Golf Cart electricty question

Marsharo · 07-06-2011, 10:21 AM

I recently bought my first golf cart. Due to rules in my campground I installed a set of fog lights. Following the advise i found on this site i installed a 12v battery, acc fuse block and terminal strip. I ran positive from the battery to the fuse block and installed appropriate sized fuses for the lights. I ran the negative to the terminal strip so that i dont have a bunch of wires tapped onto the battery. Works like a charm and installed a 12v battery meter so that i know when that battery needs charging.

My question is this; Why can the frame NOT be used? is there a particular componant that will be affected? I understand (I Think) why the negative for the motor can not operate this way; but if a seperate battery is installed and the negative is grounded directly to the frame; what effect would this have on the overall function of the cart?

OlManRivah · 07-06-2011, 11:27 AM

Probably wouldn't affect it at all, but, why would you do it?

Marsharo · 07-06-2011, 11:34 AM

there are a couple of reasons I can think of right off the top of my head; such as exterior self grounding lights. My real reason for asking is so that i may better understand the relationship of various parts and how having an electrified frame would affect them.

kernal · 07-06-2011, 02:32 PM

I refer you to this thread in the Club Car section Specifically the posts by scottyb and grinch.

http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/elect...grounding.html

Marsharo · 07-06-2011, 02:41 PM

Thank you, however it was that thread that got me wondering just why not ground to the frame.

OlManRivah · 07-06-2011, 04:43 PM

It's just as easy to run a twin lead wire as it is a single wire.

Some things have a chassis ground for safety ( ie electric drill).
Some use it to cut expense where the device has many electrical components (ie car).
Some use it to protect against hazardous voltages ( ie Generator).
Some use it to protect from external EF (ie radar equipment)

Golf carts don't have these problems. And a central point ground is preferred.

sonicj · 07-06-2011, 08:43 PM

it is done for safety and isolation.

there is no reason you couldn't use the chassis as ground for your separate 12v setup. i had mine that way for years.
-sj

Spawn · 07-07-2011, 07:12 AM

I have heard it can speed up electrolysis. Causing the frame to rust or "Rot" faster.

07-06-2011, 10:21 AM	#1
Marsharo Getting Wild Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Washington DC Posts: 86	Golf Cart electricty question I recently bought my first golf cart. Due to rules in my campground I installed a set of fog lights. Following the advise i found on this site i installed a 12v battery, acc fuse block and terminal strip. I ran positive from the battery to the fuse block and installed appropriate sized fuses for the lights. I ran the negative to the terminal strip so that i dont have a bunch of wires tapped onto the battery. Works like a charm and installed a 12v battery meter so that i know when that battery needs charging. My question is this; Why can the frame NOT be used? is there a particular componant that will be affected? I understand (I Think) why the negative for the motor can not operate this way; but if a seperate battery is installed and the negative is grounded directly to the frame; what effect would this have on the overall function of the cart?

07-06-2011, 11:27 AM	#2
OlManRivah Getting Wild Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 94	Re: Golf Cart electricty question Probably wouldn't affect it at all, but, why would you do it?

07-06-2011, 11:34 AM	#3
Marsharo Getting Wild Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Washington DC Posts: 86	Re: Golf Cart electricty question there are a couple of reasons I can think of right off the top of my head; such as exterior self grounding lights. My real reason for asking is so that i may better understand the relationship of various parts and how having an electrified frame would affect them.

07-06-2011, 02:32 PM	#4
kernal Gone Wild Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Peachtree City, Ga. Posts: 2,759	Re: Golf Cart electricty question I refer you to this thread in the Club Car section Specifically the posts by scottyb and grinch. http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/elect...grounding.html

07-06-2011, 02:41 PM	#5
Marsharo Getting Wild Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Washington DC Posts: 86	Re: Golf Cart electricty question Thank you, however it was that thread that got me wondering just why not ground to the frame.

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07-06-2011, 04:43 PM	#6
OlManRivah Getting Wild Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 94	Re: Golf Cart electricty question It's just as easy to run a twin lead wire as it is a single wire. Some things have a chassis ground for safety ( ie electric drill). Some use it to cut expense where the device has many electrical components (ie car). Some use it to protect against hazardous voltages ( ie Generator). Some use it to protect from external EF (ie radar equipment) Golf carts don't have these problems. And a central point ground is preferred.

07-06-2011, 08:43 PM	#7
sonicj Gone Wild Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Panama City, FL Posts: 1,408	Re: Golf Cart electricty question it is done for safety and isolation. there is no reason you couldn't use the chassis as ground for your separate 12v setup. i had mine that way for years. -sj

07-07-2011, 07:12 AM	#8
Spawn Gone Wild Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Jax FL Posts: 598	Re: Golf Cart electricty question I have heard it can speed up electrolysis. Causing the frame to rust or "Rot" faster.

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