Electrics help needed!

[Cooper1999]

I'm wondering if anyone can help?
I'm fitting the doner loom to my kit and I've identified the earths from each of the component parts but how do I gather them together safely/neatly?
I'm thinking something like a large Scotch-block type affair into which all the earths can go but with a single, suitably rated 'output' which I can take to the battery.
Can anyone advise?
Cheers.

[Steve_D]

Does the car not have a chassis?
It is normal to use the chassis to take all 'earths' back to the battery.

Steve

[Fastpedeller]

If it's a GRP monocoque, I'd do what I did with my Quantum, and run an earth in with the loom. Just a case of working out what amps are needed, and spurring out to the components. My approach was to do a plan on paper showing all the components, and just build in enough thickness for each component and add as you go back towards the battery (if that makes sense). Don't forget to put in a separate (and substantial) earth for the engine/starter motor (don't want it earthing through the choke cable )

[ch427]

you could use a mega fuse holder, multiple earths to one stud and main earth to the other. problem here is that the studs may not be long enough by the time you bolt all the wires on, plus a link for the 2 studs

[gtmdriver]

As 'TheLastPost' says above the best thing to do is to set up a number of earthing points around the car, such as the engine bay, the front lighting area and behind the dash, then use heavy duty cable to earth these points back to the battery. On my GRP cars I used M6 stainless bolts for the earthing points and crimped easily obtainable 6mm eyelets to all the earth wires.

[Paul Drawmer]

As above; and I used a copper braid to join them all together.
The braid was the shield from some heavy duty coax cable. I flattened it out, soldered the ends and then drilled through the soldered ends to take the 6mm bolts.

[Cooper1999]

Thanks All.

Sorry for the delay in replying - I haven't won the lottery yet, so work continues to get in the way!

I have two lengths of heavy duty battery cable to run the length of the car (battery in the back, engine in the front - yes, it's for the MM). It sounds as if the ring terminals on studs, with suitably rated 'central' earths returning from the studs is the way to go. Now to make it look neat.

Not having done this before I thought it best to ask - I don't particularly like electrics at the best of times but certainly don't want to risk an electrical fire!

Thanks for the answers.
Graham

[Steve_D]

As you have few options where to fit a 'Stud' you could consider a junction box which you could screw or bolt to the glass fibre.


http://www.polevolt.co.uk/acatalog/info_PJ1.html

Or for extra piece of mind include a fuse.


http://www.polevolt.co.uk/acatalog/info_MEGA1.html

Steve