Locating factory ground points
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Locating factory ground points
Hi,
i have a 2018 crew cab f150
I'm installing a 12V water pump in my box just behind the back seats. I was wondering if there is a convenient ground somewhere I could use?
Thanks
i have a 2018 crew cab f150
I'm installing a 12V water pump in my box just behind the back seats. I was wondering if there is a convenient ground somewhere I could use?
Thanks
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 83
From: N. Texas
Use of the body for ground is a bad idea. For one the body itself is mounted to the frame with rubber isolation bushings. Its just not a good return path.
Fleet Owner
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From: 0,0,1
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 83
From: N. Texas
But suit yourself.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,881
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From: Mts. S. of San Francisco
- Silver
- Copper
- Annealed Copper
- Gold
- Aluminum
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,597
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From: N. Texas
Aluminum is actually a very good conductor. They used to make household wiring from aluminum, but discontinued it because there were issues getting connections to be stable. In the list of conductive metals, it is:
- Silver
- Copper
- Annealed Copper
- Gold
- Aluminum
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Lead Driver
Joined: May 2015
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From: Mts. S. of San Francisco
Here is a snapshot of the particulars:
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2016
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From: Abilene TX.
The problem with aluminum house wiring is that electrical current causes heats when it flows (even in copper) aluminum swells more than copper when heated. They tried using it because it is a much cheaper metal and at the time there was a shortage in raw copper. I had a house that was built in 1970 that had that stuff in it. If you started hearing a sizzling sound in an wall outlet or light fixture you had to re-tighten the wire connections. in the late 70's early 80's they came up with some copper pigtails with special wiring nuts and pukey (grease) to repair the ends and it ended the loose connection problem. Cost me about $300. To repair the wiring in that house just for parts, I did the labor myself.
TJ
TJ
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,881
Likes: 359
From: Mts. S. of San Francisco
The problem with aluminum house wiring is that electrical current causes heats when it flows (even in copper) aluminum swells more than copper when heated. They tried using it because it is a much cheaper metal and at the time there was a shortage in raw copper. I had a house that was built in 1970 that had that stuff in it. If you started hearing a sizzling sound in an wall outlet or light fixture you had to re-tighten the wire connections. in the late 70's early 80's they came up with some copper pigtails with special wiring nuts and pukey (grease) to repair the ends and it ended the loose connection problem. Cost me about $300. To repair the wiring in that house just for parts, I did the labor myself.
TJ
TJ
Fleet Owner
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,801
Likes: 48
From: Abilene TX.
That was the problem I was talking about. After that problem was uncovered, they changed the connectors used. Newer connectors will be labeled if they are compatible with aluminum. If you are splicing copper to aluminum wires, you need to use an anti-oxidant, like NOALOX or equivalent.
TJ
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,881
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From: Mts. S. of San Francisco
That's the pukey I was talking about. The building we had our first Shop (1978) in was owned by a Master Electrician, We just leased some space and a small office in the back. He gave me a small bottle of it to use and I went to the Electrical Supply and bought a bigger bottle. All he ever called it was pukey and I know what to look for (if they redesign the bottle, I'm in trouble) I doubt I will ever need the stuff again. Do remember the connectors have to be marked CU-AL. I have slept a couple times since then. As far as Battery terminals go any type automotive grease will work as it seals the connection from air. We used plain old bearing grease in the Army huge 9 N batteries down in the belly. We cleaned and re-greased them once a year.
TJ
TJ
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