There are many different grounds. For example that outlet
ground is for human safety. It will also assist in common
mode noise reduction. It is different, but remotely connected
to earth ground - a different ground. Also interconnected
would be the single point ground between entertainment system
components to eliminate audio noise. That ground is different
from outlet safety ground even if the two grounds share common
wires.

Computer has a motherboard ground that must be distinct and
separate from (but have a single point connection to) computer
chassis ground. Chassis ground must be connected to outlet
safety ground for human safety reasons and for static electric
shock reasons. Again same ground performing multiple
functions.

But is earth ground necessary to remove static electricity?
No. The ground for static electricity is typically bottom of
shoes. That outlet safety ground would complete a circuit -
connect (short circuit) a static electric shock from human
hand, through chassis and outlet safety ground, through other
materials normally considered non-conductive, to ground
underneath shoes. Same wires connecting to different grounds.

Point is that many grounds are defined. They can be
different. They may be interconnected. They will perform
different functions such as human safety, noise and transient
reduction, static electric discharge, etc. They may share
common wires and other conductive materials. To identify what
a ground does, one must first identify why grounding is
necessary and all electronic components in that circuit.

Example - we earth ground a radio antenna input directly at
the radio - well less than 1 foot of wire. Radio reception is
severely diminished. We then ground same antenna input with
100 foot wire connected to same ground. Suddenly radio gets
excellent reception. Why? If wire is the perfect conductor
as so many wish, then that 100 foot wire to ground should have
also eliminated radio reception. Therein lies the reason why
so many grounds are different. They are all separated by
electronic components - ie. wire.


David Jensen wrote:
snip: "GFCIs are only an option where only personal safety is a
concern. If
there are other reaons for havong a grounded outlet, such as surge
protectors and EMI/RFI sheilding of electronics gear, you absoultely
need to have a ground back to the panel."

So am I reading this correctly when I interpret that a surge protector
will do no good without a true ground? Also could you elaborate by
what you mean by "RFI sheilding of electronics gear" and where that
comes into play? Thanks again.

I've very much appreciated all the response I've recieved on this
thread.