Green's Basin Electrical Current

[fltsimguy]

We were swimming in Green's Basin on Saturday the 27th and noticed an electrical current in the water. Those of us with metal in our bodies had some sore joints after, and could feel a tingling (like pins and needles) as we swam through the water. We left and went toward's Blanchard's Rock (island?) and could feel the current there, although much more faint. Did anyone else feel this? We reported it to the Marine Patrol but it was the first they heard of it.

[upthesaukee]

Many articles on swimming at or around docks that have electrical service at the dock. Very easy to get zapped with an improperly grounded system. BoatUS magazine just had an article just a month or two ago. Bottom line there was don't swim at a marina, or a dock with electrical at the dock.

If not at a dock, I would email PSNH and NHEC and let them know where you were swimming, being as specific as you can. If we all are lucky, including you and your friends, they will investigate.

Thanks for posting.

[fltsimguy]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

Many articles on swimming at or around docks that have electrical service at the dock. Very easy to get zapped with an improperly grounded system. BoatUS magazine just had an article just a month or two ago. Bottom line there was don't swim at a marina, or a dock with electrical at the dock.

If not at a dock, I would email PSNH and NHEC and let them know where you were swimming, being as specific as you can. If we all are lucky, including you and your friends, they will investigate.

Thanks for posting.

The Marine Patrol relayed the issue to PSNH so they should be aware now. Hopefully all is well by now!

[Diver1111]

ESD explained. Piece attached from Seaworthy magazine, with permission.

[fatlazyless]

Boatlifts made by Hewitt, Shoremaster, Shore Station and others all have the option to add an electric motorized, rubber wheel that engages the large 36" diameter hand-turned wheel and changes the hand powered lift to a motorized lift which is a very nice option for raising a heavy boat. These motorized rubber pulleys or wheels can be purchased, for about $600, to be powered by either 12-volts dc, or by 110-volts ac, so they get powered by either an automobile battery that sets on the dock nearby in a plastic battery box, or else a power line is run to 110-volts house current and presumably through a ground fault interrupter outlet.

If I know of a neighbor's 110-volt powered boat lift, and do not know if it is correctly grounded through a GFI outlet, then how close in feet, (for example 10-feet or 20-feet or what distance?) does one need to be to start to feel an electrical buzz? What distance when swimming nearby is a good margin for personal safety here?

What is considered to be a safe distance from a 110-volt powered boat lift, when the safety of the electrical system is unknown, and can it be tested with a voltmeter? How does one apply a voltmeter to test for leakage.....one prong on the dock.....and one prong in my hand....while standing in the water with a light bulb .. ... in my mouth....just kidding.....or what? ...........ZAP!

You know those testers like the $7.97 digital multi-tester at Walmart, that have two wire tester prongs attached to three feet of black and red wire for each prong........how exactly does it get used to test a dock for safety? I know.....if I go to Aubuchon.....I can probably get it for $14.99....but one still has to know how to use it! ..... so probably I should buy it at Walmart ....and then ask the guy at Aubuchon's about using it......that's my good plan?

[Orion]

Many camps use in-water well pumps to supply household water. These are 220V. A ground fault there could be an issue. Are there any certified electricians that have ABYC (American Boat and Yacht Council) standards (per Diver1111 supplied article below) certification around the lake?