'89 Cat But new to me!! Feeling current in the anchor chain. In 2 different locations of water. Only when outboard ( 6hp Johnson Sailmaster "91) is running. No A/C power aboard. No DC ground. Has charging system from motor that switches the neg. side. Could the constant Hot to motor be the culprit? My 1st thought was a grounding issue but researched older post that stated a ground is not needed, I'm so confused!!!
Shocking
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Ross - Shocking!
After a little research I discovered that the body is really a very good conductor but the skin is a good insulator.
I had inadvertently used seawater to enhance the connection via my thumbs and, by pressing very hard I had made better than the usual contact with the inner me.
Further research indicated that if the skin had been broken or a sharp edge had punctured it then the shock could have been lethal. Being DC there there would not have been the reaction which often throws people off an AC source.
I always thought one could not get a shock from 12 volts DC - until I tried to pick up a house battery when I had salty wet hands. I lifted the battery with a mighty grab. One thumb went hard down on to each terminal and instantly I got quite a shock. I put the battery down very quickly - puzzled and in disbelief.
After a little research I discovered that the body is really a very good conductor but the skin is a good insulator.
I had inadvertently used seawater to enhance the connection via my thumbs and, by pressing very hard I had made better than the usual contact with the inner me.
Further research indicated that if the skin had been broken or a sharp edge had punctured it then the shock could have been lethal. Being DC there there would not have been the reaction which often throws people off an AC source.
Yes Martha, you can feel 12 volts
Especially when you are well grounded and there is salt water around.
With that said, If you have an outboard that has a body ground on the motor then the bottom half is your ground to seawater. If there is water on deck connecting you to the ship ground through, say the shrouds or mast then you have a circuit.
Try lifting running a jumper cable to the motor chassis to the battery neg terminal and see if you still get a current.
Or
don't run the engine at anchor.
Especially when you are well grounded and there is salt water around.
With that said, If you have an outboard that has a body ground on the motor then the bottom half is your ground to seawater. If there is water on deck connecting you to the ship ground through, say the shrouds or mast then you have a circuit.
Try lifting running a jumper cable to the motor chassis to the battery neg terminal and see if you still get a current.
Or
don't run the engine at anchor.
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