stray voltage?

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by mdbostwick, Apr 9, 2015.

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  1. mdbostwick

    mdbostwick Vlamingii Tang

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    So at the risk of sounding like an idiot, I have voltage going through my system. Is any amount of voltage too much? Here is where my intelligence is really going to come into question, it shows on my multimeter 7.75 when it is on 200V~ setting. How many volts would this be? It seems everything is adding to the voltage including a heater which was not turned on.

    Any help is appreciated
     
    mdbostwick, Apr 9, 2015
    mdbostwick, Apr 9, 2015
    #1

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  2. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    On the few multimeters I've had, 200v simply meant that you could safely measure current up to 200v; 7.75v would still be 7.75v. That said, I believe you may be getting a false reading. Set your meter to the lowest voltage above 7.75 and see what happens.

    At the risk of starting another 'stray voltage war', I personally don't believe in stray voltage. If there were a "leak" in a 110v device, you would get a reading of 110 volts. Period. Furthermore, electrical current would need a complete circuit (grounding probe? :D) in order to be harmful to your tank's inhabitants.
     
    Last edited: Apr 9, 2015
    Mr. Bill, Apr 9, 2015
    Mr. Bill, Apr 9, 2015
    #2
  3. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    Oh no you didn't! :p

    A grounding probe harmful?

    Everyone SHOULD have one on their systems
     
    Todd_Sails, Apr 9, 2015
    Todd_Sails, Apr 9, 2015
    #3
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  4. mdbostwick

    mdbostwick Vlamingii Tang

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    Well I know there is some voltage in the water because i can feel it when i stick my finger in the water. What is the best setting on the multimeter to check for it.
     
    mdbostwick, Apr 9, 2015
    mdbostwick, Apr 9, 2015
    #4
  5. DSC reef

    DSC reef Giant Squid

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    Get a ground probe. I'll never have a tank without one.
     
    DSC reef, Apr 10, 2015
    DSC reef, Apr 10, 2015
    #5
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  6. chris adams

    chris adams Purple Tang

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    Does a ground probe work on a wife because occasionally I feel some stray voltage coming from her :)
     
    chris adams, Apr 10, 2015
    chris adams, Apr 10, 2015
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  7. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    You'll really feel it if you have small knick or abrasion on you fingers/hand when it's in the water.

    As said, 7+ is 7+, unless you're on a setting that is already maxed out.

    7 is actually not that bad, I've had 12-17v before my DIY grounding probe, and with some older equipment.
    I've had Maxijets PH's with the fan/prop on them go out and trip my GFCI- with a grounding probe.

    There has been lots of thread/debates on this-grounding probes, from everyone from electricians, engineers, etc.

    Most all recommend them- I know I do
     
    Todd_Sails, Apr 10, 2015
    Todd_Sails, Apr 10, 2015
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  8. mdbostwick

    mdbostwick Vlamingii Tang

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    I had a scrape on my finger is how i could feel it. I have tested it with everything unplugged and it seems everything is putting voltage in the tank. Some things i would unplug and it would go up to 10v.
     
    mdbostwick, Apr 10, 2015
    mdbostwick, Apr 10, 2015
    #8
  9. Windy

    Windy Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    You can have mine, they are a safety hazard.
     
    Windy, Apr 10, 2015
    Windy, Apr 10, 2015
    #9
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  10. Windy

    Windy Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    How is stray voltage harmful to anything? Why worry about it?
     
    Windy, Apr 10, 2015
    Windy, Apr 10, 2015
    #10
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