Installing new fuse panel!

[ThePinkPanther]

I've got a 20 year old Whittley Cruisemaster where the electrics were an absolute disgrace in those days. Wires and cables were just chucked in any old fashion!

I have to replace the fuse panel but on the new one I have purchased there is no earth connection. Just one straightforward positive connection with the various outlets going direct to the equipment accessories.

Some of these are marine radios, AM/FM radio, dome lights, anchor winch and wipers.

However, on the old fuse panel I have a multitude of earth connections. One main wire goes direct to a common earthing point behind the instrument panel and the other devices also have their own earthing wire to a common bus rail in addition to their respective positive connections.

Thing is, can I just swap the positive terminal from each item over to the (powered) new fuse panel without its old earth? I've never seen a fibre glass boat with so many earth wires, must be at least 15 all hooked up together.

Thanks

[scottar]

Did the old panel have indicator lights. The extra negatives may be for them. Each dc powered device should only have one negative.

[ThePinkPanther]

Did the old panel have indicator lights. The extra negatives may be for them. Each dc powered device should only have one negative.

Thks for reply! Nope, just the ones I mentioned above like dome lites, radios etc.

[scottar]

Might help to take a quick pic

[ThePinkPanther]

Did the old panel have indicator lights. The extra negatives may be for them. Each dc powered device should only have one negative.

Thats is for sure! Each switch has a red inbuilt light ......... great advice, thanks!