The cumulative drop length to all devices on an NMEA 2000 network cannot exceed 78 meters.

The cumulative drop length to all devices on an NMEA 2000 network cannot exceed 78 meters.

• A. TRUE
• B. FALSE
• C. 100 meters
• D. 60 meters

Answer: (A)

In NMEA 2000, power and data share the same two‑wire bus, and each device connects to the trunk with its own short drop. The total length of all these drops from the power source to every device affects voltage delivery and CAN bus timing, so the standard sets a maximum for that cumulative drop length. That maximum is 78 meters, to keep the voltage at all devices within tolerance and the communication timing within the CAN specifications. So the statement is true because it reflects this defined limit. If you see longer distances or more devices, you’d need to rearrange the topology to stay under that 78‑meter total to avoid voltage drop and reliability issues.

In NMEA 2000, power and data share the same two‑wire bus, and each device connects to the trunk with its own short drop. The total length of all these drops from the power source to every device affects voltage delivery and CAN bus timing, so the standard sets a maximum for that cumulative drop length. That maximum is 78 meters, to keep the voltage at all devices within tolerance and the communication timing within the CAN specifications. So the statement is true because it reflects this defined limit. If you see longer distances or more devices, you’d need to rearrange the topology to stay under that 78‑meter total to avoid voltage drop and reliability issues.