0.4 volt dc on metal dock parts to water

[Fred B]

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?

 

[hillbilly1]

Lake Lanier in Georgia has several volts on the entire lake. A lot of failing underground feeds, utility and consumers.

 

[synchro]

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.

 

[Fred B]

It might be from the electrochemical potential developed between different metal parts in the water.

The lake is on the acidic side of the ph scale. How much voltage could reasonably be developed by this process.

 

[gadfly56]

The lake is on the acidic side of the ph scale. How much voltage could reasonably be developed by this process.

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

 

[paulengr]

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]

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