stock tank deicers

[angus9259]

I use a standard cast aluminum submersible tank deicer in my auto waterers. Seems like they only last a year before the cattle start getting some stray voltage through them. Am I doing something wrong or is that normal?

 

[Son of Butch]

Stray voltage is a bear, it must be pretty bad for you to have noticed. I've never noticed a problem using a submersible tank heater.
Maybe I'm just not observant enough. Guess I would switch to a different brand. Since it's not used year round do you mean you have a problem the last month of the 1st year of use? or the next winter when you take it out of storage?

 

[angus9259]

I can't feel the voltage at all. I notice the cows standing around the waterer hovering above it but not drinking until i unplug the heater then then go at it like they haven't drunk in a month. It can happen any time - just out of storage or end of season. I have a bad one now and can't find a replacement at all the local farm stores - sold out.

 

[dun]

Try plugging it in throwugh one of thr GFI adapter deals. That should tell you when one goes bad.

 

[nobull82]

Might sound stupid but is everything grounded? Are you the cords in good ccondition? I've used the same one for 3yrs hooked to a 100' 10ga drop cord in a 300gal plastic tank though. GFI is a good thing as well.