RF drain wire on power cords

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

scoffer,

It is possible that less well designed / lower cost marine electronics may not have manufactured to support bonding. Bonding is recommended by NMEA in its Installation Standards for Marine Electronic Equipment Used on Moderate-Sized Vessels. Electrical bonding and RF drains are intended to prevent static electricity build-up that can interfere with radio and navigational equipment. Proper bonding will also assist in prevention of galvanic corrosion and with lightning protection by allowing the current to pass through the vessel's structure with minimum arcing. Finally, bonding prevents dangerous static discharges in fuel tanks and hoses.