How to eliminate ground loops in building electrical systems

Ground loops are a common yet often overlooked issue in building electrical systems. While they may seem minor during design or construction, ground loops can significantly impact system performance and safety. They can introduce common-mode noise in electronic circuits, degrade power quality, hinder ground fault protection, damage equipment, and even pose shock or fire hazards. Understanding and addressing ground loops is essential for ensuring system safety and reliability.

According to IEEE Std 1159-2019, IEEE Recommended Practice for Monitoring Electric Power Quality, a ground loop is “a potentially detrimental loop formed when two or more points in an electrical system that are nominally at ground potential are connected by a conducting path such that either or both points are not at the same ground potential.”

Principal electrical engineer Hua Yan explains in Electrical Construction & Maintenance.