How to check stray voltage using multimeter?

[Sunny]

So I decided to invest in a multimeter to regularly check for stray voltage in the tank.

I am setting the dial to 200 and then checking by inserting the black wire in the grounded outlet and the red one in the water.

The reading I am getting is 3.6.

Is this the correct way to test? At least this is what I found online.

Is 3.6 a problem?

P.S - I do not have a grounding probe installed.

Thanks

Sunny

 

[Sunny]

Anyone?

 

[9supratt4]

Sunny....I usually just stick a finger that has a cut in the tank

 

[TanksNStuff]

Sunny....I usually just stick a finger that has a cut in the tank

That's shocking! :nervous

 

[The_Codfather]

Sunny, As Stave stated If you are not using a grounding probe just putting a finger in the water will tell you

 

[TanksNStuff]

All joking aside, I think Sunny is trying to determine the amount of voltage in the water... not if there is voltage in the water.

 

[The_Codfather]

He did say "stray voltage"

 

[Sunny]

Ok here we go again. I want to measure voltage and not current. if you are getting shocked with a cut finger, there is current in the tank. I need to find voltage. Voltage does not shock you . I want to know

1. If the method I am using is correct or not.
2. Is 3.6 too much? I know the PH can induce that much due to magnetic filed. Just trying to see what others think.

Sunny

 

[redfishbluefish]

Sunny, I believe you are doing this correctly. If it is a “set-able” voltage multimeter, set it to measure AC voltage and a range of 120 volts (or less). Stick one of the metal portions of a probe into your tank….doesn’t matter if it’s the red or black because we’re measuring alternating current. Stick the other probe on a good ground. I usually use the little screw on a plug plate, but you could also use the ground socket in an outlet. That’s it.

As far as 3.6 volts, that should be just fine. A good portion of that, if not all of it, could be coming from all the spinning things within a magnetic field that are in your tank.

 

[Sunny]

Thanks Paul, I was waiting for you to chime in . It is a "settable" meter, but I set to 200 (there is no 120v) setting