Floating Grounds??

[ARCWINSTON]

Hello,
In the Sticky posted by tashasdaddy titled "another good wiring diagram by linxlvr "
( http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=239445 ) there is a note on the diagram that says:
ALSO: notice wire connecting the 24v Neg. to the 12v Neg. This keeps the grounds from floating.

I've never heard this term before, would someone explain this to me please as the only other post I found in search was somewhat confusing...

Thanks...W

 

[spingley]

Re: Floating Grounds??

Hello,
In the Sticky posted by tashasdaddy titled "another good wiring diagram by linxlvr "
( http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=239445 ) there is a note on the diagram that says:
ALSO: notice wire connecting the 24v Neg. to the 12v Neg. This keeps the grounds from floating.

I've never heard this term before, would someone explain this to me please as the only other post I found in search was somewhat confusing...

Thanks...W

It is an electricians term where the grounds are not tied together, like on the primary and secondary sides of a transformer, see what I mean about being electricians term?. Anyways you have all your batteries negative posts bonded to the frame/metal part of engine, and that takes care of it.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Floating Grounds??

And it is absolutely unnecessary IF there is no interconnection between the 12 and 24 volt systems. Such as a a stereo head unit powered by the starting battery and a high power amp powered off one of the troller deep cycles. If the 24 volt system is totally isolated there is no reason to bond the two systems.

 

[ARCWINSTON]

Re: Floating Grounds??

Thank you sirs.
The 12v and 24v systems are connected but only by the common ground from my Xantrex 3 bank on board charger. Does this qualify as an "interconnection"?
Presumably, if it does, the common ground also provides the necessary bond connection so the issue is self-solving?
If it doesn't count as an "interconnection", no harm-no foul???

Thanks...W

 

[spingley]

Re: Floating Grounds??

Thank you sirs.
The 12v and 24v systems are connected but only by the common ground from my Xantrex 3 bank on board charger. Does this qualify as an "interconnection"?
Presumably, if it does, the common ground also provides the necessary bond connection so the issue is self-solving?
If it doesn't count as an "interconnection", no harm-no foul???

Thanks...W

Then you do not have floating grounds and you are fine.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Floating Grounds??

I would think you would have floating grounds every time you launch the boat, unless you forget the plug. In that case, you have sinking grounds!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Floating Grounds??

Multiple output chargers have totally isolated grounds since they could not function in a multi-battery "series" connection if they didn't. You do not have a floating ground situation.