SteveB wrote:
When running lines to, say the bilge, or to a navigation light, is it best
to run two wires, one coming back to the ground on the panel, or just ground
it there not far from the use? It's a basic question, but I just wondered
if there's any difference.

Steve


A circuit is not complete without positive and negative wires going to
the battery. If you want to share grounds, the ground wire must be of
sufficient size to carry the current of all the devices that use the
common ground at any given time. It is not good practice to share bilge
pump grounds, however.