Can this kill me? (or do significant damage)

[TimC]

I have this shower set up that I'm wondering if it could possibly hurt me or someone. It's a simple set up. A bucket with a small 12v pump, hose and shower head. The power is wired through a supposedly waterproof foot switch. I have my doubts about the waterproof part. I have used this several times with no problem, however, I'm thinking maybe my luck may run out. Anyone use a switch like that below? Do you use it as a foot switch or hanging on the wall? As I use it the switch sits on a shower pallet out of the stream of water and well above any puddle. It does get wet, obviously.

[tony.latham]

[TimC]

Haha. I've seen a similar video. But, does that count when I'm naked as a jaybird, soaking wet standing on wet ground and 12v at whatever amps goes through me to ground?

[tony.latham]

Haha. I've seen a similar video. But, does that count when I'm naked as a jaybird, soaking wet standing on wet ground and 12v at whatever amps goes through me to ground?

Sounds horrible.

I'd order your last meal just in case. Just in case the governor doesn't give you the last-minute reprieve. Me? If I was scheduled to ride the wire at midnight, I'd go for a double order of biscuits and gravy. No reason to eat healthy at that point, eh?

It'll send a shiver up your spine. Enjoy the ride.

Tony

[KTM_Guy]

There are better ways to do it. Best would be a pressure switch and then turn the water off, in turn the pump turns off.

Did you wirer the switch? My guess is the one leg of the zip cord (the positive) is cut and wired to a single pole single throw switch and the other leg just passes through the switch body with no cuts. So even if water got into the switch it can't complete the circuit.

I wouldn't worry about it. Any ways there isn't enough amps even if you became part of the circuit. What is the worst that could happen? You give your fellow campers a great story to tell about the naked guy running around the camp ground because he got a shock. I don't see the down side.

Todd

[TimC]

Maybe I'll find n electrical engineer to test this out. There's some reason they sell these switches for use in a wet environment...

[fishboat]

Google is your friend..there's minimal danger, however wet skin and dry skin are very different in terms of resistance. Take a 9v battery and touch both poles with your finger. Now take a 9v battery and touch both poles with your tongue. Notice any difference?

[H.A.]

Firstly, Twelve volts is too low to overcome resistance of skin.
Wet soapy skin. You might feel a tiny tingle if electrical conditions of touching are absolutely perfect.
Your biggest concern will be corrosion within if that switch is not waterproof.
If you are freaked out over it, consider using a pneumatic hot tub switch.
Those are quite handy switch. Its on-off button is simply a air bellows what connects via tiny hose to the switch. Switch itself is located in a dry protected area.

I have this shower set up that I'm wondering if it could possibly hurt me or someone. It's a simple set up. A bucket with a small 12v pump, hose and shower head. The power is wired through a supposedly waterproof foot switch. I have my doubts about the waterproof part. I have used this several times with no problem, however, I'm thinking maybe my luck may run out. Anyone use a switch like that below? Do you use it as a foot switch or hanging on the wall? As I use it the switch sits on a shower pallet out of the stream of water and well above any puddle. It does get wet, obviously.

[GTS225]

Or use a float switch for a submersible sump pump. Let it dangle down for on, and hang it upside down for off.

Roger

[TimC]

Or use a float switch for a submersible sump pump. Let it dangle down for on, and hang it upside down for off.

Roger

Brilliant!

[Staryder61]

Maybe check out the below link if concerned about 12 v, water and electrocution ::

https://www.recorbatteries.gr/en/can-a-car-battery-electrocute-you/

It's one write up about it.. There are several..

[GTS225]

Brilliant!

****************************************************

Thanks.....Every once in a while, I can still surprise folks.

Roger

[TimC]

Maybe check out the below link if concerned about 12 v, water and electrocution ::

https://www.recorbatteries.gr/en/can-a-car-battery-electrocute-you/

It's one write up about it.. There are several..

I'm still curious. None of these articles address the standing barefoot on the ground and having 12v travel through your body situation. Maybe cause it's so completely crazy no one would try it. Um, well, yup, no-one...!

Tim

[GuitarPhotog]

Maybe check out the below link if concerned about 12 v, water and electrocution ::

https://www.recorbatteries.gr/en/can-a-car-battery-electrocute-you/

It's one write up about it.. There are several..

I'm still curious. None of these articles address the standing barefoot on the ground and having 12v travel through your body situation. Maybe cause it's so completely crazy no one would try it. Um, well, yup, no-one...!

Tim

Your body resistance is still too high to allow enough current to flow to hurt you. Since the negative pole of the battery is not grounded, there isn't any current path back to the battery so even less current will flow. Standing barefoot on the wet ground and touching the + pole of the 12V battery will cause even less current to flow than by touching both battery terminals.

<Chas>

[OP827]

Maybe check out the below link if concerned about 12 v, water and electrocution ::

https://www.recorbatteries.gr/en/can-a-car-battery-electrocute-you/

It's one write up about it.. There are several..

I'm still curious. None of these articles address the standing barefoot on the ground and having 12v travel through your body situation. Maybe cause it's so completely crazy no one would try it. Um, well, yup, no-one...!

Tim

Hi TIm, so what did you end up using as a waterproof switch solution for your shower pump? I am looking for my build solution where I have dry area with a portable tub and shower and bilge pumps to be controlled by foot on the shower grate. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Oleg