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12/07/2016, 01:58 PM | #1 |
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testing current (amperage) in water???
I've read that using a multimeter I can test for voltage in my tank and sump. but I am also aware that voltage is only part of the equation and amperage/current is what can cause lots of damage.
can, using a multimeter, I check for the amperage in my tank. should I care? any signs, other than death, I should be aware of where there is a high risk of high voltage or current in the tank? don't want to shock the fish. haven't done any tests with the multimeter yet, but with my DIY ATO and LEDs I plan on doing these tests shortly. Scott |
12/07/2016, 02:49 PM | #2 |
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For you own protection, you do not want any stray voltage in your tank. It is only dangerous if you some how lead it to a ground, but it can happen. I periodically test mine with a voltmeter. Submerged equipment, particularly heaters can leak voltage and should be replaced if they do.
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Gary 180 gallon, 40 gallon sump, 3 250 W MH + 4 80W ATI T5's, MTC MVX 36 Skimmer, Apex controller Aquamaxx T-3 CaRx Current Tank Info: A 2 Barred Rabbitfish, Red Head Salon, Yellow/Purple, McMaster Fairy, Possum, 2 Leopard Wrasses, Kole, & Atlantic Blue Tangs, 2 Percula Clown, 3 PJ and 1 Banggai Cardinalfish , Swallowtail, Bellus and Coral Beauty Angels |
12/07/2016, 02:59 PM | #3 |
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There can't be current without voltage. If there is a voltage between your tank water and ground, there will be current as soon as a path to ground is established. With your multimeter set on amps, you could provide that path to ground, but if the voltage is significant, it would likely blow a fuse in your multimeter or throw a circuit breaker.
The bottom line is, if there is voltage between your tank water and ground, you need to fix that problem before something very bad happens. If there is no voltage, there cannot be any current. All electrical equipment in and around your aquarium should be plugged in to a GFCI circuit. Then any stray voltage that finds a path to ground will interrupt the power before bad things happen. |
12/07/2016, 03:05 PM | #4 |
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thanks,
currently all equipment is plugged into a GFCI receptacle that was installed on a dedicated 15amp breaker for this sole pupose. from the receptacle I have two powerbars running all of the equipment (one powerbar for the lights, and another with individual switches for everything else). i haven't tested voltage yet, but will be doing that in the next couple of days. haven't tripped anything so I don't think it is urgent, but better safe than sorry. my biggest worry is the DIY ATO with the float switches I got from ebay. |
12/07/2016, 03:35 PM | #5 |
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How about using GFCI power bar?
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12/07/2016, 03:39 PM | #6 |
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just realized how confusing my post was.
the powerbars are plugged into a GFCI. all equipment is plugged into the powerbars. I'm not overly worried, more curious. |
12/07/2016, 03:46 PM | #7 |
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what's the option if I don't have GFCI outlet nearby?
can I use GFCI power bar and hook up my power bar to this GFCI power bar? https://www.amazon.ca/Coleman-Cable-...GFCI+power+bar |
12/07/2016, 04:45 PM | #8 | |
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Quote:
one (with relatively simple skill) can also replace any normal outlet with a GFCI outlet..
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12/07/2016, 08:54 PM | #9 | |
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Quote:
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12/07/2016, 09:00 PM | #10 |
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just get a grounding probe and be done with it.
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12/08/2016, 08:06 AM | #11 |
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12/08/2016, 08:17 AM | #12 |
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^^yup
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12/08/2016, 09:13 AM | #13 |
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^^Nope
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12/08/2016, 09:27 AM | #14 |
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Absolutely no grounding plugs without using a gfci!
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Pat Current Tank Info: 125 in-wall , 40b sump. 6 bulb T5. ASM G2 skimmer. LPS and leathers |
12/08/2016, 09:28 AM | #15 | |
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Quote:
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Pat Current Tank Info: 125 in-wall , 40b sump. 6 bulb T5. ASM G2 skimmer. LPS and leathers |
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12/08/2016, 11:20 AM | #16 |
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12/09/2016, 09:17 AM | #17 | |
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Quote:
Of course it might be difficult to determine how the circuit flows.
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Gary 180 gallon, 40 gallon sump, 3 250 W MH + 4 80W ATI T5's, MTC MVX 36 Skimmer, Apex controller Aquamaxx T-3 CaRx Current Tank Info: A 2 Barred Rabbitfish, Red Head Salon, Yellow/Purple, McMaster Fairy, Possum, 2 Leopard Wrasses, Kole, & Atlantic Blue Tangs, 2 Percula Clown, 3 PJ and 1 Banggai Cardinalfish , Swallowtail, Bellus and Coral Beauty Angels |
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12/10/2016, 04:50 PM | #18 | |
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Quote:
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12/10/2016, 10:02 PM | #19 |
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I had a problem with one of my heaters. I was physically was getting shocked. Since it was a heater it only happened when the water needed raising. So It was not constant to track it down.
I cycled through my apex and turned each item on one at a time and found it. I got a replacement of the same type heater, and it had the same problem. (No I was not using it to pry things open with it first.) In working with the company it seemed like a bad batch. They replaced them all for free. I have since switched brands of all my heaters. I just sat my voltmeter probe in the water and on a good ground. Test everything one at a time. All you need is a second or two and glance at the volt meter. Should not take too long.
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12/10/2016, 11:23 PM | #20 | |
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Quote:
Which voltmeter that you use to leave it in the water the whole time? |
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