No Earth

Posted by: Peter Stockwell on 24 October 2001

I've just discovered the wiring on the circuit I'll be using for my system has no earth wire. When I get a separate spur installed should I rectify this?

Peter

Posted on: 24 October 2001 by Martin Payne

YES

Posted on: 24 October 2001 by DIL

I think this has been discussed before, but I understand that there are many countries that don't have earthed sockets.

In Sweden most sockets inside are not earthed, whilst outdoor sockets are.

Come to think of it, it is possible to put a plug in a socket either way - 'live' going into the equipment can be on either side (Hope you get my drift.)

Is there an electrician out there who can explain why earthing is necessary (or not) and how this relates to earthing of hi-fi. Also, how important, or not, having live and neutral the right way round is - here I am thinking about transformers and regulated PS's.

/david

Posted on: 24 October 2001 by Martin Payne

quote:
Would it not be more logical to connect the power amp 0V to earth?

And how exactly would this work with a six-pack?

cheers, Martin

Posted on: 25 October 2001 by bam

Peter,
Grounding has safety implications, of course. From a sound quality point of view it has been argued both ways: many of the reasons voiced in this forum in favour of grounding and prescribing certain grounding configurations are, frankly, erroneous. If you have time and a helper this would be a great opportunity for you to blind test with and without a mains ground connection. I for one would be very interested in whether you can perceive a difference and if so what it is.
BAM

Posted on: 25 October 2001 by bam

David,
Earthing of equipment is needed for safety reasons, particularly for equipment with metal casing. I think the argument is that if for some reason the live wire became loose inside the unit and touched the case you could be electrocuted.

In the UK the L is 230Vac and the N is near zero (earth). Because your hifi equipment has a single fuse in the L line it is safer if the L and N are connected the right way around (consider what voltage will be downstream of the fuse if the fuse were to blow). Functionally it won't matter.