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Can I use left over/excess power cable as ground cable?
While DISCONNECTED from the amp, I accidentally touched the power cable with the ground cable. Sparks went flying and I smelt a funny odor. Since then, when I go to turn on my radio, my amp only lights up for a second and then looses power. Unfortunately, I feel I've fried my ground wire (upon close inspection, the power/battery cables fuse is still good along with amp signal wire and RCA's)
My question is simply this: When replacing my ground wire, can I use left over power/battery cable? I have about 3 feet left over from the install. Thank you for your help!!
3 Answers
- 10 years agoFavourite answer
yes cable is cable just make sure u remember that that one is ground.so u don't mix them up.
- 10 years ago
Theoretically, yes. I would make sure I was the only one using the system or messing around with it just to make sure no one mistakes it for a power cord. Also, wrapping each end with black electrical tape will work to identify it is a ground cable, being that black is universally known for "ground". If you feel like wasting good money, wrap the whole cord with black electrical tape. Also, keep it away from professional installers so they do not mix it up, or just let them know it is a ground. Just keep it short enough so that it actually works as a ground (most manuals recommend less than 3 feet)
Source(s): I am experienced with electrical wiring in vehicles along with radio installation/ the works http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=201... - 10 years ago
Yes just make sure to have a way to tell them apart like wrapping the insulation of the ground with black tape.
