Can I Have Multiple Isolated Battery Banks, Like a House Bank and Starter Bank, Sharing the Same Ground?

Question:

Can I have multiple isolated battery banks like a house bank and starter bank sharing the same ground or better yet, connect the negative posts between the multiple banks as a easy common ground? I have a Flybridge ground, an engine (starter) ground and a salon ground bus which is tied to the engine ground. - Eric

Answer:

You are on the right track. The negative post of all battery banks (house, engine, thruster, etc…) should be connected together and this is called common ground. From a practical point of view, I suggest you install a high amperage DC common bus and have all your DC battery bank negatives connected to that common DC bus instead of going negative post to post. - Jeff