True or False? If you are using multiple power Tees, the Shield / Drain connection should be connected to the non-current carrying RF Ground system at only one location.

• A. True
• B. Sometimes
• C. Not specified
• D. False

Answer: (A)

The shield/drain on shielded NMEA 2000 connections serves to carry RF energy away to the system RF ground without becoming part of the DC power return. When you have multiple power tees, bonding the shield to the non-current carrying RF ground at a single location prevents shield currents from taking multiple paths and creating ground loops between devices. If the shield were connected at more than one point, currents could flow along the shield itself, degrading shielding effectiveness and introducing EMI/noise into the network. So, the correct approach is to connect the shield/drain to RF ground at only one location. True.