Grounding Wire Loose

[Dick270da]

1990 270 Sundancer 454 Bravo 1

Just got it back from having the transom repaired (rotted). On the starboard floor of the engine compartment is a green 10 gauge wire that the ring terminal has rotted off. I haven't been able to determine where this is supposed to be attached. Your help would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Dick

 

[MLauman]

Since you refer to it as a 'grounding wire' you obviously know it's purpose. Typically, these wires run from a distribution block directly to a device. The device could be a metal thru-hull, strainer, trim system, or anything metal that contacts the water. If the other end is connected to a device then you need to find the nearest block - probably mounted on the transom. Otherwise, (and more likely) you need to determine which device is missing a ground wire.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Just a wild guess, but I'm thinking it came from the garboard drain plug?

 

[Quint4]

Could go to a strainer for generator water or AC water?

 

[Happy Hour IV]

Since you just had the swim step repaired, maybe a bond wire to a thru transom bolt on the step. Take the wire and move it in an arc at full length. See what it lines up with.

 

[Dick270da]

Thanks for the input guys! I never did find where it originally came from but since I was able to trace the other end to a terminal block on the back of the transom (thanks MLauman) I connected it to a thru-hull and my generator, tying water connected items together.

 

[JerryS]

You said "starboard" side - that's where your water heater, batteries, etc. are located. Seems like there should be a grounding wire on the water heater. If I go over to the boat tomorrow, I will look around. Why are you saying "generator"? Something does not seem right.

 

[Dick270da]

I'm assuming that starboard is the same side the wheel is on. My batteries and water heater are on the port side (left) as I'm sitting in the captains seat. I'm referring to a 10 gauge green wire wrapped with the split black plastic sleeve for protection. Yes, I'd appreciate your looking!

 

[electricaldoctor]

I'm assuming that starboard is the same side the wheel is on. My batteries and water heater are on the port side (left) as I'm sitting in the captains seat. I'm referring to a 10 gauge green wire wrapped with the split black plastic sleeve for protection. Yes, I'd appreciate your looking!

It does not matter where you are sitting in a boat. There is only one port side. :thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[JerryS]

I'm assuming that starboard is the same side the wheel is on. My batteries and water heater are on the port side (left) as I'm sitting in the captains seat. I'm referring to a 10 gauge green wire wrapped with the split black plastic sleeve for protection. Yes, I'd appreciate your looking!

That's interesting, your set up is completely opposite of mine. So, your generator is on the starboard side?

My bilge blower pulls from starboard and exhausts to port. If the generator is on the starboard side, wouldn't exhaust fumes be sucked back into the bilge?

Is that Elect. Doc being a wise guy? :smt101 I'm all confused now, which way is up?

 

[MLauman]

Thanks for the input guys! I never did find where it originally came from but since I was able to trace the other end to a terminal block on the back of the transom (thanks MLauman) I connected it to a thru-hull and my generator, tying water connected items together.

Well even if that isn't where it originally came from, you did the right thing because those are 2 items that definitely should be included in the ground system. The genset should already be grounded via the main electrical wiring, but there's certainly no harm in adding another chassis ground.

 

[MLauman]

Seems like there should be a grounding wire on the water heater.

I replaced my water heater a few months ago and I'm pretty sure there was no separate chassis ground wire. There was a ground wire in the electrical supply bundle.

 

[Dick270da]

I'm under the impression that anything metal that touches water should be connected together to reduce galvanic action. I'm sure the water heater should also be part of the ground system, engine cooling water flows through it and I'm sure there are numerous types of metal involved.