wiring ground question

[TexasA&M 10+ year member]

Hi everyone -

I'm having serious issues posting today, so if this is a repeat, i apologize.

Anyway, i'm going to be installing an amp in a boat, and I've got a question about the ground wire. There is not a common ground aside from the motor, so I'm wondering if there is an issue with running the ground from the amp directly to the battery. The wire run will probably be close to 3 feet... will this pose any problems? Any reason why I wouldn't run this directly to the battery?

Let me know what ya'll think.

- Steve

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[95RAM 10+ year member]

that will work. Seeing how the only way to ground somethin is to use a ground //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/banghead.gif.8606515f668c74f6de0281deb475b6fd.gif

 

[ANeonRider 10+ year member]

That's the way to do it in a boat app.

 

[TexasA&M 10+ year member]

So the extra length won't be a problem? I know that you usually want to keep the ground as short as possible....

 

[forbidden 10+ year member]

That is infact a myth. Any fibreglass type of boat or car must have a ground line run direct to the battery.

 

[sumone 10+ year member]

just think of your taillights...how long would the power & ground return (aka chassis) be on them...

 

[forbidden 10+ year member]

A closer look at many Toyota pickups will verify that a ground line is run direct to the rear taillights as well, seems they don't use the chassis for a ground return either.

 

[n2audio 5,000+ posts]

The amp in my boat is mounted below the glovebox, passengers side. The battery is on the driver's side. My shortest option was to run my ground wire along the passengers side and connected it to a bolt on the alternator bracket. It's about a 12' run and works fine for 300w+ rms.

Your 3' won't be a problem at all, neither would 5, or 8, or 10 for that matter.