Koralia pumps leaking 50v AC!

Pat Niemeyer · 07/29/2018, 10:13 AM

I see that this may have been reported before but I just realized that each of my Koralia 1400 pumps leaks 50v AC into the aquarium. I was alerted by a tingle when I brushed against the metal light fixture while touching the water.

I realize that it is a two prong device without a real ground - is there something I am supposed to be doing to prevent this? I tried reversing the plug to see if it mattered, but I still read 50v.

Both of mine are only a couple of years old but I'm wondering if this is some kind of failure that happens over time or if they were likely doing this when they were new? Has anyone had success reporting this to Koralia?

Not planning on using them again.

ROB2005 · 07/29/2018, 10:37 AM

Are all your equipment plugged into GFCI receptacles?

alton · 07/30/2018, 11:53 AM

AC Pumps will normally show some voltage on your meter, but when a single pump shows 50 volts, throw pump in trash

mcgyvr · 07/30/2018, 05:15 PM

yep.. pump is trash.. Get a replacement immediately and do not put your hand into the tank until it has been replaced..
IMO anything over 1/3rd line voltage is a problem and indicates a faulty piece of equipment..

As stated you should also have GFCI protection for any line powered submerged equipment..

kurt_n · 08/05/2018, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pat Niemeyer

I see that this may have been reported before but I just realized that each of my Koralia 1400 pumps leaks 50v AC into the aquarium. I was alerted by a tingle when I brushed against the metal light fixture while touching the water.

As others have said, get a GFCI on that circuit. But yeah... I stopped using Koralias years ago for this very reason. Sad to hear they still haven't figured out how to properly pot a powerhead.

Pat Niemeyer · 08/05/2018, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kurt_n

As others have said, get a GFCI on that circuit. But yeah... I stopped using Koralias years ago for this very reason. Sad to hear they still haven't figured out how to properly pot a powerhead.

Thanks. I actually do have a GFCI on the circuit but I either it's faulty or I wasn't reaching the required amount of current to trip it. I plan to replace it to be safe.

doubleohwhat · 08/06/2018, 01:34 AM

How old is the GFCI and when was the last time it was tested? You'd be surprised how often the cheaper brands go bad. I've switched to these:
http://www.cooperindustries.com/cont...15-SGFH20.html

07/29/2018, 10:13 AM	#1
Pat Niemeyer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: St. Louis, MO, USA Posts: 165	Koralia pumps leaking 50v AC! I see that this may have been reported before but I just realized that each of my Koralia 1400 pumps leaks 50v AC into the aquarium. I was alerted by a tingle when I brushed against the metal light fixture while touching the water. I realize that it is a two prong device without a real ground - is there something I am supposed to be doing to prevent this? I tried reversing the plug to see if it mattered, but I still read 50v. Both of mine are only a couple of years old but I'm wondering if this is some kind of failure that happens over time or if they were likely doing this when they were new? Has anyone had success reporting this to Koralia? Not planning on using them again.

07/29/2018, 10:37 AM	#2
ROB2005 Reefing Is My Passion! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 719	Are all your equipment plugged into GFCI receptacles? __________________ If at first you don't succeed at reefing, break it down and set back up😁 Current Tank Info: 75 gallon corner overflow, 4-54W T-5 , dozen blue hermits, tiger pistol/yellow watchman goby, royal gramma, banghai and pajama cardinals

07/30/2018, 05:15 PM	#4
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	yep.. pump is trash.. Get a replacement immediately and do not put your hand into the tank until it has been replaced.. IMO anything over 1/3rd line voltage is a problem and indicates a faulty piece of equipment.. As stated you should also have GFCI protection for any line powered submerged equipment.. __________________ Who me?

07/30/2018, 11:53 AM	#3
alton Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Zuehl, Texas Posts: 4,460	AC Pumps will normally show some voltage on your meter, but when a single pump shows 50 volts, throw pump in trash

08/06/2018, 01:34 AM	#7
doubleohwhat Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 79	How old is the GFCI and when was the last time it was tested? You'd be surprised how often the cheaper brands go bad. I've switched to these: http://www.cooperindustries.com/cont...15-SGFH20.html