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Posted by pausto on May 10, 2005, 7:52 pm
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Remember, in order for a GFCI to trip, any current that leaks
from one of the plugged in devices, has to be able to flow to
ground. This could be through the body of a grounded person
reaching into the tank, or through a ground probe installed in
the tank.
Once the GFCI is installed, any worrisome components should
readily show themselves. However, timing the installation for a
weekend, so you can keep half a vigilant eye on the system,
wouldn't be a bad idea.
Good luck. Let us know what you find.
Paul
R J wrote:
>
> Well, I didn't get the GFI in this weekend ! Mother's day and other things.
> I would be curious if any of the group tried the same measurments with a
> digial meter.
>
> The place I grabbed the ground was at the INPUT to my main water meter. (
> this should be connected directly undergound to the street feed. I don't
> think I have a better place to connect it. No 8 foot ground stakes.
>
> I'll post my results when I get the GFCI installed. I agree with George that
> if a small amount of current was flowing to ground the GFCI would probably
> trip. Yes I could have the high voltage because of a sensitive Digital VOM -
> it's a FLUKE 12. I'll see if I can borrow a cheap analog and try the
> measurements Before I put in the GFCI.
> Russ
>
> > "Russ J." wrote:
> >>
> >> I didn't realize my question would spark such a controversy!
> >>
> >> Here is an update.:
> >> My tank ( 75 gallon FO) is quite near the water meter into the house. I
> >> have
> >> a Fluke Digital VOM used for work. Model 12 -- pretty good unit. I
> >> measured
> >> the AC voltage from the copper inlet pipe to the tank water -- by
> >> sticking
> >> the probe into the water. Was I surprised. I measured 48 VOLTS AC !!!! I
> >> then began unplugging equipment. First the heater. - dropped 6 volts to
> >> 42
> >> VAC. Next the UV - Dropped 2 more volts. Then the Empereor 400 dropped
> >> another 2 volts. Then the Flouresent lamp dropped 2 more volts. Then the
> >> Eheim filter -- another 2 volts. Then the skimmer another 2 volts. When
> >> EVERYTHING was unplugged - I still had a reading of 32 Volts AC. I put
> >> the
> >> ground probe in the water attached to the water line. Voltage went to
> >> .009
> >> Volts AC. I watched the fish to see if proximity to the probe changed
> >> their
> >> behavior - Nope. I reconnected everyhing and the voltage went to .011
> >> VAC.
> >> That's an increase of only 2 millivolts. I'm going to keep the ground
> >> probe
> >> in the tank and see if the LLE on the Tang begins to reverse. I'll post
> >> my
> >> results.
> >> ( I'll also be very careful not to drop anything in the water !)
> >>
> >> Russ
> >
> > Digital meters are notorious for detecting stray voltages that
> > have no appreciable current flow producing ability. Try
> > re-reading with a cheep analog meter (I keep one taped to the
> > back of my Fluke :)
> >
> > Paul
> >
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> I'll see if I can borrow a cheap analog and try the
> measurements Before I put in the GFCI.