- #1
haiha
- 136
- 1
I am reading the manuals of an electronics measuring instrument, in which the term 'float' is repeated several times. Can anyone explain this term?
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
f95toli said:If it is a measurement instrument a "floating" terminal is a terminal NOT connected to safety ground (i.e. earth).
In many instruments (e.g. most oscilloscopes and ALL instruments with BNC connectors) the ground terminals are connected to Earth (this is due to safety regulations, there is no real "physical" reason).
Averagesupernova said:Not necessarily. I can't recall for sure where, but I have seen equipment with BNC connectors that are isolated from conduit ground.
f95toli said:It would is illegal in most (all?) countries to sell a wall-powered instruments with floating BNC connectors. There is no real "electrical" reason for this (except safety), but the rules say that all accessible metallic parts of an instrument (including the enclosure, all external screws etc) must be connected to earth.
In electronics, float refers to the condition of a wire or electrical connection that is not grounded or connected to any other circuit. This is also known as an open circuit or floating ground.
Float is important in electronics because it ensures that the electrical current flows in the intended direction and prevents short circuits. It also allows for isolation of circuits and protects against electrical shocks.
To test for float in electronics, you can use a multimeter set to measure resistance. Connect one probe to the wire or connection being tested and the other probe to a known ground. If the resistance reading is infinite, then the wire/connection is floating.
Float in electronics can be caused by a variety of factors, such as damaged or broken wires, loose connections, faulty components, or improper grounding. It can also occur when two different voltage sources are connected together without a common ground.
Floating in electronics can be prevented by ensuring all wires and connections are properly grounded, using quality components, and following proper wiring and circuit design techniques. Regular maintenance and checks can also help identify and prevent potential float issues.