Electricity from submersible pump

[adamsfour]

I have a lacuna 2000 (gph) that I pulled from my fish tank to service ( I replaced with spare). After cleaning I went to check if it was working which it was but noticed about 4 volts between the water and ground. It goes away when power is pulled. I assuming that’s not expected. Is there any option or is the pump unusable. The pump is about 4 years old.

 

[TheSheff]

I have a lacuna 2000 (gph) that I pulled from my fish tank to service ( I replaced with spare). After cleaning I went to check if it was working which it was but noticed about 4 volts between the water and ground. It goes away when power is pulled. I assuming that’s not expected. Is there any option or is the pump unusable. The pump is about 4 years old.

It might be best to replace the pump. Voltage leaking into the tank is never good.

 

[adamsfour]

That my thinking too. Luckily I had a spare.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I have a lacuna 2000 (gph) that I pulled from my fish tank to service ( I replaced with spare). After cleaning I went to check if it was working which it was but noticed about 4 volts between the water and ground. It goes away when power is pulled. I assuming that’s not expected. Is there any option or is the pump unusable. The pump is about 4 years old.

As a safety measure you can install a ground probe but understand its not a fix. I would buy a new pump such as Sicce or supreme assuming this is a return pump. Saltwater and electricity simply do not mix

 

[adamsfour]

I do have a ground probe but don’t feel it worth it. The spare is fine. Not happy about ditching a expensive pump buy it happens

 

[ptrusk]

Was the measured voltage AC or DC? I assume the pump is AC and you measured DC which is not from your pump leaking. Likely triboelectric effect (think rubbing your feet on a carpet) which is not uncommon. Now if the detected voltage is AC you have a problem.

 

[adamsfour]

It was AC voltage. Didn’t check DC

 

[ptrusk]

Then yes, replace pump.

 

[Freenow54]

I have a lacuna 2000 (gph) that I pulled from my fish tank to service ( I replaced with spare). After cleaning I went to check if it was working which it was but noticed about 4 volts between the water and ground. It goes away when power is pulled. I assuming that’s not expected. Is there any option or is the pump unusable. The pump is about 4 years old.

Probably the intrinsic protection is compromised. If you make a good ground with your body, it will be enough to kill you

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I often attribute this to "induced voltage" from the AC motor. 4 volts is really low, I often see > 20 VAC in ungrounded tanks with lots of pumps attached.

Is the aquarium plugged into a GFI circuit?

Jay

 

[Freenow54]

I often attribute this to "induced voltage" from the AC motor. 4 volts is really low, I often see > 20 VAC in ungrounded tanks with lots of pumps attached.

Is the aquarium plugged into a GFI circuit?

Jay

I just looked it up since my training was decades ago and cant remember. The suggestion is 40V is enough however the current is what kills you as mentioned which is .1 amp.