> There has been several discussions regarding the best practice with
> regards to grounding devices and batteries in vehicles.

Hi Justin,

I think it largely depends on the current needs of the devices.

For example, I'm looking at a design for a high-current (600W)
SMPS to provide +/- rails for an audio amp.

It's "highly recommended" that the 0V for the SMPS goes directly
to the battery -ve using heavy duty copper cable and that -ve
terminals of the speakers do not use chassis as the return, to
minimise circulating heavy ground currents that could cause audio
noise

If you were talking about (low-ish current) lighting or devices
generally insensitive or indifferent to ground noise then probably
the chassis is acceptable. I've installed my fair share of 10 - 20W
audio systems using the chassis and, where possible, tried to have
a common local earthing point

What you don't want though is a high-power audio system to start
motorboating or clipping etc because of voltage drops

Joe
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