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IndustryArena Forum > CNC Electronics > CNC Machine Related Electronics > What is the difference 0 volts and Ground?
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Posts
    33

    Smile What is the difference 0 volts and Ground?

    Hi,I am wiring up my limit switches and one end needs to be connected to 0 volts.Is this the same as ground,also on my breakout board I have a com connection is this also 0 volts?
    Eric

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    1543
    No, not really. You have to be careful how you handle DC common or you get ground loops and weird sh*t happening.

    I run all DC commons to a terminal strip where everything is connected together. Then one and only one connection from this to ground. Special note: keep this separate from the AC nuetral.

    Al-the-Man posted a nice articlle on this subject a while back.

    Karl

    P.S. 0 volt and DC common are two ways to say the same thing

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    24220
    Unfortunately the makers or BOB's etc, often use the term Ground, when they mean Common, which may or not, be grounded.
    Too bad, To the new comer to the electronic side, it can get confusing or misleading.
    Al.
    CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design

    “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
    Albert E.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Posts
    1865
    Quote Originally Posted by Al_The_Man View Post
    Unfortunately the makers or BOB's etc, often use the term Ground, when they mean Common, which may or not, be grounded.
    Too bad, To the new comer to the electronic side, it can get confusing or misleading.
    Al.
    I find it really gets confusing when they mention +12v and -12v and they don't mean switch the wires around.

    Ground and Common get used interchangably when they may or may not be the same thing.
    Warning: DIY CNC may cause extreme hair loss due to you pulling your hair out.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    24220
    Quote Originally Posted by TOTALLYRC View Post
    I find it really gets confusing when they mention +12v and -12v and they don't mean switch the wires around.
    Yeah, That gets a bit misleading, what that means is, you have changed the reference point.
    Unless it refers to -12v supply WRT to the COMMON reference
    Al.
    CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design

    “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
    Albert E.

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