Earthing to Engine

[Little Dorrit]

I need to attach a 25mm2 cable to earth for the installation of a 1000w windlass. The engine is a Bukh DV24 and the existing battery earth is on the right side of the engine looking aft (the alternator and starter motor are on the left). Can I use the unused earthing points situated on the left side below the alternator or is it best to attach to the exiting earthing or does it not matter, or is there an alternative better option than both?

 

[PaulRainbow]

There are no Earths on a DC circuit, they are positive and negative.

It's bad practice to use the engine as a conductor. You should run the windlass negative straight to the negative busbar or the battery negative.

 

[Little Dorrit]

There are no Earths on a DC circuit, they are positive and negative.

It's bad practice to use the engine as a conductor. You should run the windlass negative straight to the negative busbar or the battery negative.

Thanks I know it's not strictly an earth but taken your advice and now routed the negative to the battery shunt negative and not the engine block. Your input is greatly appreciated.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Thanks I know it's not strictly an earth but taken your advice and now routed the negative to the battery shunt negative and not the engine block. Your input is greatly appreciated.

My pleasure