Ground wire length

[Baa27]

I have 24 ft deck boat. Am wanting to install amp, and put it in compartment under my sink. The question is, if I do that, it will be about 10 feet away from the battery. I know I need to hook up ground to neg. on battery. Is this too far to run a ground, and if I do will it sound like crap. I don't want to put it under seats because rain water gets in there at times. And don't want to put it in engine compartment because of noise of engine. What should I do? Thanks!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Ground wire length

Ground wires can be any length -- BUT the amount of current in the system and length of the run determines how BIG that wire needs to be. You also need the same size wire from the battery to the helm and from the helm to the amp. You cannot simply connect the positive lead for the amp to the fuse panel even if you use the larger wire. Remember, current comes from the battery and the wire size must be able to handle current throughout the system -- not just the ground.

 

[Baa27]

Re: Ground wire length

So if I run 8 gauge ground wire from amp to neg. and 8 gauge power wire from amp to positive on battery. Both being 10 foot lengths. Then run 8 gauge rca cables from head unit to amp which is about 7 feet, will I be okay, or do I need to run lower gauge wires, like a 4.

 

[colbyt]

Re: Ground wire length

You have to provide a pair of wires ( in and out) that can safely handle the maximum amps for the run involved. I have no clue what you are pulling in amps.
20 amps = #12
30 amps = #10
40 amps = #8
50 amps is #6 or 4 you better look it up Google wire ampacity table.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Ground wire length

This will give you a idea on the sizing. And remember that's both wires

Wire Gauge Amps Ratings for 12 volt Automotive Systems

 

[Don S]

Re: Ground wire length

If you are going to be working on your boats electrical system, then get a book and at least learn a little about how, and why things work and how to do them.
Here are a couple of books that are great for for learning the basics without going overboard on all the details and formulas.

THIS ONE may say sail boats, but it has all the information you need.

THIS ONE is good too, there is a newer version but I haven't seen it and really can't say if it's better or not.

And then there is This One Not near as fancy or as new (It's 30 years old), but the information is correct for basic electrical systems on boats. Plus, you can download it free from HERE

Don't forget the stickies on this forum either. They are there for a reason.

 

[KD4UPL]

Re: Ground wire length

The size of your amp and it's respective current draw will determine the size of the wires necessary. #8 is possibly big enough, maybe too small, maybe huge, it just depends how much current your drawing thru it.
I sincerely hope that 8 gauge RCA cables are a typo. RCA cables carry very low levels of current and don't need wire anywhere near that size. If someone is selling those they are a rip off artist.