0.4 volt dc on metal dock parts to water

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Fred B

Senior Member
Location
Upstate, NY
Occupation
Electrician
Any ideas on this, I've got a customer that has 0.4vdc on the metal parts to water no ac on deck. Could it be from a boat moored to it?
 

synchro

Senior Member
Location
Chicago, IL
Occupation
EE
Any ideas on this, I've got a customer that has 0.4vdc on the metal parts to water no ac on deck. Could it be from a boat moored to it?
It might be from the electrochemical potential developed between different metal parts in the water.
 

paulengr

Senior Member
The classic "lemon" battery can develop 0.875 volts DC.

Depends on the metals. Google galvanic series. The water doesn’t matter...it’s just a conductor.

Also look at a Kelvin drop generator. Water itself can develop significant charge.
 

roger

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Fl
Occupation
Retired Electrician
It might be from the electrochemical potential developed between different metal parts in the water.
Agreed and is the reason for sacrificial anodes on boats and outboard engines.

Roger
 
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