GROUND LOOPS IN THE AV WORLD

By Brian Morris – CTS

May 2010

KRAMER WHITE PAPER
WWW.KRAMERELECTRONICS.COM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Ground Loops in the AV World.....................................................................1
Testing for and Solving Ground Loops. . ....................................................2
Other Ways to Prevent and Solve Ground Loops....................................3Conclusion......................................................................................................3Ground Loops in the AV World?
There’s no such thing, right? Wrong. Ground loops are a leading cause of equipment failures and signal
complications in the AV world. A ground loop is created when a current (either AC or DC) connects thegrounds of two devices that should have the same ground potential but are different. This current can cause
symptoms that can vary anywhere from signal noise, to a floating “video hum bar,” to an audio “buzz,” to a
total equipment failure, and even electric shock. There are many cases in which integrated circuits or printed
circuit boards inside affected devices are visibly damaged or burned due to ground loops.
As seen in the example below, many systems – simple or complicated can utilize multiple different groundpotentials. This is a common occurrence because the AV source and the display device are quite often in
two different locations, and thus using different electrical outlets. The problem occurs when the ground
potential of V1 is different than the ground potential of V2. When the AV source and the display device areconnected together with a copper or aluminum cable, the two different ground potentials create a groundloop using the shield of the cable. This cable could be a video cable, audio cable, or any other type of metallic
conductor cable.

Example 1:

CopperCable

Unwanted Current

AV Source

Display Device

PowerOutlet
1

PowerOutlet
2
Unwanted Current

V1

V2

The shield of the connection cables are generally connected to the chassis of the device which is an
unprotected surface, introducing the risk of electric shock to the user and damage to the equipment.

KRAMER ELECTRONICS, Ltd

GROUND LOOPS IN THE AV WORLD1

Testing for and Solving Ground Loops
Systems can and should be tested for ground loops before connecting the two sides of the system with thecopper or aluminum cable. This is done by using a multi-meter or volt-meter. For example, when setting
up the system above, place one probe from the multi-meter on the shield of the copper or aluminum cablethat is connected to the AV source before the cable is connected to the display device. Place the otherprobe on the ground that is connected to Power Outlet 2. Test for both AC and DC voltage. If there is any
voltage greater than one volt, consult with a licensed electrician. NEVER use a three prong to two prong
adapter, also known as a “Ground Lifter” to solve a ground loop problem in a system. Doing this will removethe ground from the device, thus increasing the risk of electric shock. The ground on electrical devices isintended as a safety feature to protect the users and the devices.
When using a twisted pair transmitter and receiver system in an AV application test for ground loops in thesame way as above, being sure to test the shield of the cable that will connect the twisted pair receiver tothe display device.

Example 2:

VGA

LaptopTwistedPair

VGA

Display Device

PowerOutlet
1

PowerOutlet
2V12orKRAMER ELECTRONICS, LtdV2GROUND LOOPS IN THE AV WORLD

Other Ways to Prevent and Solve Ground Loops
One way to prevent ground loops is to transport the video and audio signals over fiber optic transmitter andreceiver systems. Fiber optic solutions prevent ground loops by avoiding the use of any metallic conductors.
As previously discussed, the metallic conductor in AV cables is the glue that ties the system devices
together, enabling ground loops.
There are devices on the market designed to remove or isolate ground loops in video and audio systems.
These devices are known as Ground Loop Isolators, or GLIs. They safely isolate the current that is travelingon the ground of the devices in the system. Keep in mind that GLIs can normally handle 3-4 volts. Any voltage
beyond the specification of the GLI will damage the unit, and render it useless.

Conclusion
Ground loop issues are one of the largest contributors to AV system complications. They can severely
damage equipment, injure the user, or cause signal noise and degradation. Most manufacturers’ warranties
do not cover damage to products due to ground loops.
Every system should be tested thoroughly for ground loop current or voltage before connecting devices.
If you are not sure if there is a ground loop in the system, consult a licensed electrician.

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