Another Electrical Wiring Question (or two)

[preserved_killick]

I'm planning m re-wire project, and one aspect I go back and forth on is the mast wiring. My mast is wired with 14/3 with tails that enter the cabin and will connect to a terminal block. I'm thinking how nice and neat it would be to run a single length of Anchor Mast Cable (14/5 or 12/5) from the distribution panel to that terminal block. The extra wire will allow me to add an anchor light to the mast. Of course, they would all share a common ground. I've seen this done, and it looks great. Owner justified this with the logic that steaming/deck/anchor lights would not be on at the same time. Sounds like a great idea right? So, why didn't Tim do something like this with Kaholee? Tim? http://www.lackeysailing.com/kaholee/se ... /90507.htm There must be a reason.

And, about the picture of Kaholee below, why the single primary wires? Why not use duplex 14/2 and keep it in the casing??

-Jeff

[Tim]

I never run common grounds.

I never use duplex wire because its unjustifiably more expensive and I don't really like it. I prefer the flexibility of installation allowed by single-conductor wire. Personal choice.

[LazyGuy]

Jeff,

Two cautions on a common ground. 1) it is a common failure point and 2) The common ground needs to be capably of carrying the total current of all the loads on that circuit. Even if only one load is run at a time - it is a safety issue. Many times, that rules out multi-conductor cable unless you want to over size the cable to the point of it no longer making sense.

I tend to agree with Tim. The exception being something like a mast head tr-color with steaming light and strobe. The unit has one ground for all three functions. If you go with multi-conductor cable, go with one extra conductor and run parallel grounds.

[preserved_killick]

Thanks guys.

I do agree with the issues on using a common ground, I might as well do it correctly. I appreciate the advice. With anything electrical, I've got lots of "book smart" but very little "smart smart" (said with a strong Maine accent).

-jeff