Clarification Needed on AC and DC Grounding

SuperLongBoard ❓Question
1

I am reaching out to ask for guidance regarding grounding practices for SLB systems, specifically in North America (Canada) where 120V AC is used with Hot, Neutral, and Ground lines. My setup includes an AC Ground for the main power and a DC Ground for the 24V stepper motors, control boards, and accessories along with a 5V and 12V DC power supply. I’ve read that the AC Ground should not be connected to the DC Ground, but I am unclear about the correct approach.

For motor cables and other signal cables, I plan to use shielded cables (shield only connected on one end), but I am not sure whether the cable shield should be connected to the AC Ground or the DC Ground. Additionally, should there be any connection between the AC and DC grounds at any point? I want to ensure proper grounding for safety and noise reduction, but I am struggling to understand the best practice.

Looking for clarification or refer me to relevant guidelines for handling AC and DC grounds in this context? Any advice on how to connect the cable shields would also be appreciated.
Thank you for your help.

2

So long as you are not tying DC Negative to the Ground, you are on the right track. Chassis and Shielding are okay to tie to the same Ground as the AC Ground - better to have a separate run to PE/Earth Ground based on my experience but ultimately the reach the same point.

I rarely ground my DC appliances so take my opinion as that - my original degree was Electronics Engineering but logic and information may have changed since then.

As far as grounding the cable shielding, you can use some flux, solder, and appropriately gauged wire to solder a lead coming from the shielding.