Hello everyone, I am currently in the process of connecting multiple 4-20mA sensors in parallel (only showing one in the example below). The enclosure I am using is made of ABS plastic with a metal backplate. The DAQ system can be powered from a 24V rail or a separate power supply (optional). I am seeking guidance on where to ground the shields of the sensors. I have read various posts discussing grounding at common/earth points, which may be at the 0V rail. Should all sensors be grounded in this manner? Can the sensors and power supply share a common ground? Any help and advice on this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
It is essential to always stay grounded at the power supply to ensure safety and proper functioning. This practice helps prevent electrical hazards and ensures a stable connection throughout the system. Remember to ground yourself before handling any electrical equipment to avoid potential risks and ensure the equipment's longevity. Grounding is a crucial step in maintaining a safe and efficient electrical system.
The diagram you are referencing displays a 0V connection, however, there is no mention of an earth ground (⏚) location. Typically, the backplate should be interconnected with a green or bare copper wire to an earth ground for safety purposes. The shields are usually then connected to this ground. Alternatively, they can be interconnected and left unconnected, but it is common practice to bond them to the panel ground. If the panel has a power feed, it is crucial for the backplate to be connected to an earth grounding conductor to prevent the formation of a ground loop, which could lead to induced voltage on the wires. It is essential to dissipate any induced voltage to ground (earth) in a single location. Engineers may sometimes choose to bond the 0V and ground, typically at the power supply. Understanding whether this bonding has been implemented is important to avoid any potential issues.
Thank you for the clarification. Just to ensure I am learning correctly, are you suggesting to connect the power supply unit (PSU) with live and neutral wires, and also connect the earth wire to the backplate stud? The backplate stud should then be connected to the shield cables and the PSU earth, as shown in the diagram attached. Your assistance is greatly valued. Thank you.
In a post by Jenny8711, she expressed gratitude for clarifying the process for her own knowledge. The instructions involve feeding power to the PSU with live and neutral wires, connecting the earth wire to the backplate stud, and linking the backplate stud to shield cables and the PSU earth as shown in the attached diagram. This method aims to ensure any voltage on the shield is discharged to earth ground. It is advisable to apply this setup only on the Control Panel side, while cutting and taping the shield on the sensor side. By following these guidelines, you can mitigate potential issues in your electrical setup. Your assistance is greatly valued. Thank you.
Nicherbert emphasized the importance of properly grounding the shield on the Control Panel side to dissipate any voltage. It is crucial to cut and tape the shield on the sensor side. By following this method, you can prevent potential issues from arising. Thank you for the information.
Hi there! Grounding your sensors correctly is indeed crucial. Grounding at the common/earth points can help mitigate electrical noise, but you want to ensure against forming ground loops which can cause interference. Now, as you asked, it's entirely possible to have a common ground for both your sensors and power supply. By doing so, you can simplify your system and reduce the amount of wiring necessary. However, do consider the individual grounding needs of each sensor as some might require isolated grounding. Always follow the manufacturer's guidance for each specific sensor, and if in doubt, consult with an accredited electrician or engineer. Hope this helps!
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Answer: Answer: It is recommended to ground the shields of the sensors at common/earth points, which are typically at the 0V rail.
Answer: Answer: Yes, for consistency and proper functionality, it is advisable to ground all the sensors in the same manner, typically at common/earth points.
Answer: Answer: Yes, the sensors and power supply can share a common ground, which is often preferred for ensuring a stable and reliable electrical connection.
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