Grounding multiple jacks

[MikeH]

I'm building a 1-in 4-out buffered splitter; how should I ground all those output jacks?  Since I never ground the output jack on any other stompbox I build intuition tells me not to ground any of them (by direct wire, that is).  But now there's 4... does it make a difference?

[cheeb]

I never ground output jacks unless I'm not using a metal enclosure. The enclosure is the ground. If that helps.

[soulsonic]

I always have a wire connected from the input jack ground directly to the output jack ground. You should never trust the chassis to make a reliable connection between the two jacks. If the either jack ever gets loose (and you know they always do eventually), you will be causing trouble with the crucial signal ground.

Yeah, you see it done all the time in a bunch of commercial pedals - it's not a smart move; be better than them and use the extra wire. It's one less thing to go wrong.

[Greg_G]

I always have a wire connected from the input jack ground directly to the output jack ground. You should never trust the chassis to make a reliable connection between the two jacks. If the either jack ever gets loose (and you know they always do eventually), you will be causing trouble with the crucial signal ground.

Yeah, you see it done all the time in a bunch of commercial pedals - it's not a smart move; be better than them and use the extra wire. It's one less thing to go wrong.

I agree.
A steel jack against an aluminum enclosure is not going to be a really reliable contact over time IMO... especially when the jack is probably not that tight (to protect the finish).
I always run a wire.

[MikeH]

Thanks!

On a different note, should I use switching jacks to ground outputs I'm not using (ie- if I only use 2 of the outputs)?  Or will that be unnecessary?

[cheeb]

Maybe you guys are right. I've never had a problem with any of mine, but I reckon you're right about never being too careful.

[ayayay!]

On a different note, should I use switching jacks to ground outputs

I'd think you'd be fine w/ mono jacks.