Stray volts?

Flytekk · Jan 23, 2012

Hey i want to check for stray voltage in my tank. Many have suggested using a multi meter to check. I have this one....

http://www.rapidled.com/servlet/the-...timeter/Detail

Where should i plug in the red and black cables as i have 3 options. And then where do i set the knob to? Lastly what am i looking for? Anything above 0?

mrvoodoo · Jan 23, 2012

Black is Common (bottom) - Red is for voltage reading (top) ... if you were checking ohms you would put it in the bottom.

I can't really read the dial, but you're looking for VAC for AC voltage... stick the red in the water and the black on a grounded piece of metal - that'll tell you whether or not you have any voltage differential between the water and the ground

(someone can correct me if wrong on how to look for it... I've never tested voltage in water before.. only on terminal blocks)

aznnutty · Jan 24, 2012

If you have a small cut on your finger, you feel a stinging sensation for sure. They have titanium grounding probes

Dozerman · Jan 24, 2012

IMO a grounding probe is the single most important piece of equipment in any tank. When you think about it you're adding electrical equipment to water, then putting your hands in that water. Ever since I got one heck of a jolt from a broken heater I always run a grounding probe.

aznnutty · Jan 25, 2012

yeah. i agree but it's also good once in a while to test the water with out the probe to make sure a powerhead or pump isnt going bad completely. if there's an electric leak into a tank then theres most likely a broken seal somewhere that may cause other things to leech into the tank.