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Venue outlets have open ground. What does that mean?

Smallmouth_Bass

Smallmouth_Bass

Dec 29, 2005
8,024
6,060
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
#1
So, at my last gig I noticed that when I turned on the mains with the PA turned off and nothing going to them, there was a huge hum coming from them. So, as I had a handy electrical outlet tester in my kit I decided to test the outlets where the band plays and plugs into and found that there is an open ground. I do not know a lot about electronics and electricity.

What does that mean and more specifically, what dangers - if any - does that pose for the band? Without changing the wiring at the venue, what can I do to mitigate any issues this condition may cause?
 
#2
Smallmouth_Bass said:
So, at my last gig I noticed that when I turned on the mains with the PA turned off and nothing going to them, there was a huge hum coming from them. So, as I had a handy electrical outlet tester in my kit I decided to test the outlets where the band plays and plugs into and found that there is an open ground. I do not know a lot about electronics and electricity.

What does that mean and more specifically, what dangers - if any - does that pose for the band? Without changing the wiring at the venue, what can I do to mitigate any issues this condition may cause?
Click to expand...

Simply tell the venue they need to have a qualified electrician come check everything out. In all likelihood it's just a ground wire came loose on an outlet somewhere down the circuit. But it certainly could be more serious than that. Other than driving a ground rod into the ground and rigging up a ridiculously complicated grounding system, there's nothing you can do about it. (That suggestion was more for humorous affect than anything. Do not attempt that.)
 
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#5
two fingers said:
Simply tell the venue they need to have a qualified electrician come check everything out. In all likelihood it's just a ground wire came loose on an outlet somewhere down the circuit. But it certainly could be more serious than that. Other than driving a ground rod into the ground and rigging up a ridiculously complicated grounding system, there's nothing you can do about it. (That suggestion was more for humorous affect than anything. Do not attempt that.)
Click to expand...

I told them about it over a decade ago! I might have to try again.

Would the hum be because of the open ground?
 
#11
Wasnex said:
In my experience an open AC ground sometimes increases hum and sometimes it kills it. However, it's not safe to lift the ground on the AC. This is a pretty serious safety concern, and it should be fixed IMHO.
Click to expand...

I'm also not an electrician, but I have had a guitarist friend thrown back against the wall when he stepped up to a mic where the power wasn't grounded. It was a dive where there was an outlet that wasn't grounded and one that was, and people that knew the place knew not to use the ungrounded one.

I believe - and more knowledgeable people can confirm or correct me here - that bringing a rubber mat to stand on when you play can help as a safety precaution.

EDIT: I invited the more knowledgeable to confirm or correct, and TB delivered with plenty of correcting comments down the thread. Consensus is the rubber mat idea wouldn't help in most situations. No need to keep commenting, thanks.
 
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#14
Report it to the local government Building and Safety department anonymously. The OSHA at the state level (some states have their own OSHA) or federal level can help. If no one responds, contact the building insurance liability company and tell them the wiring is defective. Ask for peoples names. Say if someone is hurt, you will report that you told them on a particular date and their lack of action resulted in a death.
 
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#15
Next time you play there use a portable GFCI on every thing you plug in and that includes all band equipment. It could save your life in an event of a Fault.
It probably won’t help humming and it’s not designed for that.
I use one whenever I plug in anything out doors and on the job as an electrician and it will definitely help in your Situation.
An open ground is not good.
A home center will have a short cord type portable GFCI (Ground fault circuit interrupter) for around 40 bucks, worth every penny.
Good link and stay safe.
 
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#16
Tommy Sparks said:
Next time you play there use a portable GFCI on every thing you plug in and that includes all band equipment. It could save your life in an event of a Fault.
It probably won’t help humming and it’s not designed for that.
I use one whenever I plug in anything out doors and on the job as an electrician and it will definitely help in your Situation.
An open ground is not good.
A home center will have a short cord type portable GFCI (Ground fault circuit interrupter) for around 40 bucks, worth every penny.
Good link and stay safe.
Click to expand...
I never knew they existed but that sounds like a great idea.
 
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#17
Tommy Sparks said:
Next time you play there use a portable GFCI on every thing you plug in and that includes all band equipment. It could save your life in an event of a Fault.
Click to expand...
As there's already an identified fault, i'd expect a GFCI to trip immediately and stay off.
I have a power strip that shuts off all its outlets in the event of ground fault (it is not labelled as a GFCI device, but it acts like one...). it has an indicator light.
my other power strips have indicator lights but will grudgingly pass along what they're given...
This is one reason why I keep a 14-ga 100' yellow industrial extension in my truck...
 
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#18
Tommy Sparks said:
Next time you play there use a portable GFCI on every thing you plug in and that includes all band equipment. It could save your life in an event of a Fault.
It probably won’t help humming and it’s not designed for that.
I use one whenever I plug in anything out doors and on the job as an electrician and it will definitely help in your Situation.
An open ground is not good.
A home center will have a short cord type portable GFCI (Ground fault circuit interrupter) for around 40 bucks, worth every penny.
Good link and stay safe.
Click to expand...

GFCI won't help you if there's no ground for it to work with. I'd refuse to play this joint.
 
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#20
Dadum said:
Report it to the local government Building and Safety department anonymously. The OSHA at the state level (some states have their own OSHA) or federal level can help. If no one responds, contact the building insurance liability company and tell them the wiring is defective. Ask for peoples names. Say if someone is hurt, you will report that you told them on a particular date and their lack of action resulted in a death.
Click to expand...
Call the Electric Inspector for the municipality.

It's my experience they take faulty wiring issues very seriously.

Best thing is send an email as well, then there's a record of the complaint. Explain the issue as you did above.
 
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