Patrick Reany
6 July 2024
A chat with Copilot about human deaths in water by 'stray electrical currents'.
Patrick:
Man in water near a private dock is killed by 'stray electrical current'. How does this happen?
Copilot:
Stray electrical current in water can be a silent and deadly hazard. Let me explain how it occurs:
1. Source of Current: The electricity can come from various sources, including:
- Improperly Wired Devices: Boats, pumps, or lighting that are not correctly wired.
- Grounding Issues: Improperly grounded wires.
- Stray Current in the Ground: AC current flowing through metal immersed in water that is grounded.
2. Effects on Swimmers:
- Even small AC leakage currents (often less than 100 milliamps) can flow undetected in the water.
- While insufficient to trip a 20-amp breaker, this current can paralyze a swimmer.
- Victims won't thrash or call for help; they drown silently.
3. Detection and Prevention:
- AC Leakage Clamp Meter: Tools like the Fluke model 360 AC Leakage Clamp Meter can detect small currents.
- Test Procedure:
- Use Kirchoff's current law to measure current at different points around the dock.
- Properly wired circuits should show zero current at specific positions.
4. Safety Measures:
- Signage: New codes require "No Swimming" signs near docks.
- Immediate Action: If you witness someone experiencing electric shock drowning (ESD), call 911 immediately.
- Avoid Jumping In: Resist the urge to jump in and attempt a rescue yourself [5,4].
Remember, vigilance and awareness are crucial to prevent tragedies caused by stray electrical currents in water.
Source: Conversation with Copilot, 7/6/2024
(1) How to Detect Small AC Leakage Currents in Water | Fluke. https://www.fluke.com/en-us/learn/blog/electrical/beyond-the-basics-electrical-problems-at-a-boat-dock.
(2) How to protect yourself from Electric Shock Drowning, a silent threat .... https://www.wric.com/news/virginia-news/how-to-protect-yourself-from-electric-shock-drowning-a-silent-threat-in-the-water/.
(3) Boat dock electrical current in water | Information by Electrical .... https://forums.mikeholt.com/threads/boat-dock-electrical-current-in-water.2565296/.
(4) Stray Electric Current Safety Checklist - Chubb. https://www.chubb.com/content/dam/chubb-sites/chubb-com/us-en/business-insurance/marine-insights/documents/pdf/617331-marine-facilities-tips---stray-electric-current-safety-checklist-05.16.pdf.
(5) Keeping Your Dock Safe From Electric Shock Drowning - Boat Planet. https://boatplanet.com/the-captains-blog/keeping-your-dock-safe-from-electric-shock-drowning.
(6) How to Check Stray Voltage in Aquarium: A Comprehensive Guide. https://aquariumslab.com/how-to-check-stray-voltage-in-aquarium/.
(7) Corrosion, Part 2: Stray Current | BoatTEST. https://boattest.com/article/corrosion-part-2-stray-current.
(8) What Is a Stray Current? (with picture) - AllTheScience. https://www.allthescience.org/what-is-a-stray-current.htm.
Patrick:
Where can one buy a Fluke model 360 AC Leakage Clamp Meter or equivalent?
Copilot:
You can find the Fluke 360 AC Leakage Current Clamp Meter at various online retailers. Here are a few options:
1. [TEquipment](https://www.tequipment.net/Fluke360.html): TEquipment offers the Fluke 360 for $208.52 with free shipping. This pocket-sized tester has a wide 40 mm jaw size, a 'Display-Hold' button for capturing readings in hard-to-reach places, and auto power-off to save battery life¹.
2. [Instrumart](https://www.instrumart.com/products/33449/fluke-360-ac-leakage-current-clamp-meter): Instrumart recommends the Fluke 368 FC / 369 FC Current Clamp Meters as replacements for the Fluke 360 [2].
3. [Instrumentation2000](https://www.instrumentation2000.com/fluke-360.html): They suggest checking out the Fluke 368 FC as an alternative [3].
4. [MyFlukeStore.com](https://www.myflukestore.com/p4151/fluke_360_leakage_current_clamp_meter.php): The direct replacement is the Fluke 369 FC True RMS Leakage Current Clamp Meter, featuring large diameter jaws (61 mm) for accurate capture of small leakage signals [4].
Choose the one that best suits your needs, and stay safe while working with electrical systems!
Source: Conversation with Copilot, 7/6/2024
(1) Fluke 360 AC Leakage Current Clamp Meter | TEquipment. https://www.tequipment.net/Fluke360.html.
(2) Fluke 360 AC Leakage Current Clamp Meter - Instrumart. https://www.instrumart.com/products/33449/fluke-360-ac-leakage-current-clamp-meter.
(3) Fluke 360 AC Leakage Current Clamp Meter | Instrumentation2000. https://www.instrumentation2000.com/fluke-360.html.
(4) Fluke 360 Leakage Current Clamp Meter - MyFlukeStore.com.
https://www.myflukestore.com/p4151/fluke_360_leakage_current_clamp_meter.php.
Patrick:
Are deaths or injuries by faulty electrical wiring on the increase at marinas, as the integrity of electrical connections and wire coatings degrading over time?
Copilot:
While I don't have real-time data, I can share some insights about electrical safety at marinas. Fatal electrical injuries have seen fluctuations over the years. In 2020, there were 126 electrical fatalities, a 24% decrease from 2019, marking the lowest number of fatalities since data collection began in 2003. However, nonfatal electrical injuries increased by 17% in 2020 compared to 2019 [1,2].
Marina owners can take preventive measures, including:
- Regularly inspecting electrical connections for frayed wires or damage.
- Installing GFCI receptacles and breakers near water where electrical service is needed [6].
Additionally, the 2020 and 2023 updates to Article 555 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) address ground-fault protection to mitigate electric shock drowning risks at marinas and waterfront facilities⁴. Vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines remain crucial to prevent accidents.
Source: Conversation with Copilot, 7/6/2024
(1) Workplace Fatalities and Injuries 2003 -- 2020 - Electrical Safety .... https://www.esfi.org/workplace-fatalities-and-injuries-2003-2020/.
(2) Workplace Electrical Injuries and Fatalities Data From 2003-2020. https://iaeimagazine.org/electrical-safety/workplace-electrical-injuries-and-fatalities-data-from-2003-2020/.
(3) Electrical Safety for Marinas - Merrimac. https://www.merrimacins.com/electrical-safety-for-marinas/.
(4) Amped: The Power of Safe, Compliant Marina Electrical Systems. https://www.marinadockage.com/amped-the-power-of-safe-compliant-marina-electrical-systems/.
(5) ESFI Releases Updated Workplace Electrical Fatalities and Injuries Data. https://www.esfi.org/news/esfi-releases-updated-workplace-electrical-fatalities-and-injuries-data/.
(6) Navigating Electrical Safety Through Marina Waters | NFPA. https://www.nfpa.org/news-blogs-and-articles/blogs/2022/05/23/navigating-electrical-safety-through-marina-waters.
(7) Marina Electrical Safety: MarinaGuard Preventing Electric Shock Drowning. https://www.benderinc.com/marinaguard-dock-electrical-safety/.
(8) NFPA and ESFI share boating and marina electrical safety resources. https://boatingindustry.com/news/2016/07/07/nfpa-and-esfi-share-boating-and-marina-electrical-safety-resources/.
Patrick:
I just heard a news report of a young man who was killed by a stray electrical current in the water by a private dock. I suppose there isn't much official inspection of or regulation of those areas.
Copilot:
Electric shock drowning (ESD) incidents are indeed tragic and often occur near docks, marinas, and waterfront facilities. While regulations exist, enforcement and awareness can vary. Here are some key points:
1. Fatal Electrical Injuries:
- In 2020, there were 126 electrical fatalities in the United States, marking the lowest number since data collection began in 2003.
- These fatalities can occur at private residences, industrial places, streets, highways, and public buildings.
- Age Distribution: Most fatalities occurred in workers aged 20-34 [1].
2. Marina Safety Measures:
- Inspections: Marina owners should regularly inspect electrical connections for frayed wires or damage.
- GFCI Receptacles: Installing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacles and breakers near water helps prevent accidents [6].
3. Recent Code Updates:
- Article 555 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) addresses ground-fault protection to mitigate ESD risks at marinas.
- The code was updated in 2020 and 2023 to enhance safety in marina electrical systems⁴.
Vigilance, education, and adherence to safety guidelines are crucial to prevent tragedies caused by stray electrical currents in water.
Source: Conversation with Copilot, 7/6/2024
(1) Workplace Fatalities and Injuries 2003 -- 2020 - Electrical Safety .... https://www.esfi.org/workplace-fatalities-and-injuries-2003-2020/.
(2) Electrical Safety for Marinas - Merrimac. https://www.merrimacins.com/electrical-safety-for-marinas/.
(3) Amped: The Power of Safe, Compliant Marina Electrical Systems. https://www.marinadockage.com/amped-the-power-of-safe-compliant-marina-electrical-systems/.
(4) Workplace Electrical Injuries and Fatalities Data From 2003-2020. https://iaeimagazine.org/electrical-safety/workplace-electrical-injuries-and-fatalities-data-from-2003-2020/.
(5) ESFI Releases Updated Workplace Electrical Fatalities and Injuries Data. https://www.esfi.org/news/esfi-releases-updated-workplace-electrical-fatalities-and-injuries-data/.
(6) Navigating Electrical Safety Through Marina Waters | NFPA. https://www.nfpa.org/news-blogs-and-articles/blogs/2022/05/23/navigating-electrical-safety-through-marina-waters.
(7) Marina Electrical Safety: MarinaGuard Preventing Electric Shock Drowning. https://www.benderinc.com/marinaguard-dock-electrical-safety/.
(8) NFPA and ESFI share boating and marina electrical safety resources. https://boatingindustry.com/news/2016/07/07/nfpa-and-esfi-share-boating-and-marina-electrical-safety-resources/.
Patrick:
About a third of the people who left comments about a man being killed by a stray electrical current in the water by a private dock were clearly either in scathing denuncination of the report or at least skeptical in concern that such a thing is even possible. I think their biggest problem with the report was the use of the word "stray," as if the source of the current is either left as mysterious or unnatural.
Copilot:
It's understandable that the term "stray electrical current" might raise eyebrows and skepticism. Let's delve into this:
1. Misunderstanding of "Stray":
- The word "stray" can indeed sound mysterious or vague.
- In this context, it refers to unintended or unexpected electrical currents.
- These currents may not follow the intended path and can pose risks.
2. Natural Sources:
- Stray currents can come from various sources:
- Faulty Wiring: Damaged insulation, corroded wires, or improper grounding.
- Adjacent Systems: Nearby boats, docks, or underwater metal structures.
- Galvanic Corrosion: Dissimilar metals in contact with water.
- Electrolysis: Chemical reactions in water causing current flow.
3. Safety Awareness:
- Educating the public about these risks is crucial.
- While the term "stray" might sound mysterious, it highlights the need for vigilance around water and electrical systems.
Remember, safety precautions and awareness can prevent tragedies caused by unexpected electrical currents.