Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

At 06:37 AM 12/13/2005 Tuesday, you wrote:

> If you look at the
> directions for most (can't say all) tank heaters they tell you NOT to use
> an extension cord.  I have had a problem that no electrician has
> been able to solve.  I have a very small current in tanks, metal or
> plastic, even with brand new heaters, enough to cause a shock like static
> electricity.  The voltage is maybe 2-4 volts, supposedly below the
> 10 volts that should cause a shock to livestock.  Well I have found
> that the dogs get shocked, horses get it too.......a real pain.  And
> these are brand new heaters from outlets that are dedicated soley to
> powering the tanks.  No other things on that circuit.  If you
> stick your hand in you don't get a shock, but find a small cut and slowly
> lower the cut over the surface of the water & you get a very
> uncomfortable buzz.  Theory is some stray current from some unknown
> source by 2 electricians $50 a pop thank you very much. I started using
> heated muck tubs that are 150 Watts (I think) as opposed to the 500 watt
> tank heaters and its been okay.  I keep two 85 gallon tanks inside
> my workshop with the tank heaters so that I have a ready supply of
> unfrozen water to put out fresh buckets twice daily.  Its been a
> pain but its been okay.  I nyears past I put large tanks out in the
> field with an extension cord & had no problem...........now its a
> problem even w/out an extension cord, grumble! 
>
> Jon 


Hello Jon,
Have you tried putting bare copper wire into the water and then attaching
it to a ground rod driven next to the tank?
Don Huston