Electrical question, again..

[bct15]

I have a new electrical question. I have noticed that all two prong electrical devices are adding 15-20 volts to my system while all three prong devices are adding 0-3 v to my system. These Voltages are with only the device plugged in and nothing else. I understand every device will induce a voltage, but why is the two prong devices do much higher? Is that a normal induce voltage for electrical devices? I noticed two quiet one pumps, a small rio pump, a maxijet and a hydor pump all are doing it. Is something with my house, all the devices bad, or normal?

 

[aslmx]

The 3rd prong is the ground. If you have a ground probe it should read 0. If it doesn't then something is wrong with the ground at your outlet.

 

[bct15]

What i'm asking is, is it normal for the two prong pieces of equipment to induce such a larger voltage than the three prong equipment? Ground probe does drop it to zero, or like 0.2-0.5...but that isn't eliminating it, it's giving it a path through the tank.

 

[cee]

With a ground conductor on the plug, the ground is brought to the load side of the circuit (the pump in your case). This minimizes the induced voltage in the tank as it provides a path to ground for the leakage currents that doesn't necessarily involve the tank. This is what reduces the induced voltage in your tank. It is somewhat complicated to explain without knowledge of electrical circuits but I did the best I could to summarize it for you.

 

[bct15]

I have a basic knowledge of circuits, know more about small circuits for control systems and microprocessors than 110v. I know it's similar concepts but my brain still doesn't relate the two very well for some reason. What you said is what I was thinking, but was not positive.