Ground wire question

[SATCHER]

This seems like a stupid question. I just added a third battery to run lights, pumps, etc.. Other two bateries take care of twin 90hp Evinrudes, one for each engine. Does the ground wire have to be specific to each battery circuit or can the ground be common to all batteries. <br /> Thanks Gentlemen

 

[JB]

Re: Ground wire question

Howdy, JD.<br /><br />As long as you have only 12v circuits the grounds should be common.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[SATCHER]

Re: Ground wire question

Thanks JB. Does the current from a particular battery find its way back to itself? How does it avoid the other batteries? I bought a book on 12v boat electrical but it seems to blow past some of the basics.

 

[JB]

Re: Ground wire question

Current coming in the ground side will always equal current goin out the positive side of that battery, so it is irrelevant whether it is the same electrons or not.

 

[SATCHER]

Re: Ground wire question

Finished install last night. Everything working fine. Your info was the missing piece to the puzzle. <br /> Thanks<br /> JD