DIY - How to test for Stray Voltage in your Aquarium

KoNP said:
Even though you're absolutely, 100% correct, people are going to ignore you because you've used too many words they don't understand, and that elicits suspicion. "Why is this guy making such a complex explanation, when the salesman for the grounding probe made such a simple one? The salesman must be right." These are the same kind of people who believe in things like cellphones causing cancer, overhead power lines causing cancer, microwaves causing cancer, wind farms causing cancer, even though reams and reams of evidence exists to the contrary.

At the end of the day, people have already made their mind up whether they'll believe you or not. You are much, much better off conserving your energy for your own pursuits and letting the dimmer folk pursue all the snake-oil fixes they can find. When the chips are down, you're happy and they're too stupid to realise they've been ripped off. And the salesman is laughing with their money.
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Hey now, you're generalizing. There are many people on this forum, that appreciate all opinions, factual, hypothetical, or just experience based. I enjoyed his post and feel as if I have walked away from this topic with more perspective.
 
G. F. C. I.

Use 'em.

I rather get it, but rather not. Folks with a rat's nest of extension cords, etc. under the tank with the ability to be wet and no GFCI - and then worry about the small possibility of stray current/voltage in the tank. Frankly I'm more worried about myself and proper use of GFCIs - my fish won't feed my kids.

I've known of a couple of folks getting killed messing with submersible water pumps.
 
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Nor_Cal_Guy said:
There are many people on this forum, that appreciate all opinions, factual, hypothetical, or just experience based.
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And yet, just like the guy said, this subject continues to be brought up long after a definitive answer is given, because the people asking don't like an answer that doesn't fit with their particular view of things.
 
KoNP said:
And yet, just like the guy said, this subject continues to be brought up long after a definitive answer is given, because the people asking don't like an answer that doesn't fit with their particular view of things.
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Well, consider the source. This is a web forum/discussion board. I don't think it's a big issue for this to be brought up several times, and frankly, searching old threads sometimes just doesn't satisfy people's curiosity.
 
I'm surprised this guy hasn't killed himself. With various electrical devices running in the tank, one voltage meter probe is immersed in the tank water, the other to the ground plug or ground screw of an electrical outlet. A ground lead on a grounded cord will work too. Check for voltage on meter. Also, always use a GFCI. It may save everything in your tank, and possibly your life. Grounding probes are to take care of stray electrical fiends generated by heaters. pumps. etc., not hoods falling in tanks, broken heaters, or exposed wiring. Always use grounded accessories and a GFCI.
 
Bringing it back up. I have a shock when I put my hand in the tank sometimes. I have tried isolating it, but I can't find the culprit. The only 3 things in the water are a heater, the return pump and skimmer pump. Like I said, it is only sometimes so I thought it was the heater. But, even when the heater is on, sometimes it doesn't do it. Any suggestions where to go next?
 
BlakDuc said:
Bringing it back up. I have a shock when I put my hand in the tank sometimes. I have tried isolating it, but I can't find the culprit. The only 3 things in the water are a heater, the return pump and skimmer pump. Like I said, it is only sometimes so I thought it was the heater. But, even when the heater is on, sometimes it doesn't do it. Any suggestions where to go next?
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You cannot get an electrical shock from sticking your hand in the tank, even if the voltage potential is 480VAC +, (which in households is not possible.) You cannot get an electrical shock by sticking both hands in the tank.

Anyone care to guess why that is, and under what circumstances would it be possible?

If you can answer this question: Why do electricians only use one hand to work with hot wires, and put the other hand in their pocket (or inside the belt of the bags they are wearing,) you will begin to get close to the answer.
 
uncleof6 said:
You cannot get an electrical shock from sticking your hand in the tank, even if the voltage potential is 480VAC +, (which in households is not possible.) You cannot get an electrical shock by sticking both hands in the tank.

Anyone care to guess why that is, and under what circumstances would it be possible? No path to ground. Grab a copper pipe then try it!

If you can answer this question: Why do electricians only use one hand to work with hot wires, and put the other hand in their pocket (or inside the belt of the bags they are wearing,) you will begin to get close to the answer.
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uncleof6 said:
You cannot get an electrical shock from sticking your hand in the tank, even if the voltage potential is 480VAC +...
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Oh? Try wrapping a grounding strap around your genitals and stick your hand in that a tank that has a potential... :)

I think you mean you won't get a shock unless there's a circuit, i.e. path to ground. You simply become the same potential as the tank.


Regards
Michael
 
mmn said:
Oh? Try wrapping a grounding strap around your genitals and stick your hand in that a tank that has a potential... :)

I think you mean you won't get a shock unless there's a circuit, i.e. path to ground. You simply become the same potential as the tank.


Regards
Michael
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I know exactly what I meant, I am wondering if any one else knows why... :)
 
A difference in potential between tank and ground is not a problem until there is a path for current to flow, which a ground probe provides. Better to find the source causing the potential and deal with that.

Regards
Michael
 
Actually, most houses have at least some copper that is typically grounded, even if the majority is PEX, so there is a higher resistance path to ground through the water itself.

That really doesn't apply to aquaria, however, since they are not connected to the household water supply
 
No powerbeads. 2 MP-10's. My heater, return pump and skimmer are all plugged into an Apex EB8.
 
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