ground (redirected from lost ground)

ground

A reference voltage level of "zero potential" for electric and electronic circuits. For most equipment plugged into an AC outlet, the word ground generally refers to the earth, and the metal parts are grounded ("chassis ground") to the earth for safety. In the case of a short circuit, the current flows through the green wire and third prong in the power cord (U.S. and Canada), which causes the circuit breaker to trip.

Signal Ground
Power supplies, circuit boards and signal pathways in most electronic equipment are also connected to the same earth ground as the chassis for reference voltage and safety. There are exceptions; for example, medical equipment that is attached to a patient is generally isolated from earth ground even when plugged in, because the time between a short circuit and the breaker tripping could prove fatal. Ethernet adapters and other networking equipment are also isolated from earth ground in order to prevent unbalanced ground loops from causing interference (see ground loop).

Portable Devices
Every portable, battery-operated device, such as a laptop and iPod, as well as the electrical systems in every vehicle, have their own zero reference voltage. Naturally, these systems are not connected to earth ground, but the reference voltage is still called ground.

Building Grounds
At the electric panel in U.S. and Canadian buildings, the ground lines are wired to the neutral line of the electric service, to the earth via a ground rod and to the metal plumbing pipes. In large datacenters, a separate ground system may connect every server via heavy-duty cable to the metal structure of the building to ensure that the voltage reference between all equipment is the same. See ground loop.

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ground¹

1. the land surface

2. Arts

a. the prepared surface applied to the support of a painting, such as a wall, canvas, etc., to prevent it reacting with or absorbing the paint

b. the support of a painting

c. the background of a painting or main surface against which the other parts of a work of art appear superimposed

3. 

a. the first coat of paint applied to a surface

b. (as modifier): ground colour

4. the bottom of a river or the sea

5. Cricket

a. the area from the popping crease back past the stumps, in which a batsman may legally stand

b. ground staff

6. See ground bass

7. a mesh or network supporting the main pattern of a piece of lace

8. Electrical US and Canadian

a. a connection between an electrical circuit or device and the earth, which is at zero potential

b. a terminal to which this connection is made

9. touch ground (of a ship) to strike the sea bed

10. (used in names of plants) low-growing and often trailing or spreading

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ground²

1. having the surface finished, thickness reduced, or an edge sharpened by grinding

2. reduced to fine particles by grinding

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ground [grau̇nd]

(aerospace engineering)

To forbid (an aircraft or individual) to fly, usually for a relatively short time.

(electricity)

A conducting path, intentional or accidental, between an electric circuit or equipment and the earth, or some conducting body serving in place of the earth. Abbreviated gnd. Also known as earth (British usage); earth connection.

To connect electrical equipment to the earth or to some conducting body which serves in place of the earth.

(geology)

Any rock or rock material.

A mineralized deposit.

Rock in which a mineral deposit occurs.

(navigation)

To touch bottom or run aground; in a serious grounding, the vessel is said to strand.