How do I test for stray voltage?

jmicky41 · 11/03/2011, 08:45 PM

I am curious if a stream pump of mine is leaking voltage into the tank water. How do I test for it? I picked up el cheapo multimeter from Harbor Freight today. The meter has a huge dial with about 20 selections grouped into the following sections: DCV, ACV, 1.5V, DCA, 10a, hFE, somekind of arrow with a slash on it and something that looks like a horseshoe. Most sections have several choices. I believe the suspect pump is DC, but while I am at it I'll check for ac too. Thank you.

Gorgok · 11/04/2011, 12:29 AM

Instead of a single post ill just give you the thread. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=898147

alton · 11/04/2011, 06:20 AM

The previous post is some what correct. Things that contribute to stray voltage are lamps open to the water, internal pumps, internal power heads, and that is normal. If you don't want any then use external pumps and use a glass top on your aquarium. Stray voltage has no power which means no current and therefore will not shock you, if you have stray voltage then add a grounding probe. If you are getting shocked then you have current in your tank and you must find the bad equipment and remove it. Hopefully you have your tank on several GFCI reptacles and a ground probe.

11/03/2011, 08:45 PM	#1
jmicky41 Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 891	How do I test for stray voltage? I am curious if a stream pump of mine is leaking voltage into the tank water. How do I test for it? I picked up el cheapo multimeter from Harbor Freight today. The meter has a huge dial with about 20 selections grouped into the following sections: DCV, ACV, 1.5V, DCA, 10a, hFE, somekind of arrow with a slash on it and something that looks like a horseshoe. Most sections have several choices. I believe the suspect pump is DC, but while I am at it I'll check for ac too. Thank you. __________________ The bake sale to raise money for the carwash has been cancelled - due to confusion. Current Tank Info: 125 fowlr: 280watts VHO, 75LBS of mixed rock, Deltec AP600 skimmer, wet dry, GRi 518 return pump, 15 watt Aqua UV,(2) tunze 6000 on a 7095, goldflake angel(RIP), flame angel(8 years old), mitratus butterfly, yellow tang, majestic rabbitfsih

11/04/2011, 12:29 AM	#2
Gorgok Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Cypress, Texas Posts: 1,904	Instead of a single post ill just give you the thread. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=898147 Last edited by Gorgok; 11/04/2011 at 12:36 AM. Reason: Changed my mind about my post.

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11/04/2011, 06:20 AM	#3
alton Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Zuehl, Texas Posts: 4,460	The previous post is some what correct. Things that contribute to stray voltage are lamps open to the water, internal pumps, internal power heads, and that is normal. If you don't want any then use external pumps and use a glass top on your aquarium. Stray voltage has no power which means no current and therefore will not shock you, if you have stray voltage then add a grounding probe. If you are getting shocked then you have current in your tank and you must find the bad equipment and remove it. Hopefully you have your tank on several GFCI reptacles and a ground probe.