Electrical current in water heater w/ breaker off

[Joffles]

So I’m not sure if this is really an issue or just an oddity, but when draining tank and replacing anode with the breaker off, there was a very small amount of current in the water that my hands touched near the tank. Felt like a few volts. When I unplugged the main power, it went away. Thought maybe the grounding for the igniter on the gas side of the tank maybe was active but not sure.

 

[BB_TX]

I am wondering if you have good ground from the park power outlet to your trailer. Or if that outlet is wired correctly. Do you have one of the little plug in outlet testers you can plug into one of your trailer outlets to check correct wiring?

 

[Joffles]

Ahhh. That’s probably what it is. The ground post on the extension cord I was using has been loose before. Running off 120 on a 20 amp breaker right now for testing and repairs. Haven’t taken her out for maiden voyage yet.

 

[JeffB-FRF]

What model and year?
What kind of power hookup?

 

[Joffles]

2007 319bhd.
Running down to 110 In my shop On a 20 amp breaker so not optimal to say the least.
Pretty sure it’s the cable ground that is faulty.

 

[Rondo]

Jeff, definitely check your ground on both the outlet and the cord you are using because I'm sure the ground wire is either look or non-existent.

 

[jcurtis934]

Since it is a used trailer, you might want to check the second ground wire on the side of the water heater...if you can get to the water heater via a passthrough.

 

[Joffles]

Ok thank you. Everything I can see looked good except the wires on the backside of the switch. Replacing that now and requiring with a bit better waterproofing.