just a word of caution

**Cardinal Tetra** · 20th Nov 2002, 19:22

I practically electrocuted myself while rescaping my tank today.
the worse thing was that my hands were wet (duh) and it touched the 'live' metal casing of the light which gave me the spark of a lifetime.
luckily, for some reason i managed to pull back quickly to prevent further serious injuries.
so for those who are meddling with your tanks, always have some precaution as your hands are sure to be wet and an accident like this could be fatal.
happy fish keeping.

**Cardinal Tetra** · 20th Nov 2002, 19:22

I practically electrocuted myself while rescaping my tank today.
the worse thing was that my hands were wet (duh) and it touched the 'live' metal casing of the light which gave me the spark of a lifetime.
luckily, for some reason i managed to pull back quickly to prevent further serious injuries.
so for those who are meddling with your tanks, always have some precaution as your hands are sure to be wet and an accident like this could be fatal.
happy fish keeping.

**Cardinal Tetra** · 20th Nov 2002, 19:22

I practically electrocuted myself while rescaping my tank today.
the worse thing was that my hands were wet (duh) and it touched the 'live' metal casing of the light which gave me the spark of a lifetime.
luckily, for some reason i managed to pull back quickly to prevent further serious injuries.
so for those who are meddling with your tanks, always have some precaution as your hands are sure to be wet and an accident like this could be fatal.
happy fish keeping.

**Cardinal Tetra** · 20th Nov 2002, 19:22

I practically electrocuted myself while rescaping my tank today.
the worse thing was that my hands were wet (duh) and it touched the 'live' metal casing of the light which gave me the spark of a lifetime.
luckily, for some reason i managed to pull back quickly to prevent further serious injuries.
so for those who are meddling with your tanks, always have some precaution as your hands are sure to be wet and an accident like this could be fatal.
happy fish keeping.

**bclee** · 20th Nov 2002, 19:42

I always believe in earthing the lighting casing. When I choose a lightset, I make sure that it comes with earthing.

Otherwise, you can earth it by changing the 2-ply wiring to a 3-ply. Connect the earth line to the metal casing.

You may know of the danger to avoid touching the casing. Your family may not.

BC

**sherchoo** · 20th Nov 2002, 21:37

Simple rule:

Any exposed electrical metal parts should be earthed. Although the reflector is metal, if it's not exposed, there is no need for earthing.

**tawauboy** · 21st Nov 2002, 00:08

earthing any exposed metal part is a good practice.
but the best practice would be switching off all electrical devices before putting you hand into the aquarium.

**hoppinghippo** · 21st Nov 2002, 00:14

but in the first place, I think it's quite dangerous that the casing itself is live! wet hands or not, will still kena if that is the case! cardinal tetra I think you should closely examine your lights connections!

**Cardinal Tetra** · 21st Nov 2002, 00:58

i have no idea why oso its 'live'. could it be that i din put a plastic cover over the light?

**hoppinghippo** · 21st Nov 2002, 02:44

*DOH*!!!!! *Slap Head*

I think its very impt to have a plastic cover between your lights and tank esp if your tank water surface is near the lights cuz the water always splashes up to reach the lights, esp when fish are feeding. this water will corrode your electrical parts over time, maybe somewhere the parts corroded and touched the casing? plus the water can of cuz short circuit connections, etc if the light really kena water. chances are when you touched the light and held it with wet hands, the water must have flowed in somehow and connected the live wires to the casing? cuz I always wet my casing holding it or changing water, but no prob so far (no earth wire). proof of water splash is evident on the plastic cover over time as water stains. pls do take precautions, don't get shocked again!! [:0] do be careful!

**juggler** · 21st Nov 2002, 10:18

For the rest, use a test-pen to check if there's any leakage in the metal casing or screws. So beware not to touch those areas or try to earth the light set.