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#11
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Finding electrolysis at the dock
"Chuck Baier" wrote in message om... Our marina has a problem at some slips with stray current. Some of the boats are loosing zincs at a fast rate while others are not. Looking for some help in trying to resolve this and what kind of equipment will I need. Thanks. Chuck When you figure this out, can you post it so I can do the same? I was looking at a "Corrosion Test Meter" that is made by Guest. The description in the West Marine catalog indicates that it might be just the thing for this, but it doesn't give quite enough information and the Guest website is useless. If this meter is the thing, I might consider buying one, or if you buy one I will buy it off you (or rent it from you) when you are done . Rod McInnis |
#12
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Finding electrolysis at the dock
Chuck Baier wrote:
Rodney, This is a condo marina. They will fix the problem but have no idea how to track it down. Since it directly affects my boat I will try and assist them in finding the source. That is why I posed the question. Chuck You know that, thru the AC ground lead, all boats plugged into the dock supply are connected together. If you have an aluminum prop and your neighbour, a brass one, you're making a battery together even without problem in the dock wiring. Check if the boats without problems are all equiped with a brass prop (or marine stainless) and if those who have corrosion issues don't. It's just a guess but if so, I don't think the problem is with the dock wiring. Best way to prevent that, in ANY cases, even if no apparent problems are experienced, is not to leave the shore power cord plugged while you're not aboard. If your batteries can't keep their charge during the time you're not there, then it may be time to replace them. Anyway, doing this while the marina checks its wiring should prevent any further problems. Jean Dufour Montreal, Qc |
#13
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Finding electrolysis at the dock
Chuck Baier wrote:
Rodney, This is a condo marina. They will fix the problem but have no idea how to track it down. Since it directly affects my boat I will try and assist them in finding the source. That is why I posed the question. Chuck You know that, thru the AC ground lead, all boats plugged into the dock supply are connected together. If you have an aluminum prop and your neighbour, a brass one, you're making a battery together even without problem in the dock wiring. Check if the boats without problems are all equiped with a brass prop (or marine stainless) and if those who have corrosion issues don't. It's just a guess but if so, I don't think the problem is with the dock wiring. Best way to prevent that, in ANY cases, even if no apparent problems are experienced, is not to leave the shore power cord plugged while you're not aboard. If your batteries can't keep their charge during the time you're not there, then it may be time to replace them. Anyway, doing this while the marina checks its wiring should prevent any further problems. Jean Dufour Montreal, Qc |
#14
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Finding electrolysis at the dock
On Tue, 20 Apr 2004 11:45:59 -0400, Jean Dufour
wrote: Chuck Baier wrote: Rodney, This is a condo marina. They will fix the problem but have no idea how to track it down. Since it directly affects my boat I will try and assist them in finding the source. That is why I posed the question. Chuck You know that, thru the AC ground lead, all boats plugged into the dock supply are connected together. If you have an aluminum prop and your neighbour, a brass one, you're making a battery together even without problem in the dock wiring. Check if the boats without problems are all equiped with a brass prop (or marine stainless) and if those who have corrosion issues don't. It's just a guess but if so, I don't think the problem is with the dock wiring. Best way to prevent that, in ANY cases, even if no apparent problems are experienced, is not to leave the shore power cord plugged while you're not aboard. If your batteries can't keep their charge during the time you're not there, then it may be time to replace them. Anyway, doing this while the marina checks its wiring should prevent any further problems. When we had the problem, we had no DC connection to the dock. We used a trickle charger with isolation. We never have had a DC connection, but when the ground was fixed, the zincs stopped going away. I don't think you mean "brass" propellors. Brass will self electrolize in salt water without outside help. Props are made of bronze, SS, or plastic. Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a Capsizing under chute, and having the chute rise and fill without tangling, all while Mark and Sally are still behind you |
#15
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Finding electrolysis at the dock
On Tue, 20 Apr 2004 11:45:59 -0400, Jean Dufour
wrote: Chuck Baier wrote: Rodney, This is a condo marina. They will fix the problem but have no idea how to track it down. Since it directly affects my boat I will try and assist them in finding the source. That is why I posed the question. Chuck You know that, thru the AC ground lead, all boats plugged into the dock supply are connected together. If you have an aluminum prop and your neighbour, a brass one, you're making a battery together even without problem in the dock wiring. Check if the boats without problems are all equiped with a brass prop (or marine stainless) and if those who have corrosion issues don't. It's just a guess but if so, I don't think the problem is with the dock wiring. Best way to prevent that, in ANY cases, even if no apparent problems are experienced, is not to leave the shore power cord plugged while you're not aboard. If your batteries can't keep their charge during the time you're not there, then it may be time to replace them. Anyway, doing this while the marina checks its wiring should prevent any further problems. When we had the problem, we had no DC connection to the dock. We used a trickle charger with isolation. We never have had a DC connection, but when the ground was fixed, the zincs stopped going away. I don't think you mean "brass" propellors. Brass will self electrolize in salt water without outside help. Props are made of bronze, SS, or plastic. Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a Capsizing under chute, and having the chute rise and fill without tangling, all while Mark and Sally are still behind you |
#16
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Finding electrolysis at the dock
I installed a galvanic isolator which in effect breaks the green wire
circuit for making this "battery", yet maintains the ground protection. My zincs have not eroded as much since I did this. "Jean Dufour" wrote in message You know that, thru the AC ground lead, all boats plugged into the dock supply are connected together. If you have an aluminum prop and your neighbour, a brass one, you're making a battery together even without problem in the dock wiring. Check if the boats without problems are all equiped with a brass prop (or marine stainless) and if those who have corrosion issues don't. It's just a guess but if so, I don't think the problem is with the dock wiring. Best way to prevent that, in ANY cases, even if no apparent problems are experienced, is not to leave the shore power cord plugged while you're not aboard. If your batteries can't keep their charge during the time you're not there, then it may be time to replace them. Anyway, doing this while the marina checks its wiring should prevent any further problems. Jean Dufour Montreal, Qc |
#17
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Finding electrolysis at the dock
I installed a galvanic isolator which in effect breaks the green wire
circuit for making this "battery", yet maintains the ground protection. My zincs have not eroded as much since I did this. "Jean Dufour" wrote in message You know that, thru the AC ground lead, all boats plugged into the dock supply are connected together. If you have an aluminum prop and your neighbour, a brass one, you're making a battery together even without problem in the dock wiring. Check if the boats without problems are all equiped with a brass prop (or marine stainless) and if those who have corrosion issues don't. It's just a guess but if so, I don't think the problem is with the dock wiring. Best way to prevent that, in ANY cases, even if no apparent problems are experienced, is not to leave the shore power cord plugged while you're not aboard. If your batteries can't keep their charge during the time you're not there, then it may be time to replace them. Anyway, doing this while the marina checks its wiring should prevent any further problems. Jean Dufour Montreal, Qc |
#18
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Finding electrolysis at the dock
There is an excellent article on testing for grounding problems between
shore power and boat at: http://www.yandina.com/electrolysis.htm Gene SV Sea Gypsy "Chuck Baier" wrote in message om... Our marina has a problem at some slips with stray current. Some of the boats are loosing zincs at a fast rate while others are not. Looking for some help in trying to resolve this and what kind of equipment will I need. Thanks. Chuck |
#19
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Finding electrolysis at the dock
There is an excellent article on testing for grounding problems between
shore power and boat at: http://www.yandina.com/electrolysis.htm Gene SV Sea Gypsy "Chuck Baier" wrote in message om... Our marina has a problem at some slips with stray current. Some of the boats are loosing zincs at a fast rate while others are not. Looking for some help in trying to resolve this and what kind of equipment will I need. Thanks. Chuck |
#20
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Finding electrolysis at the dock
Rodney Myrvaagnes wrote:
Chuck Baier wrote: When we had the problem, we had no DC connection to the dock. We used a trickle charger with isolation. We never have had a DC connection, but when the ground was fixed, the zincs stopped going away. Huh? DC to the dock? I presume you meant AC!? I don't think you mean "brass" propellors. Indeed, bad translation in my head! ;-) But still, unpluging the shore power line when not needed can do only good and is a quick fix while the dock issues are addressed. Jean Dufour Montreal, Qc |
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