Enclosure grounding

[Drlufk00]

If I want to properly ground a powder coated enclosure do I need to sand around the holes for just the input and output Jack or do I need to do it for all parts that contact the enclosure (pots, Footswitch, dc jack) inside and outside to include the inner part of the holes? This would make sense why my fuzz I just built was so noisy since I did no sanding at all. It’s a Twin Face PedalPCB build inside of a powder coated Tayda aluminum enclosure.

 

[giovanni]

I would sand around jacks, pots and switches. Power plugs are usually isolated. If the noise issue doesn’t improve I would consider starting a troubleshooting thread.

 

[Erik S]

I would sand around jacks, pots and switches.

A lot of people do that, and it can't hurt, but I've never done it.

The inner diameter of a drilled hole definitely has no paint on it, and by my way of thinking, there's likely enough thread contact somewhere to ground to the enclosure.

If you have a meter, you could verify by setting it for continuity, sticking one probe in one of the lid screw holes and checking various ground points.

I bet your grounds are fine, and you've got something else going on. Like Giovanni said - start a trouble shooting thread with some clear photos of your build.

 

[Fama]

The inner diameter of a drilled hole definitely has no paint on it, and by my way of thinking, there's likely enough thread contact somewhere to ground to the enclosure.

If you get the drilling done at Tayda they drill first and powder coat afterwards, so the inner diameter is indeed painted.

 

[pricklyrobot]

If you get the drilling done at Tayda they drill first and powder coat afterwards, so the inner diameter is indeed painted.

Sounds like another job for our trusty old pal the Deburring Tool!

 

[Erik S]

If you get the drilling done at Tayda they drill first and powder coat afterwards, so the inner diameter is indeed painted.

I stand corrected!

I do all my own drilling, so I wasn't aware.

Taking some steps to remove powder for grounding in that case makes sense to me.

I'd still bet that's not the problem with the OP's noisy FF build though...

 

[drew.spriggs]

If you are using uninsulated jacks, you just need to take the powdercoat off one - doesn't matter which one.

Check all other grounds have continuity to the enclosure after it's assembled.

Easy.

It's very unlikely to be your issue though

 

[Cybercow]

I just use ⅜" inside tooth lock washers between the jack and the enclosure. They dig in nicely with no need to sand or scrape.
They're cheap.

 

[Fama]

I just use ⅜" inside tooth lock washers between the jack and the enclosure. They dig in nicely with no need to sand or scrape.
They're cheap.

View attachment 110399

Hmm, I see Tayda has these https://www.taydaelectronics.com/lockwasher-for-foot-switch.html for footswitches, but I think they would probably work even if they're slightly larger?