Stray Voltage Question

[banditpowdercoat]

Thing is, its not the items "leaking" voltage into the water, its more Inducing. See, Electyricity can be transmitted without contact. Electricity flowing through a conductor creates a magnetic field. A magnetic field that moves near a conductor will Induce electricity in said conductor. Its how most all AC motors work. Now, we all know that SW is very conductive. I would bet you'll see electricity in the worlds oceans too. because the world is one HUGE magnet, and the oceans flow through this magnetic field.

Now, as far as shocking you, the induced voltage is only in the water, and thus referenced to the water. it shouldnt shock you. This os not to say you cant get shocked, because if a piece of equip IS malfunctioning, then its possible. See, the electricity in your Wall is referenced to earth. meaning, the ground pin, AND the Neutral are tied to a point that contacts the ground. This means that anywhere the HOT will have potential to ground. We stand on the ground, so therefore usually are at Ground potential.

How did you measure the voltage in your tank? was it from water TO ground? or did you just plop both meter leads into the water? Water to ground=BAD
water to water=ok

[mark]

I'm wondering if the numbers really mean anything. Not saying there isn't leakage or induced voltage but leakage measurements require specialized equipment. Then there's the current, you might get a voltage but if no juice is flowing.

That's not to say skip the $20 GFI investment.

[BC564]

The GFCI is just to save from electrical shock...being it fish or him....if there is truly a voltage leak...the GFCI's will trip and he will need to find the source or equipment that is at fault...induced voltage is something all on its own

[Stones]

Banditpowdercoat, I was testing the water using one lead in the water and one lead in my ground, as I had read in several articles that this was the means of testing your water to see if you have stray voltage. These were the readings that now register at 1.9-3.6V.

When testing the water with both leads in the water, I get a voltage of 0V.

Which way is the correct way to test, as you stated that water to ground is bad?

[banditpowdercoat]

OK, ya, your checking correctly. Water to ground. Getting a few volts to ground, even 25 is not bad. There will be no amperage there. its the amperage that hurts. Also, since the fish are never touching the water and ground, there should be no harm to them. they will experience the 0V like when you put both leads in the water. Alot of times at my work, I'll get a reading of like 90+volts on a wire that is in fact de-energized. Touch the wire, nothing. Most Digital meters have such high internal resistance that they do not draw any current. this can in fact lead to erroneous readings alot of times.

but still, By all means, a GFCI is the best insurance. If there is an electrical problem, say a heater case breaks and now the live wire is in contact with the water. Everything will be good untill you touch the water and something grounded, then OUCH. GFCI will trip before you feel it.

[Stones]

Thanks again guys for all the help, as soon as I get the GFI installed I'll feel alot safer and now that I got the voltage down to less than 5V, I'm sure my inhabitants should be perfectly fine as the majority of this voltage is probably caused via induction or through static charging.

[untamed]

Can you post the settings you used on the voltmeter to get this reading? I'm curious...have a voltmeter...but am unsure on how to set it to get a proper reading.