Shocking (1 Viewer)

[HarryT]

I've had my skimmer (EuroReef RS100) turned off for about 2 weeks as I was needing some O'Rings and to do some cleaning. Tonight, I put it back in the sump, and it appears to be working. However, I noticed that I picked up a little shock when my wet hand touched the sump. Being more inquisitive, I stuck my hand into the water of the sump. I usually bump my head when I am startled (never felt voltage before) in the sump, but this time I banged my wrist which is already blue. I'm fine, but I figure others could laugh with me on this.

This is a first to me on feeling electricity in this hobby. I unplugged it, but what should I do next? I know ZERO about electricity. Thanks for any feedback.

 

[jdeveaux]

If you are only getting shocked when the Euroreef is power on then you need to check your pump. It sounds like it has a housing leak. A grounding probe will help prevent electrocution but you still need to fix the problem.

Sticking your hand back in the water after getting jolted once; that’s an interesting approach to diagnosing electrical shorts.

 

[txaggies07]

Be careful. Get a grounding probe.

 

[HarryT]

If you are only getting shocked when the Euroreef is power on then you need to check your pump. It sounds like it has a housing leak. A grounding probe will help prevent electrocution but you still need to fix the problem.:

I will get a grounding probe tomorrow. I have read everyone's specs and have never seen that before. Sounds good all things considered. When you say check the pump, how do you do that?

Thanks a bunch.

 

[Scott]

When you say check the pump, how do you do that?

Put the pump in a bucket of saltwater and plug it in. DON"T PUT YOUR HAND IN THERE. Put the red lead of a tester in the water and touch the black lead to a ground. If you get a reading then you know there is a leak in the pump housing. If that's the problem then call EuroReef and see if they will send a replacement, otherwise you just buy a new pump.

 

[MarkieB]

Are these sump outlets GFI protected?
Seems that much of a jolt should have tripped the GFI.