Ouch, shocked !!

Doug · #1 03-30-2008, 02:41 PM

Ok, need some info here. I just added my new halide & reflector. I assume since its all pre wired, its grounded. When I touch it and the tank water I get zonked. I dont believe its the fixture itself. Thats what I thought at first but got zonked last night when the light was off, so assuming its because its grounded, the connection is being made.

So I must have something doing that. Which piece of equipment do I use to measure it, as making the connection between the two after unplugging a piece to see if thats it, is not my idea of a way to spend a Sunday.

I cant even believe that after 30yrs. I need now to buy "another" thing to find out what piece of crap is screwed up now. I think its time to pack this hobby in.

wetcoast · #2 03-30-2008, 03:18 PM

A Multimeter that can be picked up at Princess auto for $9 will work wonders to see if you are drawing power. A grounding probe in this case may or may not help.

I know it doesnt help after the fact, but thick rubber gloves may help you while troubleshooting.

Doug · #3 03-30-2008, 03:41 PM

Thanks. I do have a ground probe but its not in the sump yet. I,m off to purchase a meter. Do I measure from the same places I get zapped, water to the reflector?

hillbillyreefer · #4 03-30-2008, 03:48 PM

The bad part about Princess Auto is you go in looking for a $9 item and come out with $250 worth of stuff. I love that place. A multi meter should help you find the problem. I would start with the water to the reflector just to see how much voltage you have. Try from the refector to something grounded next. That way you can eliminate the new light as the source of the trouble. Probably be best to hook up your ground probe to do these tests. HTH. Good Luck, be safe.

mark · #5 03-30-2008, 03:49 PM

Sounds like something is leaking in the tank, the tank is not ground and you're providing the path to ground (your lights).

Always been doubtful of just sticking in meter probes for accuracy but would have more confindence if grounding the tank, setting up a GFI powerbar and plugging in the devices one after another until they trip.

michika · #6 03-30-2008, 03:49 PM

I'll point your thread out to Krazykuch when he wakes up. You might be able to get around this without buying a multimeter.

Doug · #7 03-30-2008, 03:53 PM

Cool. Thanks everyone.
Half of my equipment is on a GFI/Arc fault and the other half on a GFI circuit. None of them have tripped. I on the way to put my ground probe in.

Doug · #8 03-30-2008, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark

Sounds like something is leaking in the tank, the tank is not ground and you're providing the path to ground (your lights).

Exactly my thoughts also Mark.

Zylumn · #9 03-30-2008, 03:58 PM

You need to start by finding a spot that shows a consistent reading from a meter or ?. You then need to eliminate plugged in objects in your tank one at a time until you find your culprit. Good luck
Kevin

wetcoast · #10 03-30-2008, 04:05 PM

May want to find out how much stray voltage is running around in the tank as well. The grounding probe if you could put it in your display tank just in the event for some reason there is breaks in the water and the sump probe doesn't affect the display. Remember, it'll be AC voltage. Try with the lights on, off, and just for fun, unplug all other components to see if you can track down the one, it may or may not be the lights. Of course try to trip it with your power bars, as well. Sounds like an annoying Sunday!