How to Ground Electronics - Chomerics Division | Parker US
How to Ground Electronics

Grounding is one of the most essential – and complicated – parts of manufacturing safe, high-performing electrical devices and products. Learn more common ground and chassis ground as well as materials that can be used to ground electronics. 

Electricity is a luxury we generally take for granted these days. With the flick of a switch or the press of a button, the complex flow of electrons within metal circuit wires is set in motion throughout our homes, businesses and appliances, and unless something goes wrong, we seldom notice it’s there. That’s in large part thanks to the important safety and fundamental electrical design features such as grounds that are built into these electronic systems.

There are many different types of grounds in electronics. In this article we’ll cover two of the common ones – common ground and chassis ground – as well as materials often used within electrical assemblies for grounding purposes.

What Does Ground Mean?

What is ground in electronic circuits? A ground provides a return path to the earth for electrical current. This is important because electricity has a natural tendency to return to equilibrium by discharging its negative energy in a process called grounding. As the earth has a lower resistance, it makes it easier for electricity to flow to it.

How does this relate to electronic devices? Without proper grounding precautions, circuit malfunctions can cause an electrical shock or damage to circuit board components. Ground connections can also prevent static electricity from accumulating. Additionally, proper grounding can improve the performance of electrical devices and appliances by minimizing the impacts of electromagnetic interference (EMI).

What is “Common Ground?”

What is common ground in electronics? Unlike grounding to the earth, a common ground isn’t a physical ground; it is a reference point within a circuit for voltage measurements. By letting the negative terminal of a DC power supply serve as the common ground and connecting the positive terminal of a different DC power supply to the same point, the circuit can have both positive and negative power supplies. Thus, the way they are connected within a circuit and the point that is chosen for the zero-voltage reference determines whether a supply voltage is positive or negative. This can be particularly important in devices powered by batteries that do not have an earth ground connection through wiring. 

How to Ground Electronics

At the end of the day, all electric devices should be grounded, and there are a variety of solutions that can be used to create this intentional electrical path. The value proposition of these materials tends to be the same, centering on electrical and mechanical properties such as electrical conductivity, EMI and radio frequency interference (RFI) shielding, mechanical durability, and ease of installation.

Here are some materials that can be used to ground electronics:

  • Fabric-over-Foam Gaskets: conductive fabric wrapped around a urethane or silicone foam substrate that are often used as PCB-level grounding pads

This cost-effective solution provides low-compression force with high conductivity. It can be provided with a conductive pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA). However, it is not ideal for devices which will be subjected to environmental exposure.

  • Conductive Foam Gaskets: foams embedded with electrically conductive fibers that can be manufactured in strips, sheets or continuous rolls for die cutting

Similar to fabric-over-foam gaskets, this is a cost-effective solution that offers low-compression force, high conductivity and can be provided with a conductive PSA. It is also not the best solution for situations that require environmental exposure.

  • Conductive Elastomer Gaskets: Elastomer binder embedded with electrically conductive particles used for chassis grounding and EMI shielding of enclosures or for connector grounding

If environmental exposure is a design requirement, this solution can be a good EMI shielding choice. It can be manufactured in nearly any custom shape or size, offers excellent conductivity, and can be provided with a PSA. This is a resilient option as well; it is fluid resistant and can provide galvanic corrosion resistance, and its physical durability means a long product life. One caution with this solution is it may require a higher force for proper grounding.

With its high current-carrying ability, this solution is ideal for high compression cycling such as those that reach into the thousands. There are a variety of plating options available, and it can be provided with a conductive PSA. Like many other grounding options, this one does not provide environmental protection.

  • Metal Mesh Gaskets: knit wire mesh for grounding and EMI shielding of enclosures, chassis and wire junctions

This cost-effective solution provides direct metal-to-metal contact and can be customized in a number of shapes and sizes. It also does not provide environmental protection.

As a global leader in the development of innovative EMI shielding materials, Parker Chomerics manufactures all of these products that are used for electrical grounding. A strategic grounding approach and the right products will keep electronics operating safely and optimally, and we’re here to help our customers every step of the way.

Learn more about electrical grounding product options.

Learn more about high-performing electrical grounding solutions.

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