
It can exist entirely inside low-voltage circuits
It can occur in battery-powered systems
So calling it an “earth loop” implies mains protective earth involvement, which is often not true.
That’s why professionals overwhelmingly use ground loop even in countries that say “earth” instead of “ground” in power wiring.

By: Tomi Engdahl

Tomi Engdahl — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 08:14:19 +0000

What “Ground Loop” Means (Standard Term)
A ground loop occurs when two or more devices are connected together and have multiple ground (0 V reference) paths between them.
If those ground points are at slightly different potentials, current flows around the loop → causing:
Hum (often 50/60 Hz)
Buzz in audio systems
Interference in instrumentation
Measurement errors
This term is universally used in:
Electronics engineering
Audio engineering
EMC/EMI discussions
Power systems literature

By: bitlife

bitlife — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 04:55:45 +0000

BitLife sometimes mirrors my own fears about time, aging, and missed opportunities in subtle ways.