Ground

How it is used

Used as a noun and a verb: connect to ground, a ground wire, a ground fault, the chassis is grounded. American English says ground, while British English and IEC texts usually say earth. In electronics, ground often just means the 0 V return path.

Example sentences

1. Connect the black probe to ground and measure the 3.3 V rail.

2. The metal enclosure is connected to ground with a green-yellow wire.

Common collocations

• ground wire
• ground fault
• ground loop
• connect to ground
• signal ground

Related terms

• ground planeA large, continuous area of copper on a PCB layer that is connected to ground. It gives signals a short, low-impedance return path and helps reduce noise.
• neutralThe conductor that carries current back to the source in an AC system and is normally close to earth potential. In IEC wiring it is blue; in North America it is white.
• RCDShort for residual current device: a protective device that switches off a circuit when it detects current leaking to earth, for example through damaged insulation or a person. 30 mA devices are common for protecting people.
• electric shockThe effect of electric current passing through the body when a person touches a live part. It can cause burns, muscle spasms or heart rhythm problems, and it can be fatal.
• wireA single conductor, usually copper, often covered with insulation. A cable is several insulated wires grouped together inside an outer sheath.

More terms: Wiring, Protection and Safety

• circuit breaker
• fuse
• insulation
• lockout/tagout
• arc flash
• overload
• distribution board