I can feel a small elec. current in my reef tank. And I have a multimeter from my shop and wanted to know how do I go about checking the tank for voltage so I can find what pump, powerhead or heater is leaking volt. into my tank so I can replace it before any damage occurs. I searched but can't find anything on how to check with the multimeter. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Checking the tank for stray voltage??
- Thread starter starionesir
- Start date
So far searching I have found some people said to ground the test lead to the outlet of the house and take the other lead and touch it to the water and see what you have and then I have read that you just touch both leads into the water and read what it says. Which one is the correct way?
When checking for voltage you are measuring the difference of potential. So if you put both leads in the water of your tank there can be no difference of potential. If you ground one lead of your meter and voltage is present in your tank, you will then read a difference of potential.
If you can actually feel the current when you put your hand in, you don't need the multimeter to tell you which component is causing it.
Just unplug each component one by one and stick your hand in. If you can no longer feel the "twinge", then you have found the faulty piece.
Burt
Just unplug each component one by one and stick your hand in. If you can no longer feel the "twinge", then you have found the faulty piece.
Burt
Burtess;880507; said:If you can actually feel the current when you put your hand in, you don't need the multimeter to tell you which component is causing it.
Just unplug each component one by one and stick your hand in. If you can no longer feel the "twinge", then you have found the faulty piece.
Burt
That is quite possibly the most dangerous advice you could have given.
Burtess;880507; said:If you can actually feel the current when you put your hand in, you don't need the multimeter to tell you which component is causing it.
Just unplug each component one by one and stick your hand in. If you can no longer feel the "twinge", then you have found the faulty piece.
Burt
good idea, then he can lick some electrical outlets to see if they are faulty too. jk, i would probably do this too just to save money.
starionesir;880166; said:
He said he could feel a SMALL current, he didn't say he got a jolt from it....
Thats why I said to stick his hand in.
Obviously he has worked in the tank as it is, and is still none the worse for wear...
Burt