[schreibdave]

I'm working on a snowmobile but I would think that this issue would be the same as in a car.

I'm adding a dedicated circuit for a GPS. The hot wire goes to the positive terminal on the battery. Does it matter whether the negative wire goes to the negative terminal on the battery or to a ground screw attached to the chassis?

Thanks

 

[chandler48]

Ensure first that the battery's negative terminal is grounded to the frame/chassis. If so, then the chassis it a good place to ground it. Rather than connecting it directly to the battery's positive post, connect it to the "on" position of the ignition switch. That way it will turn on and off with the ignition.

 

[schreibdave]

Ensure first that the battery's negative terminal is grounded to the frame/chassis. If so, then the chassis it a good place to ground it. Rather than connecting it directly to the battery's positive post, connect it to the "on" position of the ignition switch. That way it will turn on and off with the ignition.

Yes, the battery's negative post is grounded to the chassis. But is there a benefit to grounding my new circuit to the chassis rather than the negative post?

I actually want the circuit to stay on when the ignition is off. This way I can look at my maps trailside with the sled off. Yes, it would run down the battery if I leave it connected over night but that's a risk I am willing to take. Thanks

 

[ron45]

Yes, the battery's negative post is grounded to the chassis. But is there a benefit to grounding my new circuit to the chassis rather than the negative post?

I actually want the circuit to stay on when the ignition is off. This way I can look at my maps trailside with the sled off. Yes, it would run down the battery if I leave it connected over night but that's a risk I am willing to take. Thanks

Have you thought about using a toggle switch.?

https://www.google.com/search?q=tog...mAhWQbs0KHWzmCeMQsxh6BAgNECs&biw=1920&bih=937

 

[chandler48]

No advantage/disadvantage except for more wire involved. Ground is a ground. If you don't want to kill the GPS with the ignition, then kill it with a dead switch (SPST) between the battery and the GPS. Mount it in the dash. That way it won't stay on when you put the unit up, and you won't have to disconnect it at the battery after use.

 

[huesmann]

Definitely use a switch so that you can leave the unit on or off at your pleasure.