On 24 Aug 2003, w_tom wrote:

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.

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.

You are full of ****.

Ground is Ground is Ground is Ground.

There is *always* a resistance component between what we are
taking to be *ground* and true, absolute earth ground. Is
there a half ohm difference between that 10' ground rod you
just sledged into the soil under your basement and the core
of the earth? You bet your ass there is. But BOTH are at
practical ground potential. Quit trying to make a friggin'
mountain out of a molehill.

The middle/round hole on a duplex outlet when connected to
a continuous copper wire running to the ground/neutral bus
bar in your service panel is *GROUND*, just as is the
grounded chassis of something having a 3 prong line cord
plugged into that duplex outlet.

Go split hairs somewhere else and quit bull****ting these
people.

--
TP