Ground Loop

Ground Loop

A situation caused when one or more electronic devices are connected to the same ground at different points. The devices operate at different ground potentials, which creates voltage along the ground, resulting in a low-frequency hum that can be annoying at best and cause damage to gear at worst. The best resolution for ground loops is to ground all devices at the same point using a central power source. An alternative solution is to break the loop via ground lift switches or plugs, but this should be avoided when possible as it is considered an unsafe management of electricity.