What happens when the ground reference is disconnected from an electric circuit?

Question

I understand the concept that ground is the zero voltage reference point with respect to the rest of the circuit, but with the ground disconnected, will the circuit continue to function?

I was playing a bit with an small circuit, but I found out, even with ground disconnected, the circuit continues to work? Is this really the case or not? What's the reasoning behind this? thanks.

I was trying to justify it by thinking that the circuit continues to work because the electrons in the circuit haven't yet accumulated up to the point where the voltage would to equal. But that reasoning sounds pretty dubious because of how fast electrons move.

So what would be the logical explanation for the circuit to continue to function?

sorry, it is a dc circuit.

Answer 1

Since you now say this is a DC circuit then no, the device will not function if you remove the ground connection. If it still continues to run, then you have not successfully removed all ground paths from the voltage source, OR there is some built up voltage due to high capacitance somewhere in the circuit. If this is the case however, this should discharge within a few seconds, and the device will turn off.
There always has to be a complete return path to the power source in order for a circuit to function.

Answer 2

You don't say what sort of circuit this is, nor whether you're talking about an AC or DC system. AC safety grounds aren't typically required for a circuit to work.

On your DC circuit, you must have had a ground connected somewhere that you didn't realize existed. Pulling the ground on individual components may not cause any immediate change, or the change may be subtle. For example, if you aren't creating switching noise that could cause problems, pulling the ground on a decoupling capacitor might have no effect at all.

But pulling DC ground - i.e., the ground for the power supply source to your circuit, most certainly will shut it down.

We'd need to see your circuit diagram / schematic and you'd need to tell us what you disconnected in order to provide a realistic explanation.

For current to flow in a circuit, there's got to be some sort of path for the current to travel -- if it's really not there, that portion of the circuit can't work.
.

Answer 3

It works just fine. the ground is not required for operation. It is there for safety. When all appliances were made of metal if a heater wire in say a toaster broke and touched the case when you grabbed the toaster you got toasted.
The ground was added and attached to the outside case of the appliance. If a wire touched the case it shorted out or if the resistance was high enough it just kept draining to ground but you only had to buy a new toaster rather than get fitted for a coffin.
Seemed like a good idea at the time!
If the toaster jumped in the tub with you the ground may not be enough to protect you. So we have better protection available today, ask me about GFCI.
Go ahead I dare ya!


OK scratch my AC wiring answer.
We need to know more about the circuit. What type of circuit or device is it.

Answer 4

A circuit is just that. If you have a source of potential, and a return to that source, the current will flow through the circuit.
The ground provides a reference that limits and defines the potential to ground at any point in the circuit,
generally a good idea from a safety standpoint.

Answer 5

all i can say is that added electrons will be distributed improperly.