Circuit, Grounded

A circuit, one of whose members, the return circuit, is represented by the earth, so that the earth completes the circuit. In telegraphy each end of the line is grounded or connected to an earth-plate, q. v., or to the water or gas-pipes, and the current is a umed to go through the earth on its return. It really amounts to a discharging at one end, and charging at the other end of the line. The resistance of the earth is zero, but the resistance of the grounding or connection with the earth may be considerable. Synonyms--Ground Circuit--Earth Circuit--Single Wire Circuit. [Transcriber's note: The resistance of the earth is high enough that large power system return currents may produce dangerous voltage gradients when a power line is shorted to the ground. Don't walk near downed lines!] 124   STANDARD ELECTRICAL DICTIONARY.