What does the term "isolated ground" refer to?

The term "isolated ground" refers to a grounding system that is specifically designed to reduce electrical noise and interference. In marine settings, where sensitive electronic equipment is commonly used, maintaining signal integrity is crucial. An isolated ground accomplishes this by providing a separate grounding path than the one used for the main electrical system.

This separate grounding path minimizes the potential for noise generated from other electrical devices to affect sensitive electronics by avoiding common ground loops. These loops can create interference that impacts the performance of navigational aids, communication systems, and other critical devices.

By ensuring that the grounding system is isolated from other equipment, the integrity of the signals is preserved, leading to better performance of electronic systems. Thus, the definition aligns well with the role of isolated grounds in managing electrical integrity and performance, particularly in environments where noise can significantly impact systems.