Grounding Amps

[Rock_Toy]

This might be a stupid question but I need to ask. I am running 2 Gauge power and ground wires from one of the batteries in the rear of the boat to the amps (3) which are located under the dash. Power wire is going to a Monster distribution block and then 8 gauge wires (about a foot long) to each of the Amps. The ground wire (and this is where is gets hoaky) is connected to a loose bolt/nut with the three amps ground wires all connected to that bolt. Kind of like a makeshift distribution "block". Anyone see a problem with that? Is that going to cause problems for me? I might be upgrading the amps this summer and want to make sure that I am not sabotaging myself with this "quick fix".

[Rock_Toy]

Anyone?

[WakeSlayer]

I just added a second amp to my boat last weekend. I bought a second 3 port distribution block just for the ground cable off the battery. I think the blocks were only $20 each. I use 4ga. wire all the way through.
Seems safer to me than just tying together with a bolt.

[RJ]

The only problem you might run into if you have a bad ground it wll cut the power to the amps. My opinion: In a car you have countless grounding points for the amps, I don't use that same logic in the boat. I take both power and ground cables back to the battery. Its for my peace of mind, no issues with cutting out, and it really doesnt cost much more to do it.

[AuMDLST]

The loose bolt would be the problem - tighten the bolt and use some 3m rubber splice tape to cover the bare metal.

[Andrew]

dunno what size amps ur running, but the 2ga might be too small over a 20ft+ span

[SuperSquirt]

Definitely buy another distribution block or a capacitor and run the main ground wire to the battery. I wouldn't think using a bolt/screw would be a very good ground in a boat using that many amps. I used two 0 gauge wires from the battery straight to my capacitor (which works as a distribution block) and then ran 4 gauge out to the amps. Check out my profile pics and see

[Rock_Toy]

Alright, I went ahead and bought a distribution block. Also double checked my wiring and turns out that I actually ran 1/0 Power and Ground to the battery. Should be good to go. Installing the PDX 4.150 and PDX 4.100 on Friday, along with a new set of SWR-1242D's. Wish me luck.

[Rick]

Sorry I didn't see this ppost til today. I got tiresd of grounding problems so I ran a 4G ground to a bolt on the bulkhead between the drivers footwell and storage. I tightened the bolt with fenter washers to creat a ground post I have all my grounds to the post and it works like a charm The distributoon block is a great way to go but a ground post works just as well