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Finding electrolysis at the dock
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 |
Finding electrolysis at the dock
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Finding electrolysis at the dock
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Finding electrolysis at the dock
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 Rodney Myrvaagnes wrote in message . .. On 19 Apr 2004 19:48:16 -0700, (Chuck Baier) wrote: 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 I don't know what you expect to do. The marina has to fix it. We had that problem for two seasons. I got a little testing gizmo that plugs into a grounded receptacle and lights various LEDs to tell what is happening. The ground on one whole dock was open. That was over 100 boats. They did fix it, but I had to have a diver replace zincs partway threough the season once. 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 |
Finding electrolysis at the dock
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Finding electrolysis at the dock
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Finding electrolysis at the dock
Rodney Myrvaagnes wrote in message . ..
On 19 Apr 2004 19:48:16 -0700, (Chuck Baier) wrote: 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 I don't know what you expect to do. The marina has to fix it. We had that problem for two seasons. I got a little testing gizmo that plugs into a grounded receptacle and lights various LEDs to tell what is happening. The ground on one whole dock was open. That was over 100 boats. They did fix it, but I had to have a diver replace zincs partway threough the season once. 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 I normally do not keep my boat at a marina but did once for a couple weeks. I dove to unfoul my prop and felt weird in the water, found my zinc had dissappeared in less than a week. While looking at the zinc with mask and snorkel, felt "tingly", suddenly realized what was happening and got out of the water very carefully without grounding myself to anything. |
Finding electrolysis at the dock
Rodney Myrvaagnes wrote in message . ..
On 19 Apr 2004 19:48:16 -0700, (Chuck Baier) wrote: 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 I don't know what you expect to do. The marina has to fix it. We had that problem for two seasons. I got a little testing gizmo that plugs into a grounded receptacle and lights various LEDs to tell what is happening. The ground on one whole dock was open. That was over 100 boats. They did fix it, but I had to have a diver replace zincs partway threough the season once. 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 I normally do not keep my boat at a marina but did once for a couple weeks. I dove to unfoul my prop and felt weird in the water, found my zinc had dissappeared in less than a week. While looking at the zinc with mask and snorkel, felt "tingly", suddenly realized what was happening and got out of the water very carefully without grounding myself to anything. |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Finding electrolysis at the dock
"geneb321" wrote in message ... There is an excellent article on testing for grounding problems between shore power and boat at: http://www.yandina.com/electrolysis.htm I don't recommend following the instructions at that web site. Creating a potential safety hazard so that you can eliminate galvanic corrosion is not a good trade off in my book. You would also have to eliminate just about every piece of 110 volt gear (TV, ice maker, battery charger, etc.) or come up with elaborate ways of isolating them. Rod |
Finding electrolysis at the dock
"geneb321" wrote in message ... There is an excellent article on testing for grounding problems between shore power and boat at: http://www.yandina.com/electrolysis.htm I don't recommend following the instructions at that web site. Creating a potential safety hazard so that you can eliminate galvanic corrosion is not a good trade off in my book. You would also have to eliminate just about every piece of 110 volt gear (TV, ice maker, battery charger, etc.) or come up with elaborate ways of isolating them. Rod |
Finding electrolysis at the dock
Thanks for the input from everyone. One thing that is puzzling here.
Each slip is a separate home run to a meter. None of the slips are interconnected. Each is independent. If this is the case leakage from other bots on the ground shouldn't affect my zincs. We are looking for a source that is outside the AC connections. At least that is what I beleive. "geneb321" wrote in message ... 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 |
Finding electrolysis at the dock
Thanks for the input from everyone. One thing that is puzzling here.
Each slip is a separate home run to a meter. None of the slips are interconnected. Each is independent. If this is the case leakage from other bots on the ground shouldn't affect my zincs. We are looking for a source that is outside the AC connections. At least that is what I beleive. "geneb321" wrote in message ... 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 |
Finding electrolysis at the dock
It will matter... if voltage is introduced to the water (from other
boats, bad dock wiring, etc) then it will flow to the fastest way back to ground... all the grounded metal (boats, etc) around it. Chuck Baier wrote: Thanks for the input from everyone. One thing that is puzzling here. Each slip is a separate home run to a meter. None of the slips are interconnected. Each is independent. If this is the case leakage from other bots on the ground shouldn't affect my zincs. We are looking for a source that is outside the AC connections. At least that is what I beleive. "geneb321" wrote in message ... 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 .com... 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 |
Finding electrolysis at the dock
It will matter... if voltage is introduced to the water (from other
boats, bad dock wiring, etc) then it will flow to the fastest way back to ground... all the grounded metal (boats, etc) around it. Chuck Baier wrote: Thanks for the input from everyone. One thing that is puzzling here. Each slip is a separate home run to a meter. None of the slips are interconnected. Each is independent. If this is the case leakage from other bots on the ground shouldn't affect my zincs. We are looking for a source that is outside the AC connections. At least that is what I beleive. "geneb321" wrote in message ... 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 .com... 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 |
Finding electrolysis at the dock
"Rod McInnis" wrote in message ...
"geneb321" wrote in message ... There is an excellent article on testing for grounding problems between shore power and boat at: http://www.yandina.com/electrolysis.htm I don't recommend following the instructions at that web site. Creating a potential safety hazard so that you can eliminate galvanic corrosion is not a good trade off in my book. You would also have to eliminate just about every piece of 110 volt gear (TV, ice maker, battery charger, etc.) or come up with elaborate ways of isolating them. Rod I suggest that somebody develop an induction system similarto that that was to be used with electric cars. No direct electrical connection to the boat so we eliminate thjis problem. |
Finding electrolysis at the dock
"Rod McInnis" wrote in message ...
"geneb321" wrote in message ... There is an excellent article on testing for grounding problems between shore power and boat at: http://www.yandina.com/electrolysis.htm I don't recommend following the instructions at that web site. Creating a potential safety hazard so that you can eliminate galvanic corrosion is not a good trade off in my book. You would also have to eliminate just about every piece of 110 volt gear (TV, ice maker, battery charger, etc.) or come up with elaborate ways of isolating them. Rod I suggest that somebody develop an induction system similarto that that was to be used with electric cars. No direct electrical connection to the boat so we eliminate thjis problem. |
Finding electrolysis at the dock
On 21 Apr 2004 18:44:14 -0700, (Parallax)
wrote: "Rod McInnis" wrote in message ... "geneb321" wrote in message ... There is an excellent article on testing for grounding problems between shore power and boat at: http://www.yandina.com/electrolysis.htm I don't recommend following the instructions at that web site. Creating a potential safety hazard so that you can eliminate galvanic corrosion is not a good trade off in my book. You would also have to eliminate just about every piece of 110 volt gear (TV, ice maker, battery charger, etc.) or come up with elaborate ways of isolating them. Rod I suggest that somebody develop an induction system similarto that that was to be used with electric cars. No direct electrical connection to the boat so we eliminate thjis problem. There is such an induction system - called an "isolation transformer" This provides the basis for an effective safety system. Appreciable power ratings cost. A poor man's approach, which unfortunately has limited power capability is to join two similar mains transformers at their secondary windings. The thoughput is then limited to the power capability of one such secondary. Example: take two step down transformers rated 120 / 24 volts 10 amps Connect the 24 volt windings together. Result, an isolated mains output limited to 240 watts ( = 24V X 10 A) Brian W |
Finding electrolysis at the dock
On 21 Apr 2004 18:44:14 -0700, (Parallax)
wrote: "Rod McInnis" wrote in message ... "geneb321" wrote in message ... There is an excellent article on testing for grounding problems between shore power and boat at: http://www.yandina.com/electrolysis.htm I don't recommend following the instructions at that web site. Creating a potential safety hazard so that you can eliminate galvanic corrosion is not a good trade off in my book. You would also have to eliminate just about every piece of 110 volt gear (TV, ice maker, battery charger, etc.) or come up with elaborate ways of isolating them. Rod I suggest that somebody develop an induction system similarto that that was to be used with electric cars. No direct electrical connection to the boat so we eliminate thjis problem. There is such an induction system - called an "isolation transformer" This provides the basis for an effective safety system. Appreciable power ratings cost. A poor man's approach, which unfortunately has limited power capability is to join two similar mains transformers at their secondary windings. The thoughput is then limited to the power capability of one such secondary. Example: take two step down transformers rated 120 / 24 volts 10 amps Connect the 24 volt windings together. Result, an isolated mains output limited to 240 watts ( = 24V X 10 A) Brian W |
Finding electrolysis at the dock
Here's one scenario.
The shore power distribution hardware carries a live 115 volt AC line, a neutral line and a ground line. As likely as not, the ground line is connected physically to the neutral line at some closeby point. (For ALL slips) Or if not, some misguided owner may connect his neutral lead to ground return, with much the same effect. This notional ground may have several volts imposed on it by the voltage drop in the neutral return. If you carry the ground on board to a through hull, this potential can drive a current to the ACTUAL ground (below the water) Brian W On 21 Apr 2004 16:49:29 -0700, (Chuck Baier) wrote: Thanks for the input from everyone. One thing that is puzzling here. Each slip is a separate home run to a meter. None of the slips are interconnected. Each is independent. If this is the case leakage from other bots on the ground shouldn't affect my zincs. We are looking for a source that is outside the AC connections. At least that is what I beleive. "geneb321" wrote in message ... 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 |
Finding electrolysis at the dock
Here's one scenario.
The shore power distribution hardware carries a live 115 volt AC line, a neutral line and a ground line. As likely as not, the ground line is connected physically to the neutral line at some closeby point. (For ALL slips) Or if not, some misguided owner may connect his neutral lead to ground return, with much the same effect. This notional ground may have several volts imposed on it by the voltage drop in the neutral return. If you carry the ground on board to a through hull, this potential can drive a current to the ACTUAL ground (below the water) Brian W On 21 Apr 2004 16:49:29 -0700, (Chuck Baier) wrote: Thanks for the input from everyone. One thing that is puzzling here. Each slip is a separate home run to a meter. None of the slips are interconnected. Each is independent. If this is the case leakage from other bots on the ground shouldn't affect my zincs. We are looking for a source that is outside the AC connections. At least that is what I beleive. "geneb321" wrote in message ... 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 |
Finding electrolysis at the dock
On Wed, 21 Apr 2004 10:27:36 -0400, Jean Dufour
wrote: 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!? No, I meant the direct coupling of the ground wire. When we used a trickle charger it had an isolation transformer and was not grounded. Hence, no DC connection even when there was AC. Sorry that wasn't clear. 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 |
Finding electrolysis at the dock
On Wed, 21 Apr 2004 10:27:36 -0400, Jean Dufour
wrote: 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!? No, I meant the direct coupling of the ground wire. When we used a trickle charger it had an isolation transformer and was not grounded. Hence, no DC connection even when there was AC. Sorry that wasn't clear. 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 |
Finding electrolysis at the dock
OK but if stray voltage entered the ground and was causing problems
for my boat or others through the shore power connections would that not show up in my outlets on the boat. I don't have isolators as of yet. All the tests I have run on my power cord (new) and my 110 outlets show nothing out of the ordinary. Chuck Brian Whatcott wrote in message . .. Here's one scenario. The shore power distribution hardware carries a live 115 volt AC line, a neutral line and a ground line. As likely as not, the ground line is connected physically to the neutral line at some closeby point. (For ALL slips) Or if not, some misguided owner may connect his neutral lead to ground return, with much the same effect. This notional ground may have several volts imposed on it by the voltage drop in the neutral return. If you carry the ground on board to a through hull, this potential can drive a current to the ACTUAL ground (below the water) Brian W On 21 Apr 2004 16:49:29 -0700, (Chuck Baier) wrote: Thanks for the input from everyone. One thing that is puzzling here. Each slip is a separate home run to a meter. None of the slips are interconnected. Each is independent. If this is the case leakage from other bots on the ground shouldn't affect my zincs. We are looking for a source that is outside the AC connections. At least that is what I beleive. "geneb321" wrote in message ... 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 |
Finding electrolysis at the dock
OK but if stray voltage entered the ground and was causing problems
for my boat or others through the shore power connections would that not show up in my outlets on the boat. I don't have isolators as of yet. All the tests I have run on my power cord (new) and my 110 outlets show nothing out of the ordinary. Chuck Brian Whatcott wrote in message . .. Here's one scenario. The shore power distribution hardware carries a live 115 volt AC line, a neutral line and a ground line. As likely as not, the ground line is connected physically to the neutral line at some closeby point. (For ALL slips) Or if not, some misguided owner may connect his neutral lead to ground return, with much the same effect. This notional ground may have several volts imposed on it by the voltage drop in the neutral return. If you carry the ground on board to a through hull, this potential can drive a current to the ACTUAL ground (below the water) Brian W On 21 Apr 2004 16:49:29 -0700, (Chuck Baier) wrote: Thanks for the input from everyone. One thing that is puzzling here. Each slip is a separate home run to a meter. None of the slips are interconnected. Each is independent. If this is the case leakage from other bots on the ground shouldn't affect my zincs. We are looking for a source that is outside the AC connections. At least that is what I beleive. "geneb321" wrote in message ... 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 |
Finding electrolysis at the dock
How would you know if the boat power outlet grounds were floating 0.6
volts away from "real actual" ground potential? That's all it would take. Off the top: if you had a metallic anchor pathway, checking the volts between that and a power line ground might be interesting. Brian W On 22 Apr 2004 15:09:22 -0700, (Chuck Baier) wrote: OK but if stray voltage entered the ground and was causing problems for my boat or others through the shore power connections would that not show up in my outlets on the boat. I don't have isolators as of yet. All the tests I have run on my power cord (new) and my 110 outlets show nothing out of the ordinary. Chuck Brian Whatcott wrote in message . .. Here's one scenario. The shore power distribution hardware carries a live 115 volt AC line, a neutral line and a ground line. As likely as not, the ground line is connected physically to the neutral line at some closeby point. (For ALL slips) Or if not, some misguided owner may connect his neutral lead to ground return, with much the same effect. This notional ground may have several volts imposed on it by the voltage drop in the neutral return. If you carry the ground on board to a through hull, this potential can drive a current to the ACTUAL ground (below the water) Brian W On 21 Apr 2004 16:49:29 -0700, (Chuck Baier) wrote: Thanks for the input from everyone. One thing that is puzzling here. Each slip is a separate home run to a meter. None of the slips are interconnected. Each is independent. If this is the case leakage from other bots on the ground shouldn't affect my zincs. We are looking for a source that is outside the AC connections. At least that is what I beleive. "geneb321" wrote in message ... 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 |
Finding electrolysis at the dock
How would you know if the boat power outlet grounds were floating 0.6
volts away from "real actual" ground potential? That's all it would take. Off the top: if you had a metallic anchor pathway, checking the volts between that and a power line ground might be interesting. Brian W On 22 Apr 2004 15:09:22 -0700, (Chuck Baier) wrote: OK but if stray voltage entered the ground and was causing problems for my boat or others through the shore power connections would that not show up in my outlets on the boat. I don't have isolators as of yet. All the tests I have run on my power cord (new) and my 110 outlets show nothing out of the ordinary. Chuck Brian Whatcott wrote in message . .. Here's one scenario. The shore power distribution hardware carries a live 115 volt AC line, a neutral line and a ground line. As likely as not, the ground line is connected physically to the neutral line at some closeby point. (For ALL slips) Or if not, some misguided owner may connect his neutral lead to ground return, with much the same effect. This notional ground may have several volts imposed on it by the voltage drop in the neutral return. If you carry the ground on board to a through hull, this potential can drive a current to the ACTUAL ground (below the water) Brian W On 21 Apr 2004 16:49:29 -0700, (Chuck Baier) wrote: Thanks for the input from everyone. One thing that is puzzling here. Each slip is a separate home run to a meter. None of the slips are interconnected. Each is independent. If this is the case leakage from other bots on the ground shouldn't affect my zincs. We are looking for a source that is outside the AC connections. At least that is what I beleive. "geneb321" wrote in message ... 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 |
Finding electrolysis at the dock
The easiest way to check for stray voltage is to disconnect your shore
power cord and connect a milliameter between the shore power ground pin and the boats ground pin of the connector. If you get more than a few milliamps DC current you have problems. If you check the voltage between those two points it will probably be below .5 volts. But that is still enough to cause current to flow. An isolator has two back to back diodes in it and will not allow current to flow when the DC voltage difference is below around .6 volts. That effectively breaks your ground connection for the low DC current that causes the problems. Regards Gary On 22 Apr 2004 15:09:22 -0700, (Chuck Baier) wrote: OK but if stray voltage entered the ground and was causing problems for my boat or others through the shore power connections would that not show up in my outlets on the boat. I don't have isolators as of yet. All the tests I have run on my power cord (new) and my 110 outlets show nothing out of the ordinary. Chuck Brian Whatcott wrote in message . .. Here's one scenario. The shore power distribution hardware carries a live 115 volt AC line, a neutral line and a ground line. As likely as not, the ground line is connected physically to the neutral line at some closeby point. (For ALL slips) Or if not, some misguided owner may connect his neutral lead to ground return, with much the same effect. This notional ground may have several volts imposed on it by the voltage drop in the neutral return. If you carry the ground on board to a through hull, this potential can drive a current to the ACTUAL ground (below the water) Brian W On 21 Apr 2004 16:49:29 -0700, (Chuck Baier) wrote: Thanks for the input from everyone. One thing that is puzzling here. Each slip is a separate home run to a meter. None of the slips are interconnected. Each is independent. If this is the case leakage from other bots on the ground shouldn't affect my zincs. We are looking for a source that is outside the AC connections. At least that is what I beleive. "geneb321" wrote in message ... 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 |
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