Holy Shocking Batman (2 Viewers)

[LoJenn]

So... it's been a year since i dug in, to do a thorough sump cleaning, only to get the crap shocked out of me. And of course, I had to put hands in water filled sump several times to find where stray voltage was coming from ( as seen in dumb and dumber) Have no idea how fish and corals were able to survive as I've had hands in display without getting jolted. The source was coming from one of those fancy multiplugs which i now have no faith in. Q1 Is there a way to test for stray voltage in sump and display without getting the shit kicked out of you while testing each plug? Q2 Is there a reliable multiplug one uses without fail? I should have known the multiplug was what is named " Pyle" stands for Pile of Crap. TIA.

 

[spsick]

Usually for stray voltage to get the tank you have to have a faulty piece of equipment touching the water, like a pump or heater.

You put a new power strip and the shocking experience stopped?

 

[LoJenn]

Exactly, it's a cheapo HD power strip. Yes... still alive. Have not gotten all peripherals connected yet, they are getting a citric acid bath. So far no shocking happening with roller mat, temp control, skimmer, and 2 powerheads. Just the main sump pump to go. Thx for your immediate response. I may have 911 standing by

 

[Bschowa]

I’ve used a multimeter in the past

Test for ac as low as yours goes

Red into the tank and black goes to something grounded (ground port on an outlet should work if your outlet is grounded)

You will see a spike when you plug in the item that is leaking stray voltage.

I would not suspect that it is the power strip but instead one of the items you have not plugged back in,

 

[asifiqbal2]

Glad you are ok, just thinking through
It is possible it is Not the strip but one of the heaters. Which would spike stray voltage when it comes on based on temp of the water ?

 

[LoJenn]

Shocking discovery. After each item was individually tested, it was indeed NOT the Pyle ( of crap) but the Octo skimmer pump itself. Ill need to let nutrients go crazy till replacement pump is found, hoping roller matt keeps up. Thx all for your help and pointing me in the right direction.

 

[spsick]

Well hopefully it wasn’t…shocking!

I’ve heard of a good number of times where an Octo pump or powerhead was the culprit.