The other day I was called to a appartment that had problems with "electricity in the water". It's a 3x230V system, that means that if I measure phase to earth, I should get +/- 130V. My first thing is to measure the water tap to earth. Result=0V. I then switch on the water tap and measure water to earth. Result 130V!

After examining the situation, I realise that the drainage is in copper (old building). So I measure drainage pipe to earth and bingo =130V. What was happening was the following: There was a fault, one phase touching the drainage pipe (There was no RCD, since it's a old installation). When the tap was opened, the water jet flowed directly to the drainage and the electric current was comming from the drainage via the water flow to the tap!

Anyone had a similar situation?




[This message has been edited by Belgian (edited 10-03-2005).]