Getting shocks from the binnacle when engine running

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Jun 2, 2004
3,653
Hunter 23.5 Fort Walton Yacht Club, Florida
Static Charge?

Ocaisionally my wifes car zaps me, Ive been hit pretty hard by aircraft before they are grounded and have seen guys literally knocked on their ass by helicopters. I kinda think this is more likely.
 

Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
Ocaisionally my wifes car zaps me, Ive been hit pretty hard by aircraft before they are grounded and have seen guys literally knocked on their ass by helicopters. I kinda think this is more likely.
That is electro static.
 
Sep 28, 2008
922
Canadian Sailcraft CS27 Victoria B.C.
Johnb

Dry hands measure over 1,000,000 ohms of resistance. 200,000 is about right for damp or wet hands. Interesting reading here. http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_1/chpt_3/4.html

Voltage under 30 is not considered dangerous. If you short a battery you can get a burn if you hold onto the wrench ling enough but not a shock. 12 volts is just not enough to cause a problem, if it is even noticeable. It takes more than 12 volts to overcome the resistance of the skin.

On Sailnet ity has been suggested that this is a hoax. Could be.
 

Squidd

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Sep 26, 2011
890
AMF Alcort Paceship PY26 Washburn Wi. Apostle Islands
I weld steel at 14 volts.... (yes, much higher amperage)
 

Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
My DC welder was 40 volts open circuit.
 
Jun 6, 2006
6,990
currently boatless wishing Harrington Harbor North, MD
Oh I get it you guys just don't understand how to make a human body conduct.
First things first, old farts that have dried up over the years are much harder to get to conduct than fresh pink little babies. Its the water content. So you might want to start with a spare baby you have lying around the boat if this is your first attempt.
Lick your little finger and thumb, firmly place your little finger on the negative terminal of a 12 volt battery. Lightly stroke your thumb on the positive terminal. Finger must be on the same hand and you are looking for a slight electric sensation. It is similar to placing a 9 volt battery on your tongue. You should be impressed that your body is now conducting the awesome current of upwards of .00001 amps and your nervous system can still detect it. note the compleat lack of heart stoppage or sparks.
 
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