USB Earth Loops and Isolation

1 BACKGROUND
All USB ports fitted to DSE modules have an internal connection to the module’s earth/battery negative terminal.
Similarly, the USB ports of PCs, laptops and other peripheral equipment that may be connected to DSE modules is
likely to have an internal connection to the supply ground. This may cause an issue when two such devices are
connected, because an earth loop is created. This document further details earth loops as described above, and the
methods used to prevent their occurrence.

2 EARTH LOOPS
An earth loop is an unwanted current path between two points connected to the same earth circuit. For the purposes
of this document the two earthed points are the USB ports of the DSE module, and of the connecting device, such as
a PC.
If a potential difference of 0 V is seen across the earth connections of both USB ports, no current will flow and both
devices will continue to operate correctly. If, however the potential difference begins to rise, current will flow around
the earth loop. This may result in damage to one or both devices, to the extent of complete functional failure in some
cases. The below diagram further illustrates this scenario:

The DSE module and laptop are connected to the same earth circuit at two different points, some
distance from each other, creating an earth loop. The impedance of the earth circuit between these
points leads to a potential difference, and in turn current flow around the earth loop. When the
current rises above the 500 mA limit specified for USB, damage may occur to one or both devices.

Author: J.Z. Page 1 of 4 056-097 ISSUE: 1

3 EARTH LOOP PREVENTION AND USB ISOLATION
There are several possible methods to prevent earth loops causing damage to DSE modules and connected
equipment:

• Removing the connected device from mains power. This is only applicable for devices, such as laptops, with
an inbuilt battery.

The peripheral
device’s power
supply is not
connected. In
this condition
there is no
connection
between the
peripheral device
and earth, and
so no possibility
of the creation of
an earth loop.

• Ensuring peripheral device is connected to the mains via an isolated power supply. Many modern power
supplies are isolated from the earth pin of the mains plug. If you are unsure perform a simple resistance
measurement across the supply; connect probes between the PC/laptop connector – VE terminal and the earth
pin. An isolated supply will show open circuit.

The output of the power supply is

isolated from earth. As such the
peripheral device has no connection
to earth, and no earth loop is made.

The double insulated symbol indicates the power supply is

definitely isolated. Supplies that do not bear this symbol
should be electricaly checked to confirm isolation.

• Fitting a USB Isolator. This provides complete electrical isolation between the DSE module and connected
device, and are primarily designed to prevent damage from large transient voltages in events such as lightning
strikes. USB Isolators can be purchased from most electrical retailers.

A USB Isolator is fitted between the DSE module and

peripheral device. The USB ports on each side of the USB
have no electrical connection to each other, and so the
earth loop is broken at this point, preventing current flow.

056-097 ISSUE: 1 Page 2 of 4 Author: J.Z.

• Earthing the DSE module and peripheral device as close as possible on the earth circuit. This means not
only connecting both devices to the same earth busbar/terminal, but also ensuring the cable runs between the
units and this connection are as short as possible, and of adequate conductor size. The diagrams below illustrate
two possible methods of achieving this:

Earth connections from

module and peripheral
DSE Module and peripheral device devices correctly specified, to
connected to the same point on the earth ensure minimal potential
circuit. difference across the circuit.

Peripheral device’s power supply

connected to mains socket fitted
in generator panel.

All connections in generator panel,

including DSE module and mains socket,
connected to the same earth point.

Author: J.Z. Page 3 of 4 056-097 ISSUE: 1

This Page is Intentionally Blank