Shock from Tank

[StevePhx]

Was doing maintenance on tank today and got a decent shock from my tank.

Turned off each piece of equipment one by one and it was still there.

Shut off return pump so isolated display from sump where all my equipment is. Still a shock in main tank and sump.

I have no electronics in display just 4 MP40s and lights over head.

I’m lost to where it is coming from. Can voltage travel into water through the glass or through a stand?

I’m at a total loss for where this is coming from.

 

[Jon Fishman]

“Turned off” or unplugged?

 

[Beau_B]

Everything is unplugged in the sump too?

The residual water in the supply/return lines could be enough to transmit.

 

[Silent]

Yes off and unplugged are 2 very different things.

 

[ScottB]

Unplug from the wall outlet.

Then (with extension cord if needed) plug back in each component one at a time to the single outlet/extension. Set heaters to max (but make note of current setting if you don't use a controller).

 

[StevePhx]

I’ll try. I had turned off through my Apex which I assumed cut power to the device

 

[ScottB]

Hmmmm. Fair assumption and one that I too would make. Not all of my equipment runs through my energy bar though. You?

 

[Terry Mattson]

Guess you do not use s GFI plug? Dangerous not to use them.

 

[StevePhx]

The only items not through energy bar are MP40s and Kessils.

I did double check the lights have no loose connections as well.

Hmmmm. Fair assumption and one that I too would make. Not all of my equipment runs through my energy bar though. You?

 

[Silent]

Energy bars can fail also.

 

[ScottB]

The only items not through energy bar are MP40s and Kessils.

I did double check the lights have no loose connections as well.

And all cords are dry to the touch at the source end? You'll figure it out. Just tedious stuff sometimes.

 

[Silent]

If I remember correctly don't some people ground their tank with a grounding probe to prevent stray voltage or getting shocked?

 

[Jon Fishman]

If I remember correctly don't some people ground their tank with a grounding probe to prevent stray voltage or getting shocked?

Yes. I’m not one of them, but people do it.

 

[W1ngz]

Electricity is not transmitted through glass. Glass is an insulator. This has to be coming from inside the tank.

The shock may not have been enough to discharge all of the voltage potential in the system. Best solution would be a ground probe to discharge the system, and troubleshoot from there using a GFCI shop cord or plug-in device. Your fingers aren't a terribly effective testing device lol

 

[alton]

Steve do you have a grounding probe?

 

[StevePhx]

Fixed it but not exactly sure why.

I had this plugged into an outlet and had my power strip plugged into it.

I noticed the power strip said it was ungrounded so I removed the 6 way splitter and plugged power strip directly into the wall.

No more shock and power strip says it’s grounded.

Obviously I want to keep searching as I feel there is still a problem that is being covered up by power strip.

 

[StevePhx]

I don’t.

Steve do you have a grounding probe?

 

[Silent]

I don't think you find another problem. Probably just overload that thing.

 

[StevePhx]

I hope too much invested in this tank.

I don't think you find another problem. Probably just overload that thing.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

Steve,
Where in Phoenix are you? This is an easy problem to troubleshoot. I'm way over in west valley, if you're close, oi can come help.