Wiring amplifiers with dual batteries. Neg. question?

[Hogger]

I've got dual batteries. #1 for starting, #2 for stereo.
I have two amps hooked up to batt. #2, but one of the amps is closer to battery #1.
Can I attach the ground from that amp to the neg. terminal of battery #1, with the power coming from battery #2?
Any issues with this when my battery switch is selected to battery #2?
It shouldn't care where it's grounded, should it?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Wiring amplifiers with dual batteries. Neg. question?

If the negative terminals of both batteries are tied together you can do that but in a stereo system you could probably get some nasty noise because of the long ground loop. Keep in mind that with a switch, it is also possible that you run the risk of drawing very high power through that ground wire should there be some kind of electrical problem in the system. Your idea is not a good one. Will it work? ONLY if the negative post on both batteries are connected together but they should be anyway or the second battery would not be charged through the switch.

 

[Hogger]

Re: Wiring amplifiers with dual batteries. Neg. question?

Yes, the negative terminals are connected together.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Wiring amplifiers with dual batteries. Neg. question?

You do understand the "will it work" vs "bad idea" situation??? Remember - current will take any path it can find to get back to ground. Hate to see you toast some wiring or your amp(s) just because you didn't want to spend a couple more bucks on wire.