BoatUS magazine just had an interesting article about stray voltage fields in water. Mostly focused on marinas, docks, etc. but somewhat applicable here too. Turns out that if your in the water, fresh water is more dangerous for us than saltwater as our body has lower resistance than the surrounding water and becomes the preferred current path. Doesn't take much to hit the heart's off switch.
Found the article. Very informative.
http://www.boatus.com/seaworthy/eline/esd0613.asp
WOW!
rehmbo wrote: Found the article. Very informative.
http://www.boatus.com/seaworthy/eline/esd0613.asp
MN3
rehmbo wrote: Found the article. Very informative.
http://www.boatus.com/seaworthy/eline/esd0613.asp
Yep, WOW. I'd never heard of that but it makes perfect sense. The effect is just like "telephoning" fish by electrocuting them. Makes sense that this has become a problem in recent years because docks and boats are becoming palaces with "all the comforts of home" including large amounts of A/C current.
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Damon Linkous
Couple more links about this about ESD.
http://www.electricshockdrowning.org/
I'm going to split these posts off to their own topic to help raise awareness about this issue.
Could I get a volunteer to summarize the information about this and create an article for the front page? We have a lot of members who sail in lakes and rivers where this can be an issue.
Create the article using the "Submit an Article" link here
http://thebeachcats.com/news/new/
I don't have time to do it today and would like to get it up as soon as possible.
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Damon Linkous
I know I got ~5 mA out on Sardis lake last summer when a freak thunderstorm popped up while I was in the middle of the lake, lightning popping trees on the shore. I felt a shock through tiller and raced to shore in pouring rain. Electrical shock on the water is a real issue.
Tim
Wow another good reason to sail off the beach I guess!
Dustin
Magna, UT
Prindle 18
There was something years ago either on the wire or yahoo group about this I think. Also a couple of runs of ppl getting into low hanging overhead stuff May not be a bad idea to find that stuff either as a general caution thing.
Capt Teach
About 10 years ago, I was on boat lift being lowered into lake, my brother was holding Up/Down switch. We do not know how/why but I was about chest deep in water and grabbed one of the lift cables, and immediately couldn't speak, breath, or move. One of the worst experiences I can ever remember, thank god my brother realized some thing was very wrong after about 5 seconds (seemed like eternity). All I could do was barely walk up to house and go to bed. Ruined my weekend, head ache all weekend and my chest hurt like Hell. Don't ever mess with 220 and water.
Sincerely
Will π
27fountain wrote: We do not know how/why but I was about chest deep in water and grabbed one of the lift cables, and immediately couldn't speak, breath, or move.
Being chest deep may have saved your life.
Water is a lousy conductor without salt.
Your sweat made your skin an efficient grounding plate for the current that was already in your body to go to the better ground, and not in just one place like through a foot or hand.
You have been through a reboot my friend.
Are you enjoying your second life?