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Thread: Electric current running thru sump

  1. #1

    Default Electric current running thru sump

    Okay, so We were getting ready to move some rock around but when we put our hands in the sump we keep getting shocked. Theres no electric current in the main tank so far only in the sump. The only thing plugged in going into the sump is the main pump and a reef keeper temperature and ph gage. Any one have idea's on what to do?

  2. #2

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    You can buy a grounding probe. The easier one actually plugs into a 3 prong outlet and absorbs stray voltage, which is probably coming from the pump. HTH
    http://www.millan.net/minimations/sm...riumsmile1.gif - Mike and Kristy -


    "You're gonna need a bigger boat." Brody (Jaws)



  3. #3

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    Hi Mike,
    How are you guys? Thanks for the advice does that usually occur?

  4. #4

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    use a volt meter and unplug everything and plug them in one at a time

  5. #5

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    What JT said plus;

    Replace the pump and if possible buy one that has a grounding prong. Remember when working around water it is better to have everything plugged into a GFCI if possible. As far as a grounding probe, make sure you have a good service ground before using one, if not your service will use your sump as one. And one last thing a GFCI will not trip unless it has a grounding path, so a grounding probe is required in most cases.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    02-10-2009
    Location
    San Antonio, Bulverde Village
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    8,057

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    I may be out on a branch here, but if you've got current in the sump, chances are you have it in the main tank as well. Electricity is very fast. At any point where there's a path, it will travel. Because of that you've got a connection between your tank and sump if the water is indeed coming from the DT.

    You're probably not grounded, or a path to ground, when you're in the DT. Whatever that connection is between crouching and working with the sump vice standing (perhaps on a stool?) to deal with the DT... if you've got it in one place, you've got it in the other.
    Reefing 210
    Multi-Genera

  7. #7
    Join Date
    05-19-2010
    Location
    Bandera and Eckhert
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    4,645

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    make sure nobodys touching you when you put your hand in the water

    Must use ground plug. safety first.

    Im a big fan of external pumps.
    Last edited by BBQHILLBILLY; Tue, 17th Jan 2012 at 12:22 PM.
    happy reefing
    Lets ride

  8. #8
    Join Date
    07-21-2005
    Location
    281N of 1604, San Antonio, TX
    Posts
    5,844

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    If you have a large number of in-tank/sump pumps, they put out a bit of current. When you have enough of them, you will get shocked. Not badly, but it does get your attention.
    Bill

    215g FOWLR... and anemones, GSP, gorgonians... carp, that isn't FO!

    "I killed my first SW Fish in 1971..."

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