Electric current/voltage in Sump's water?

[mike31154]

Most people use a digital multimeter with the measurement scale set to AC Volts. One lead in the water, the other into an appropriate ground, commonly the grounding prong in an electrical receptacle.

As for what amount is considered bad, that's a bit of a tricky one to answer, but I'd start investigating the electrical components I have submerged in the water if you start seeing anything above the range of 20 to 30 VAC. As I mentioned in my earlier post, certain fluorescent lighting fixtures may induce a fair amount of voltage into the water, especially if they're close to the surface. That goes for MH lights as well depending on type of ballast and where it is located. Also worth mentioning that it's a good idea to ground individual reflectors on your T5HOs if that's feasible.

Here's some further reading which may clarify or be of use:

http://angel-strike.com/aquarium/GFI...alDetails.html

http://angel-strike.com/aquarium/GroundingProbes.html

[DiverDude]

I'd unplug each electrical device in the sump one by one until the voltage disappears.

Then replace the last thing you unplugged.

[blacknife]

I had a cable fault on one of my powerheads and was getting 120v in the tank, good thing the floor was dry when i found that. I want a ground probe but have not put one in yet.. that was not tripping the gfci either, although it probably would have with a probe.

after i fixed that 20-25v was what was left from all powerheads running.

most was coming from my internal powerheads , the rest from a heater i no longer use.


do the DC tunze pumps induce any voltage into the tank? or do only the externals<vortech> get that claim?

[DOMINATOR]

I took a "poke" three times tonight and I'm an electrician...faulty powerhead, faulty heater and faulty pump....if you stick your hand in the water and you get shocked, or feel a buzzzz, unplug things until it stops....yes, with a volt tic, you will pick up current but nothing to panic about......if it shocks you, it's shocking your investment(loved ones!$)

[outacontrol]

Originally Posted by DOMINATOR

I took a "poke" three times tonight and I'm an electrician...faulty powerhead, faulty heater and faulty pump....if you stick your hand in the water and you get shocked, or feel a buzzzz, unplug things until it stops....yes, with a volt tic, you will pick up current but nothing to panic about......if it shocks you, it's shocking your investment(loved ones!$)

Just few friendly questions; 1. where did you get the "volt tic" that can pick up current? 2. What grounded potential is your "investment(loved ones)" in contact with that would cause them to get a shock? 3. Can I have your faulty powerhead, heater and pump please? I can arrange pickup with a friend.

[DOMINATOR]

Sorry, I meant voltage not current and I'm going to try to fix my pump and heater because I can't afford to replace these units right now....my system Is a closed loop so what happens down below happens up above!!:-))

[blacknife]

i asume volt-tic is a handy little potential tester you can get at any hardware store. it looks kind of like a highlighter with a plastic tip, the one i have is made by greenly. you hold it at something, usually a wire or socket or something that your going to work on and if there is enough ac voltage in there it turns a light and beeper on.
When I had a failed cord my whole tank lit up no mater where you put it, with that 20-30 v of stray voltage it does not light up or just gives an occasional little bleat.

you said something about grounded potential, voltage is any potential more/less than ground so if there was enough voltage in the tank and you stick your body part in there and your body part happens to be touching a better ground than a nice dry rug you wont just feel tingling/sharp pain in the water you will get electrocuted until the breaker blows, if it blows.