Ground (electricity)

In electrical engineering, ground or earth is the reference point in an electrical circuit from which voltages are measured, a common return path for electric current  or a direct physical connection to the earth.

Electrical circuits may be connected to ground (earth) for several reasons. Exposed metal parts of electrical equipment are connected to ground, so that failures of internal insulation will trigger protective mechanisms such as fuses or circuit breakers in the circuit to remove power from the device. The grounding ensures that exposed parts can never have a dangerous voltage with respect to ground, which could cause an electric shock if a grounded person touched them. In electric power distribution systems, a protective earth (PE) conductor is an essential part of the safety provided by the earthing system..

Connection to ground also limits the build-up of static electricity when handling flammable products o electrostatic sensitive devices.  In some telegraph and power transmission circuits, the earth itself can be used as one conductor of the circuit, saving the cost of installing a separate return conductor (see single wire earth return).

For measurement purposes, the Earth serves as a (reasonably) constant potential reference against which other potentials can be measured. An electrical ground system should have an appropriate current-carrying capability to serve as an adequate zero-voltage reference level. In electronic circuit theory, a "ground" is usually idealized as an infinite source or sink for charge, which can absorb an unlimited amount of current without changing its potential. Where a real ground connection has a significant resistance, the approximation of zero potential is no longer valid.  Stray voltages or earth potential rise effects will occur, which may create noise in signals or produce an electric shock hazard if large enough.

The use of the term ground (or earth) is so common in electrical and electronics applications that circuits in portable electronic devices such as cell phones and media players as well as circuits in vehicles may be spoken of as having a "ground" connection without any actual connection to the Earth, despite "common" being a more appropriate term for such a connection. This is usually a large conductor attached to one side of the power supply (such as the "ground plane" on a printed circuit board) which serves as the common return path for current from many different components in the circuit.

KenkoGround®

Product Description
KenkoGround® requires a grounded outlet for proper usage.

Reconnecting with Mother Nature

The ground provides an energy source that we can feel even if we are not consciously aware of it. Pay attention when you are barefoot on the beach or on grass. Do you feel warmth? Do you feel a tingling sensation? Do you feel energized? Based on the discovery that “grounding” leads to Active Wellness, the KenkoGround is designed to help us connect to the Earth as a natural energy source. Direct contact with the ground (soil, grass, sand, ocean floor) gives our bodies natural energy to help restore our own healthful nature.

The contemporary lifestyle often causes fatigue, sleeplessness, and a general feeling of being out of balance. Unlike our ancestors who were directly connected to the ground by their bare feet, we separate ourselves from nature by using and wearing non-conductive materials, e.g. rubber, plastic, artificial flooring surfaces, etc. In other words, our feet rarely connect with the earth beneath us.

KenkoGround serves as an indoor and portable way to reconnect with Mother Nature. Simply plug it into a grounded outlet and place it under your feet while working, on your mattress while you sleep or even draped around your shoulders. Direct contact with the skin is best.

Features and Benefits
• Anti-radiation
• Anti-bacterial
• Anti-odor
• High quality construction
• Silver and nylon conductive fabric: 20% silver, 80% nylon
• Vacuum sputtering technology: releases silver ions
• Hydrophobic technology
• Top layer with water-resistant properties
• Helps lower stress, improve sleep, overall well-being
• Helps being overloaded with harmful EMFs (electromagnetic fields)

Size: 18” x 36”

Weight: 254g or 8.95 ounces

Care Instructions: The conductive material is largely water-repellent, so we recommend hand washing with warm water and a mild soap or detergent. You may also choose to wipe with a damp cloth. Do not machine wash or dry clean. Do not twist. Do not wash with bleach, as it may tarnish the silver. Do not use fabric softeners, whitening detergents, oxi-detergents or detergents with oils, e.g. lavender or coconut oil.
Air dry outside, but not under direct sunlight.

DISCLAIMER: Do not unsnap the grounding cord from the pad after each use. The cord is designed to remain permanently attached to the pad. Continuous unsnapping of the cord after each use may result in damage to the pad and will void the warranty. After each use, unplug the cord from the power outlet or grounding receptacle.
Fading or discoloration spots are a normal part of wash and wear on the KenkoGround due to the presence of silver. This does not affect the conductive nature of the silver and the KenkoGround will continue to function in the same way.
Bleach, body lotions, softeners and oils may tarnish the silver thread, which could interfere with conductivity. Wait one hour before using the KenkoGround in direct contact with any skin that has applied lotion.

WARNING: Avoid potential shock hazard. Do not get the KenkoGround wet while plugged in. Use an outlet checker to make sure your outlet is grounded. Place the KenkoGround and cord in such a way that you will not trip when getting in and out of a chair or bed. Fabric is not flame-resistant: keep away from open flame.

Use of the KenkoGround may affect physiological functioning of an individual’s body in a variety of ways. Individuals taking medication to thin the blood, regulate blood sugar, control blood pressure or to supplement thyroid activity should consult their physician prior to usage, then monitor their medication after usage. An adjustment in medication may be necessary.

Warranty: Six months standard limited warranty from purchase date against manufacturing defects.