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Current through ground plane

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Jr.Maxwell:
Hello amazing people :)

I've searched the interwebs and this amazing forum but found a lot of confusing answers.
My question is:"Does current flow through the ground plane?" I would assume so for completing a closed circuit current needs to flow, but does that mean that if I have a ground plane, through it current flows?

Thank you for your time and help

EEEnthusiast:
Just think of the ground plane as a flat current conductor. Then your question is answered..
Yes it does carry current.

Jr.Maxwell:
So hypothetically, if I were to touch the ground plane and the floor I/m standing on had a different voltage referenced to ground, I would be 'schocked'?

EEEnthusiast:
Possibly.. unless the ground plane is earthed (connected to the mains ground/earth terminal).
However note that carrying current does not mean that it is at a higher potential w.r.t. floor or earth.
But for safety reasons, any ground plane inside a high voltage circuit should be treated as hot.

SL4P:
The ground plane is often/usually tied back to 0V or ground - also as a ‘shield’ for the adjacent circuitry.

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