What are ground isolated accelerometers?
Ground loops can be a significant problem to all type of sensors where the signal is un-amplified or the signal levels are low. Ground loops occur when different parts of the structure lab or building have different electrical grounds. These grounds may only differ by a few milli-volts or less. When areas with different grounds are connected by sensor cables then unless measures are taken to prevent it a ground loop are set up in the cable that can be significant when compared to low level voltage signals that come from the sensor. Ground loops are often very difficult to detect so it is prudent to take precautions to prevent their effects. There are a number of ways that ground loops can be prevented. The first is to hard wire different parts of the structure to ensure that each area has exactly the same ground. Ensuring different parts of a plant have the same ground may not be so easy particularly when long distances are involved or structures carry noise generating machinery. In th
