On my C30 there's a terminal strip for grounds. The ground wires from the factory are of varying sizes. Does anyone know where these wires terminate on the battery side? They go down into the hull and then it's a mystery. I don't see a bundle of wires in the battery compartment. Perhaps behind some woodwork somewhere?
C30 Electrical Question
- Thread starter Project_Mayhem
- Start date
The ground strip should have one large cable , usually connected to one end of the screw terminal strip, and the other end is connected to the shunt that is near the battery. The smaller wires you see that are connected to the this ground side are the negetive leads of various devices such as the stereo, bilge pump, house lights, running lights, etc.
The terminal strip behind the electrical panel doesn't have a common ground. Each connection has two wires - the device and the ground source. The ground source wires go into some unknown place. I'm guessing there's a secondary buss bar somewhere.
This is the style of terminal that's installed. It appears to be factory as the source wires are zip tied unlike the previous owner modifications. It does not have a connector linking all of the screws together electrically.
A tracer will light up or make noise whenever it comes in contact (or close proximity depending on the sensitivity) with a ANY ground but it wont tell where that bundle of wires terminates if it's behind a panel
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jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 24,453
But it may help you reduce the number of locations where the wires are not found.
A photo would help. If they are ground or the negative side of the battery, all screws should be connected together and it will measure zero ohms between all screws. Have you had a chance to measure this resistance? This might just be a tie point. Disconnect one wire and tug in it and see where it goes. They were installed after the hull was built so they must be loose.
I've connected a few new devices and used it as a ground point. No issues there. On the battery, there's maybe two wires per battery with a jumper in between.
The wires are bundled together so tugging may or may not work. This setup isn't causing any harm as far as I know. I'm more curious than anything so it doesn't warrant a big investigation. Hopefully someone has some knowledge on this.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 24,453
Your boat had a previous owner. There is only one way to know what you have. Personal discovery.
It is your boat and your choice.
I know I could set it aside, no harm no foul. But eventually, I would climb down the rabbit hole.
It is your boat and your choice.
I know I could set it aside, no harm no foul. But eventually, I would climb down the rabbit hole.
Sounds like you are talking about this ground strip on the left side of the panel area.
On my 93 there is a heavy ground wire going from that strip to the battery. #6 IIRC, could be heavier.
All of those ground wires are grounds for various devices. Terminals are interconnected.
Here is what the original panel and back board looked like.
For comparison, here it is now.
On my 93 there is a heavy ground wire going from that strip to the battery. #6 IIRC, could be heavier.
All of those ground wires are grounds for various devices. Terminals are interconnected.
Here is what the original panel and back board looked like.
For comparison, here it is now.
Thank you @Ward H! That is the terminal strip I was referring to. I must've missed the 6awg cable. Most of the time the only common connection for this style strip is the terminal across from it. Are all terminals on this strip tied to ground?
I bought some 4awg wire for an inverter and installed a high load terminal strip for ground and one connected to the battery switch. Next upgrade is to replace the trailer lights behind the panel with an LED strip or two. The reflector is pushing some of the switches out of the panel.
Your new panel looks fantastic! If it was available as a kit, I'd buy it in a heartbeat!
I bought some 4awg wire for an inverter and installed a high load terminal strip for ground and one connected to the battery switch. Next upgrade is to replace the trailer lights behind the panel with an LED strip or two. The reflector is pushing some of the switches out of the panel.
Your new panel looks fantastic! If it was available as a kit, I'd buy it in a heartbeat!