Ground is a Myth! | Kristen McIntyre K6WX
Ham Radio DX
47,870 views
Kristen McIntyre K6WX, First Vice President of the ARRL presented at the Tassie Ham-E-Con Ham Radio Conference about "Ground is a Myth" and the intriguing cases of grounding!
@ARRLHQ
Ground is easy to understand when it means something you stand on, but in the electrical world, it’s a bit more complex—especially for hams. We pound rods into the earth, but why? Let’s dig into whether this all makes sense and what theory really says about "ground." Does it exist in any practical way?
Other presentations from the conference can be found at this playlist here:
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Music:
Credit - Music by Daryl McKenzie - www.mckenziemusicproductions.com
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20 Comments
@ericwobschall8410 1 year ago
This is a much more scientific survey of my observations regarding ground ambiguities. Grounding potentials are nebulous and ground loops are elusive especially when crossed with any kind of inductive coupling. Flooding the zone with grounds is seldom a solution. Grounds are commonly lifted at the source in audio studios. I was surprised at the role of coax shield in feel lines of antenna systems and where common mode current might appear. You can know more and not think of everything.
@AKSTEVE1111 1 year ago
Great talk. The part about salt hit hard. If you've ever been on a ship to repair a copy machine like I have, you end up scratching your head when it comes to grounding on a boat
@patrickzavas 1 year ago
As far as the ground being an actually good reference to the voltage in the neutral wire it is if you follow electrical code the resistance of the earth is the reason why it requires three ground rods a certain length and a certain distance apart from each other to reduce the amount of resistance and also get a variable reference to the Earth the soil that a ground rod is being pounded into is supposed to be tested for its continuity.
@SignalsAndWavelengths 1 year ago
As I prep my YouTube channel and start laying the groundwork (no pun intended) for content, this is exactly the kind of topic I want to explore. There’s a lot of confusion around "grounding," as well money and effort wasted. I think it’s time we all take a step back and recognize that what we’re really talking about is a localized safety solution, not some universal law. The more we understand that, the better we can appreciate the role grounding plays in our electrical systems—and the better we’ll be at designing safer, more reliable systems in the future.
This is a draft of my first script. I will include the references at the bottom. I like this Lady!
Introduction
I’ve spent my career working with electricity and electronics—mostly hands-on, a mix of trade school and self-taught, with a degree from the school of hard knocks. Along the way, I’ve learned a lot of things that aren't covered in textbooks, but one thing's certain: in electrical systems, grounding is real—you can’t run a "safe", functional system without it. The problem comes when we start talking about "ground" as if it’s some kind of universal, unchanging reference point. The more you dig into the fundamental nature of electricity, the more you realize that "ground" as a concept becomes less clear when you move from practical, everyday electrical work to the world of theoretical physics.
I wrote a deep dive paper into the concept of "ground." While it’s crucial in electrical systems and it serves a very real, practical function, its absolute meaning starts to get murky when you apply the term beyond the world of circuits and into fundamental physics. We’ll be challenging the Dunning-Kruger effect by questioning the myth of ground—the idea of a fixed, unchanging reference point in the universe—and rethinking some of the ideas that get thrown around in both engineering and physics.
The Role of Ground in Electrical Systems
In practical terms, "ground" serves a very simple "function": it provides a low-resistance path for electrical current to return to Earth, especially during a fault or short circuit. If something goes wrong in an electrical system—say, a wire comes loose and touches a metal casing—the current needs somewhere to go. Grounding directs that current safely into the Earth, preventing shocks or fires. It’s a safety mechanism, plain and simple.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. While "ground" is essential, it’s not the perfect electrical sink many people assume it is. When it comes to grounding electrical systems, a common misconception is that the Earth itself is a perfect conductor, capable of instantly absorbing and dissipating electrical energy. In reality, this idea is far from the truth. The Earth, in its purest form, is actually a poor conductor of electricity. This is because the Earth’s composition—primarily consisting of rock, soil, and water—offers considerable resistance to the flow of electrical current. This resistance can vary dramatically depending on local conditions such as soil type, moisture levels, and temperature. In fact, if the soil is dry or rocky, grounding can become much less effective.
So, why do we still use the Earth as a grounding point? The answer lies in the field around the Earth—not the Earth itself. While the Earth may be a poor conductor, the electric field that surrounds it is far more significant when it comes to the flow of electrical charge. (This concept is for a different podcast) The Earth’s resistivity is not uniform—it changes based on soil type, moisture levels, and other environmental factors. So when we talk about the Earth as a "ground," it’s important to remember it’s not an infinite, catch-all sink for electricity. In fact, its ability to absorb current is not unlimited. Grounding, as we know it in the field, is more about providing a path of least impedance, not about dumping all the energy into the Earth.
The Misleading Associations of Ground
Here’s where the confusion sets in. The word "ground" carries a lot of misleading connotations—especially when we start thinking about it as something more than it really is. The two biggest misconceptions about "ground" are:
1. Ground as Zero Voltage:
In electrical systems, we often refer to "ground" as a point of "zero volts." It’s the reference against which we measure other voltages. But let’s be real: zero volts is relative. There’s no universal "zero" across the universe. The voltage at ground is simply a reference point within the system you’re working with. Outside that context, the concept of "zero" becomes meaningless.
2. Ground as the Ultimate Sink for Electricity:
The Earth is sometimes treated as the "ultimate sink" for electrical charge—like a vast, infinite reservoir waiting to absorb all the current that comes its way. But the truth is, the Earth has resistance, and its capacity to absorb current is far from limitless. The effectiveness of grounding depends on local factors—soil type, moisture content, depth of grounding rods, etc. So, calling Earth the "ultimate ground" isn’t quite the full story.
These misconceptions lead to a misunderstanding of the true role of ground. Grounding is a "localized safety measure" within electrical systems, not an absolute, universal principle.
Grounding and Relativity in Physics
When we step out of the electrical engineering world and into the realm of theoretical physics, the whole idea of "ground" as an absolute reference point falls apart. Take Einstein’s theory of relativity as an example. According to relativity, there is no universal frame of reference—everything is relative. So, when we talk about "ground" as though it’s fixed and unchanging, we’re ignoring the fact that the concept of a "reference point" changes depending on where you are and who you ask.
For example, someone standing on Earth might think of the surface as "ground," but for an astronaut in orbit, their concept of ground would be entirely different. The idea of a universal "zero point" or absolute ground simply doesn’t hold up across different frames of reference. And in the realm of quantum mechanics, where particles and fields are inherently uncertain and fluctuating, the notion of a fixed ground is even more problematic. In these contexts, "ground" becomes a relative term, just like any other reference point.
Practical Grounding in Electrical Engineering
Now, back to the practical side of things. Despite all this theoretical discussion, grounding is still crucial in electrical systems. You need ground to make sure that your electrical system is "safe". The ground path is a circuit we design and build providing that essential path for current to flow back to Earth in the event of a fault, ensuring that dangerous currents are safely dissipated. But it’s important to recognize that "ground" in electrical systems is a "localized safety feature" we built and labeled, rather than an absolute, universal principle. When you ground a system, you’re not tapping into some infinite reservoir of energy; you’re creating a safe return path for fault currents. The grounding system typically connects to the Earth’s surface (or another conductive body), but the goal is always the same: direct stray current away from people and equipment, preventing shocks and fires.
Conclusion
To sum it up: "ground" is a critical part of electrical systems. Without it, our circuits wouldn’t function “safely”. But the concept of ground as some sort of fixed, unchanging reference point—that’s a myth. In reality, grounding is a practical tool for managing fault currents and providing voltage references, but it is not an absolute, universal constant.
References
1. Alexander, C. K., & Sadiku, M. N. O. (2009). Fundamentals of Electric Circuits (5th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
A comprehensive textbook that covers the fundamental concepts of electrical circuits, including grounding and electrical safety.
2. Hewitt, P. G. (2012). Concepts of Physics (8th ed.). Addison-Wesley.
A classic physics textbook that introduces the basics of electrical circuits and grounding, along with discussions of reference frames in physics.
3. Griffiths, D. J. (2017). Introduction to Electrodynamics (4th ed.). Pearson.
A detailed text on electromagnetism that explains the behavior of electric fields, circuits, and the concept of grounding in electrical systems.
4. Einstein, A. (1915). The General Theory of Relativity. Annalen der Physik, 354(7), 769–822.
A foundational paper in modern physics, where Einstein establishes the theory of relativity, showing the relativity of motion and reference points.
5. Feynman, R. P., Leighton, R. B., & Sands, M. (2011). The Feynman Lectures on Physics (Vol. 2). Basic Books.
This is a draft of my first script. I will include the references at the bottom. I like this Lady!
Introduction
I’ve spent my career working with electricity and electronics—mostly hands-on, a mix of trade school and self-taught, with a degree from the school of hard knocks. Along the way, I’ve learned a lot of things that aren't covered in textbooks, but one thing's certain: in electrical systems, grounding is real—you can’t run a "safe", functional system without it. The problem comes when we start talking about "ground" as if it’s some kind of universal, unchanging reference point. The more you dig into the fundamental nature of electricity, the more you realize that "ground" as a concept becomes less clear when you move from practical, everyday electrical work to the world of theoretical physics.
I wrote a deep dive paper into the concept of "ground." While it’s crucial in electrical systems and it serves a very real, practical function, its absolute meaning starts to get murky when you apply the term beyond the world of circuits and into fundamental physics. We’ll be challenging the Dunning-Kruger effect by questioning the myth of ground—the idea of a fixed, unchanging reference point in the universe—and rethinking some of the ideas that get thrown around in both engineering and physics.
The Role of Ground in Electrical Systems
In practical terms, "ground" serves a very simple "function": it provides a low-resistance path for electrical current to return to Earth, especially during a fault or short circuit. If something goes wrong in an electrical system—say, a wire comes loose and touches a metal casing—the current needs somewhere to go. Grounding directs that current safely into the Earth, preventing shocks or fires. It’s a safety mechanism, plain and simple.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. While "ground" is essential, it’s not the perfect electrical sink many people assume it is. When it comes to grounding electrical systems, a common misconception is that the Earth itself is a perfect conductor, capable of instantly absorbing and dissipating electrical energy. In reality, this idea is far from the truth. The Earth, in its purest form, is actually a poor conductor of electricity. This is because the Earth’s composition—primarily consisting of rock, soil, and water—offers considerable resistance to the flow of electrical current. This resistance can vary dramatically depending on local conditions such as soil type, moisture levels, and temperature. In fact, if the soil is dry or rocky, grounding can become much less effective.
So, why do we still use the Earth as a grounding point? The answer lies in the field around the Earth—not the Earth itself. While the Earth may be a poor conductor, the electric field that surrounds it is far more significant when it comes to the flow of electrical charge. (This concept is for a different podcast) The Earth’s resistivity is not uniform—it changes based on soil type, moisture levels, and other environmental factors. So when we talk about the Earth as a "ground," it’s important to remember it’s not an infinite, catch-all sink for electricity. In fact, its ability to absorb current is not unlimited. Grounding, as we know it in the field, is more about providing a path of least impedance, not about dumping all the energy into the Earth.
The Misleading Associations of Ground
Here’s where the confusion sets in. The word "ground" carries a lot of misleading connotations—especially when we start thinking about it as something more than it really is. The two biggest misconceptions about "ground" are:
1. Ground as Zero Voltage:
In electrical systems, we often refer to "ground" as a point of "zero volts." It’s the reference against which we measure other voltages. But let’s be real: zero volts is relative. There’s no universal "zero" across the universe. The voltage at ground is simply a reference point within the system you’re working with. Outside that context, the concept of "zero" becomes meaningless.
2. Ground as the Ultimate Sink for Electricity:
The Earth is sometimes treated as the "ultimate sink" for electrical charge—like a vast, infinite reservoir waiting to absorb all the current that comes its way. But the truth is, the Earth has resistance, and its capacity to absorb current is far from limitless. The effectiveness of grounding depends on local factors—soil type, moisture content, depth of grounding rods, etc. So, calling Earth the "ultimate ground" isn’t quite the full story.
These misconceptions lead to a misunderstanding of the true role of ground. Grounding is a "localized safety measure" within electrical systems, not an absolute, universal principle.
Grounding and Relativity in Physics
When we step out of the electrical engineering world and into the realm of theoretical physics, the whole idea of "ground" as an absolute reference point falls apart. Take Einstein’s theory of relativity as an example. According to relativity, there is no universal frame of reference—everything is relative. So, when we talk about "ground" as though it’s fixed and unchanging, we’re ignoring the fact that the concept of a "reference point" changes depending on where you are and who you ask.
For example, someone standing on Earth might think of the surface as "ground," but for an astronaut in orbit, their concept of ground would be entirely different. The idea of a universal "zero point" or absolute ground simply doesn’t hold up across different frames of reference. And in the realm of quantum mechanics, where particles and fields are inherently uncertain and fluctuating, the notion of a fixed ground is even more problematic. In these contexts, "ground" becomes a relative term, just like any other reference point.
Practical Grounding in Electrical Engineering
Now, back to the practical side of things. Despite all this theoretical discussion, grounding is still crucial in electrical systems. You need ground to make sure that your electrical system is "safe". The ground path is a circuit we design and build providing that essential path for current to flow back to Earth in the event of a fault, ensuring that dangerous currents are safely dissipated. But it’s important to recognize that "ground" in electrical systems is a "localized safety feature" we built and labeled, rather than an absolute, universal principle. When you ground a system, you’re not tapping into some infinite reservoir of energy; you’re creating a safe return path for fault currents. The grounding system typically connects to the Earth’s surface (or another conductive body), but the goal is always the same: direct stray current away from people and equipment, preventing shocks and fires.
Conclusion
To sum it up: "ground" is a critical part of electrical systems. Without it, our circuits wouldn’t function “safely”. But the concept of ground as some sort of fixed, unchanging reference point—that’s a myth. In reality, grounding is a practical tool for managing fault currents and providing voltage references, but it is not an absolute, universal constant.
References
1. Alexander, C. K., & Sadiku, M. N. O. (2009). Fundamentals of Electric Circuits (5th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
A comprehensive textbook that covers the fundamental concepts of electrical circuits, including grounding and electrical safety.
2. Hewitt, P. G. (2012). Concepts of Physics (8th ed.). Addison-Wesley.
A classic physics textbook that introduces the basics of electrical circuits and grounding, along with discussions of reference frames in physics.
3. Griffiths, D. J. (2017). Introduction to Electrodynamics (4th ed.). Pearson.
A detailed text on electromagnetism that explains the behavior of electric fields, circuits, and the concept of grounding in electrical systems.
4. Einstein, A. (1915). The General Theory of Relativity. Annalen der Physik, 354(7), 769–822.
A foundational paper in modern physics, where Einstein establishes the theory of relativity, showing the relativity of motion and reference points.
5. Feynman, R. P., Leighton, R. B., & Sands, M. (2011). The Feynman Lectures on Physics (Vol. 2). Basic Books.
@mrfirefighter360 1 year ago
Touch an improperly electrified and ungrounded appliance (sarcasm) and get back to me.
@c.a.r.s.carsandrelevantspecs 1 year ago
Wow, this is one of the most interesting amateur radio videos I've seen recently! Thanks for sharing this knowledge and helping me to learn a lot! 73 ~ AC7WH
@MykeHawke-r9r 1 year ago
The title of this video caught my eye - and that doesn't happen very often.
I absolutely positively had to find out where the negative goes lol.
Thank you for making this video.
I absolutely positively had to find out where the negative goes lol.
Thank you for making this video.
@zxeng6064 1 year ago
Finally, I've been thinking this the whole time. Wonderful factual presentation.
@Dark_Knight_USA 1 year ago
Greetings: "Ground" is a commonly abused misnomer such as "like" . However "ground" has multiple definitions depending on the area which it is used. In electrical, electronics, Etc, in most cases it is technically a 'common' or a "reference" point by measurement or potential. Also in electrical it is "earth". She covered most of this decent. If people would use the correct terms instead of general, socially acceptable and renaming (thus Redefindung and reassigning) it would eliminate confusions and the need 4 this discussion. Thx 4 the share.
@stevenpace892 1 year ago
The source of the misunderstanding is that "ground" has nothing to do with the earth in a diagram. Ground is just a reference voltage; it defines what zero volts is in an electrical diagram and thus simplifies the diagrams. You can simply put the ground symbol at several locations and a connection between them is implied without drawing it.
@Chris_KS5KY 1 year ago
I don't know what to make of it all, to be honest. Have we all been fed a line of crap for years or is this all semantics? Either way, it's definitely an interesting angle, some points make more sense than others for me. My take away is, maybe the term "ground" was used to help us simpletons better understand something fairly complex and, in turn, has gotten out of control. I compare this to devices we call antenna tuners that actually do nothing to tune the antenna, unless located at the feed point. I call them radio pacifiers because that's truly what they do. Very interesting take on this and something I'm going to have to watch a few more times to take it all in. Then ponder whether its real or semantics of a relative term. Thanks for putting this together for all of us to bang our head against the wall about.
@ToxiCom-777 1 year ago
It's interesting because the "flat plane" for "RF ground" insinuates almost innumerable 'boundary gradients' (due to the 'molecular fractures' inherent in all materials); these would seemingly indicate 'current roping' or perhaps more crudely as river-water channeling amongst strewn bolders. MonsterWire's entire business model was built upon alleviating this condition, reasoned as detrimental to "high-fidelity" audio amplification, along its many subsequent me-too copiers. The boundary gradients (err, micro-distortions) were also touched on by guitar-amp maven Alexander Dumble's infamous quote about crystalline lattice etc. I found these links and plenty more on the site run by an ORGanization named "SOUND QUALITY".
@earlyadapter643 1 year ago (edited)
I was just waiting for something like this. The ground rod, its thick AWG something cable and the massive ground distribution block with a lot of srews in it exists only among US operators, in Europe nobody has this. And transmitting from an airplane would also be a bit difficult if it really was essential. Another curious thing but a bit off-topic is that a while ago the german VDE withdraw its grounding recommendations for bathtubs. Electricians were a bit puzzled when installing plastic tubs...
Next talk could be that the Faraday cage is a myth, at least for RF.
Next talk could be that the Faraday cage is a myth, at least for RF.
@HappyFace6or7 1 year ago
The shopping carts at our walmart shocked people for a couple years until they added a wire that touched the ground on them, worked like a charm.
@marcfeakins1158 1 year ago
I found this very interesting. I do not run a ground for RF from my modest shack (upstairs).
I work all bands 6-80m with very low SWR and low noise.
I do have a MFJ-931 Artificial Ground, but I have never felt the need to use it. I may try it on the back of tthis presentation as it is just a tuner for a counterpoise.
Currently the only Counterpoise I run is directly under my EFRW.
Thanks for the video.
2E0GKF
I work all bands 6-80m with very low SWR and low noise.
I do have a MFJ-931 Artificial Ground, but I have never felt the need to use it. I may try it on the back of tthis presentation as it is just a tuner for a counterpoise.
Currently the only Counterpoise I run is directly under my EFRW.
Thanks for the video.
2E0GKF
Ground is a Myth! | Kristen McIntyre K6WX
Ham Radio DX
47,870 views
Kristen McIntyre K6WX, First Vice President of the ARRL presented at the Tassie Ham-E-Con Ham Radio Conference about "Ground is a Myth" and the intriguing cases of grounding!
@ARRLHQ
Ground is easy to understand when it means something you stand on, but in the electrical world, it’s a bit more complex—especially for hams. We pound rods into the earth, but why? Let’s dig into whether this all makes sense and what theory really says about "ground." Does it exist in any practical way?
Other presentations from the conference can be found at this playlist here:
Space Weather and Ham Radio - What It All ...
📺 Watch the next video here 👉 @hamradiodx
⬇️ Exclusive Deals ⬇️
📖 20% off Ham Radio Prep Courses - Use Coupon HAMDX https://hamradioprep.com/
💰 $15 OFF at Radioddity - http://radioddity.refr.cc/haydenvk7hh
💵 GET 10% OFF Messi & Paoloni Coax - Use Coupon: VK7HH https://messi.it/
🚀 Support The Channel 🚀
💸 Patreon: Patreon: hamradiodx
📺 YouTube Memberships: @hamradiodx
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Join our TOADs Community 👉 Discord: discord
#HamRadio #AmateurRadio #grounding
Music:
Credit - Music by Daryl McKenzie - www.mckenziemusicproductions.com
YouTube Sound
The ground is not necessarily a constant voltage everywhere on the planet but it is the local reference to 0 volts from a safety standpoint because most humans stand on the earth when dealing with electrical equipment.
Sometimes ground is just a reference voltage within a closed circuit that is isolated from the Earth.
If you hook up certain Transformers for commercial or residential power without grounding the center tap of the Transformer to Earth the voltage will vary wildly from Earth ground. You can end up with the hot legs of the circuit being several hundreds of volts above Earth ground even though they are only 120 volts from neutral.