strum456
Platinum Member
I have nothing to add really, but I am looking forward to hearing more about this! Keep us posted.
Free electricity !
- Thread starter Tomtint
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dodge man
Super Star Member
Please keep us updated. Its an interesting story. I have a degree in engineering but its civil engineering and AC power and how it works baffles me.
We had the same problem here in NJ and it turned out the ground wire from the nearest transformer pole was cut where in goes down the side of the pole into the ground. It took a lot of people getting jolted and a guy with a pacemaker and a little girl in a wadding pool almost died before the power company fixed it.
Stay on it, before someone gets hurt or killed.
Stay on it, before someone gets hurt or killed.
MT Kioti
Member
I am a licensed electrician and retired electrical inspector. What you are experiencing is not unheard of and is well documented if you know where to look. This is definitely a problem with the power company, not some mis-wired water heater, phone company or cable TV. They have a problem with a high voltage conductor on one side of you (and your neighbors) and it is trying to make its way back to a transformer or substation on the other side of you. These two locations could be some distance apart - several miles or more. This situation can be very dangerous. The reason that you are able to feel the electrical current is because YOU are a better conductor than the ground. So is every other animal. Cattle are especially susceptible to currant leakage. It will effect their health, and they will avoid entering buildings where it is present.
It is very important that everyone avoid swimming or entering bodies of water. Human bodies are a better conductor than water, and since electricity will travel through you easier through you, it will. And it take an amazingly small amount of current to paralyze you. Then you drown.
Call the power company. Demand action. Power companies often do not like to admit a problem or spend the necessary resources to find it. Engage all of your neighbors as well. Make as much fuss as you can. This can be a expensive problem to find, but it is only likely to get worse until someone dies.
Look here for more information from one of the smartest people in the industry:
Mike Holt Stray Voltage Articles
It is very important that everyone avoid swimming or entering bodies of water. Human bodies are a better conductor than water, and since electricity will travel through you easier through you, it will. And it take an amazingly small amount of current to paralyze you. Then you drown.
Call the power company. Demand action. Power companies often do not like to admit a problem or spend the necessary resources to find it. Engage all of your neighbors as well. Make as much fuss as you can. This can be a expensive problem to find, but it is only likely to get worse until someone dies.
Look here for more information from one of the smartest people in the industry:
Mike Holt Stray Voltage Articles
teejk
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In addition to what you mentioned, stray voltage has been found to decrease milk production in cows where it's present! But the bigger factor is that you are describing abnormal "line-loss" that the utility's customers end up paying for. I think every state has something like a public service commision that over-sees the utilities. Maybe it's unique to my neck of the woods but there is "no love lost" in that relationship. I would start there.
John_Mc
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Can't get the link to the Mike Holt Stray voltage articles to work. Is it just me, or are others having trouble? (I've had some internet issues lately, but other sites seem to be loading OK)
bullbreaker
Elite Member
Yes Sir it happened bout 5 days ago in Miami, Fl -
Swimming Pool Safety: Electrocutions Raise Alarm Before Summer - NBC News
I was able to open the Mike Holt page, and open 6 or so pdfs listed there, just now.
Thanks for posting that link MT.... lots of good reading there :thumbsup:
Rgds, D.
fireman671
New member
Hi, I am a fire investigator and have seen similar conditions caused by a bad ground (sometimes loose, sometimes corrosion) Open neutrals can also do crazy things. You should have it looked at ASAP! It is a big fire hazard as well as possible electrocution. You probably have no or little ground protection when using appliances.