Grouding probe shocks me

Cory · Mar 4, 2020

When my ground probe is plugged into the metal powerbar, i get a shock. Not plugged in no shock. Is the power bar making false contact? At one time saltwater got on it. Ive been using it for a months since.

KrisReef · Mar 4, 2020

Sounds like the ground is working well and when you touch the probe the current is going through you to ground (the shorter distance. )

Something plugged into the powerbar is leaking current that is going to ground. I think you need to figure out what that is. Could be the bar itself like you mentioned, or something attached to it that is carrying current. BE SAFE!

Dr. Dendrostein · Mar 4, 2020

Cory said:
When my ground probe is plugged into the metal powerbar, i get a shock. Not plugged in no shock. Is the power bar making false contact? At one time saltwater got on it. Ive been using it for a months since.

Your outlet maybe be wired reverse polarity

vetteguy53081 · Mar 4, 2020

Agree with Dr. Dendro on reverse polarity

John08007 · Mar 4, 2020

Dr. Dendrostein said:
Your outlet maybe be wired reverse polarity

Even reverse polarity wouldnt cause a shock. The probe is attached to the ground, not the neutral wire.

Dr. Dendrostein · Mar 4, 2020

Salt in water acts like resistance for electricity from hot wire to neutral. Maybe why circuit breaker hasn't tripped. Also, I bet no GFIC being utilize.

Dr. Dendrostein · Mar 4, 2020

Need to do process of elimination. Unplug 1 cord at a time and see what happens

Dr. Dendrostein · Mar 4, 2020

John08007 said:
Even reverse polarity wouldnt cause a shock. The probe is attached to the ground, not the neutral wire.

Very true, I once had a submersible pump and that was shocking me

Dr. Dendrostein · Mar 4, 2020

John08007 said:
Even reverse polarity wouldnt cause a shock. The probe is attached to the ground, not the neutral wire.

Also certain houses before it was mandatory to have a ground wire or have everything grounded only had neutral and Hotwire going through out each outlet

Dr. Dendrostein · Mar 4, 2020

He may have an outlet that looks like he has a ground, three prong outlet, but in reality his house is wired without any grounds

MTBake · Mar 4, 2020

Agree with @Dr. Dendrostein

Make sure the outlet is actually grounded. Might not be if it's an older house.

Need to test each piece of equipment to see which is failing. Highly recommend a multimeter here so you are not the guinea pig.

Use a gfci so you dont get a bad shock.

@Brew12 has been my go to with electrical issues. Maybe he can chime in.

Dr. Dendrostein · Mar 4, 2020

MTBake said:
Agree with @Dr. Dendrostein

Make sure the outlet is actually grounded. Might not be if it's an older house.

Need to test each piece of equipment to see which is failing. Highly recommend a multimeter here so you are not the guinea pig.

Use a gfci so you dont get a bad shock.

@Brew12 has been my go to with electrical issues. Maybe he can chime in.

Also, there are strip outlets with GFI built-in

MTBake · Mar 4, 2020

Dr. Dendrostein said:
Also, there are strip outlets with GFI built-in

I use this when in a pinch. Got it from Home Depot but I would guess most big box stores would carry something like it.

Edit;
Wow that's a bad pic, lol.

Brew12 · Mar 4, 2020

MTBake said:
Agree with @Dr. Dendrostein

Make sure the outlet is actually grounded. Might not be if it's an older house.

Need to test each piece of equipment to see which is failing. Highly recommend a multimeter here so you are not the guinea pig.

Use a gfci so you dont get a bad shock.

@Brew12 has been my go to with electrical issues. Maybe he can chime in.

Thanks for the invite!

Cory said:
When my ground probe is plugged into the metal powerbar, i get a shock. Not plugged in no shock. Is the power bar making false contact? At one time saltwater got on it. Ive been using it for a months since.

Can you clarify something for me? What is it you are touching that is giving you a shock when the ground probe is plugged in?

Brew12 · Mar 4, 2020

MTBake said:
I use this when in a pinch. Got it from Home Depot but I would guess most big box stores would carry something like it.

Edit;
Wow that's a bad pic, lol.

I keep something similar in a cabinet next to my tank. Very useful.

Cory · Mar 4, 2020

Brew12 said:
Thanks for the invite!

Can you clarify something for me? What is it you are touching that is giving you a shock when the ground probe is plugged in?

Wet socks on concrete basement lol. Maybe i should pick up a new power bar?