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Stray voltage

Yes, stray voltage will trip a GFCI.

Most likely you have a powerhear, heater, or something else that has a power cord going into the tank, that is causing the problem.

To diagnose, uplug everything, then plug in each device and see if it creates any stray voltage. If it does, it's most likely gone bad. Keep in mind that you could have multiple problem devices.
 
How can I do it without using my arm as the testing probe? I have neuropathy and have tingles normally. I think I got a bit more today, but again, not sure and the gfci did not trip.
 

Phyl

Officer Emeritus
Officer Emeritus
I've not had stray voltage trip a GFCI and we've had it too. We always use our arm to test it. Better if you have a fresh little cut. Sad, but true.
 
I've gotten WHACKED! by a bad heater!
you can invest in a cheap volt meter grouns the black and stick the other in the water
I agree with Phyl you usually find out the hard way

I had a won bros titanium go bad even with a ground probe I got hit!

now I inspect all my submersible electrical stuff on a daily weekly, monthly basis
 
I tested. With nothing on 0. With at least one item on 3-10 volts. With power heads 30-40 volts. Should it be or is there always some leakage?
 
Anything with electricity running through it whether it is in or near the water can induce a voltage. What you dont want is for that voltage to provide a current. If your VOM has an amperage setting, run one from the water to the ground lug. If it measures anything near or above 1ma (milliamp) you have an issue at hand. I highly suggest wearing gloves and rubber soles when doing this. If you run a ground probe you need to disconnect it first.

U.S. 120vac gfi's only trip when there is a difference in current from the hot and the neutral. Not the ground.
 
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