Author
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Topic: SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL: Electrical Ground or Common for 12-volt Systems on Fiberglass Boats
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alfred |
posted 09-03-2008 08:21 AM ET (US)
I looked at the wiring diagram [for a Boston Whaler 190 OUTRAGE], and it looks like the earth point is the bus bar. Is that correct? If not, could anyone point me in the right direction? I would like to know where I can ground the electronics if I get any noise.
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jimh
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posted 09-03-2008 08:45 PM ET (US)
The usual common point or ground in a 12-volt system on a fiberglass boat is the battery negative terminal. The engine block is usually bonded to the battery negative. |
alfred
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posted 09-03-2008 10:31 PM ET (US)
Many Thanks Jim. |
Chuck Tribolet
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posted 09-04-2008 08:47 PM ET (US)
It is very common to have a negative bus bar in the console, which is then tied to battery negative. Battery negative will be tied to the motor via the starting cables, and thence to the water though the motor and lower unit. Chuck
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alfred
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posted 09-04-2008 09:57 PM ET (US)
I was just thinking ( which is often dangerous!) if the unit has a neg wire, then why is there a need to ground it again? (shows how little I know about the subject) |
seabob4
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posted 09-04-2008 10:08 PM ET (US)
Alfred, After all, it is called a "common ground". That side of the 12V system ties all return paths together. It's not like you have a rod stuck in the ground at the corner of your house. 12V DC is Direct Current, and flows from your battery(s) and back to your batteries. Picture a circle. 120V (or in your case 240V) AC travels in a straight line. But it does not return to it's source. Hence, a ground buss bar dissapating to the water will suffice. But DC needs a return path back to it's source.How are the tabs going? You know, the orange wire? |
alfred
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posted 09-05-2008 04:47 AM ET (US)
Cheers Bob thanks for that. Orange wire done! |