Tom Francis - SWSports wrote:
On Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:10:37 -0500, Jim wrote:

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.

Agreed and something that is not often considered when using common
grounds. It's also a good idea to use a bus bar to ground as the
common load is distributed much more betterer.

I do that on all the boats I've owned over the years including the
Grady. One extra little advantage of having a common bus bar ground
is trouble shooting - labels help a lot.

Electrical problems can be quite vexing. labeling and isolating are
excellent tools. You are a wise man.