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Getting Mild Shock From Touching Keezer!!

Discussion in 'Kegerators & Keezers' started by rivman455, Mar 12, 2012.

 

  1. #1
    rivman455

    Member

    Posted Mar 12, 2012
    Hey all,

    I build a keezer a couple months ago using an insulated plywood collar and a Ranco temp controller. I've installed (2) small computer fans to circulate air, powered by a phone charger. It's been working flawlessly, but today I was hooking up my most recently kegged batch and got a mild electrical "tingle" when I touched the metalic interior lining of the keezer. Any clue what might be causing this? I had wiped some spilled beer off the keg with sanitizer and it must have been a little wet still because I even got a little shock when hooking up the CO2 & Beer lines. It's not a strong current but I don't want to let it go un-checked.
     
  2. #2
    dbarrm

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Mar 12, 2012
    Using a meter I would check the voltage against the shell, then turn off one thing at a time until you isolate what is causing the voltage.

    Dan
     
  3. #3
    rekoob

    Well-Known Member  

    Posted Mar 12, 2012
    disconnect your fans and check it. your controller should be grounded, but your fans might not be. after that you might want to take the controller out of the ckt and then check it again.
     
  4. #4
    MaxOut

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Mar 12, 2012
    The box needs to be grounded. Check outlet and box for good earth ground.
     
  5. #5
    yjfun

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Mar 12, 2012
    Air movement from the fans can cause static electricity buildup. Probably not likely but if everything else checks out.:drunk:
     
  6. #6
    rivman455

    Member

    Posted Mar 14, 2012
    I unplugged everything and checked all the connections. Everything looked fine and when I plugged everything back in I couldn't notice any shock... maybe something was loose? Oh well... thanks for the suggestions!
     
  7. #7
    Junkster

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Mar 15, 2012
    You may want to may sure it's plugged into a GFCI outlet....
     
  8. #8
    passedpawn

    Some rando  

    Posted Mar 15, 2012
    Check the outlet with an outlet test thingy. If the metal case of your freezer is grounded (which it should be), you won't ever get shocked. Sounds like an open ground.
     
  9. #9
    yjfun

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Mar 15, 2012
    GFCI's don't like motors with heavy startup loads like refrigeration systems. They tend to trip out in the middle of the night or when you're on vacation causing a whole lotta stink. Or in this case a whole lot of warm beer.
     
  10. #10
    Junkster

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Mar 15, 2012
    Really? My keezer's been plugged into a GFCI for 10 years w/no problems - draws around 5amps.
     
  11. #11
    Hugh_Jass

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Mar 15, 2012
    :off: where in nco are you? mansfield here

    Carry on
     
  12. #12
    passedpawn

    Some rando  

    Posted Mar 15, 2012
    My freezer has tripped mine a few times. yfun is right though, big motors and capacitive / inductive loads create a difference in the line/load current and can trip the GFCI. I had a vaccum cleaner that tripped them all the time.
     
  13. #13
    bullinachinashop

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Mar 15, 2012
    The best way to see if you have a voltage leak is to get your feet really wet and stand in a puddle on concrete. Then lick it like in the Christmas Story! You'll know for sure if you have a short!

    Please don't take any of the above mentioned advice, but if you do could you please make a video for our enjoyment?
     
  14. #14
    Junkster

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Mar 15, 2012
    Port Clinton area....
     
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