Grounding source shield only: prevents ground loops?

[Craigerator]

In the world of unbalanced analog interconnects, I need to know if there's any truth to the old practice of grounding the inner shield of a coaxial cable at the source and leaving the other end ungrounded to avoid ground loops, even with 21st century technology and engineering. Trying to eliminate all the variables has always been my approach... Recommendations??

 

[markw]

Sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn't. If you're referring to those "directional" intercomnnects, the results have been definitely ambigious.

 

[TLS Guy]

In the world of unbalanced analog interconnects, I need to know if there's any truth to the old practice of grounding the inner shield of a coaxial cable at the source and leaving the other end ungrounded to avoid ground loops, even with 21st century technology and engineering. Trying to eliminate all the variables has always been my approach... Recommendations??

A very bad idea.

Remember there has to be a complete circuit.

Your suggestion often makes ground loops worse.

Next quality is often degraded, as the circuit has to complete through your home's grounding system, worse in the case of units with two pin plug though the neutral wiring of your home. All of the above can and frequently does attenuate the signal.

Forget you ever heard of that idea.

 

[j_garcia]

I've been using this type of cable for years for one particular device without issue. Since it is signal only, it does not seem to be an issue, though it also does not seem to be a big benefit either.

 

[TLS Guy]

I've been using this type of cable for years for one particular device without issue. Since it is signal only, it does not seem to be an issue, though it also does not seem to be a big benefit either.

It fine as long as the cable has two conductors and a screen. Most have one conductor and a screen. However there is no benefit in an unbalanced system to have a floating line, with only the screen connected at source.

It only makes sense when going from balanced to unbalanced.

 

[Craigerator]

Thanks for all the advice. I'll keep completed circuits in all the interconnects.

 

[markw]

It fine as long as the cable has two conductors and a screen.

All cables with a lifted ground are of this construction. It needs the two conductors to complete the circuit. A coaxial cable won't work. It wouldn't be able to cmplete the circuit.

Most have one conductor and a screen.

this would be a coaxial cable. These wouldn't work too well with a lifted ground. In fact, they won't work at all. A manufacturer won't sell too many of these.