Electrical current in swimming pool

QuickField simulation example

In this example we simulate a pool with a faulty underwater lamp that is a source of leaking electricity. The pool walls are covered with low conductivity ceramic tiles, so the only sink for the electricity is the grounded ladder. A dummy is immersed in the pool with both hands touching the ladder.

Engineering question
How to find electric current leakage in swimming pool

Engineering answer
Set up a 3D QuickField DC Conduction problem for a swimming pool environment and evaluate leakage current from computed field results.

Typical applications
swimming pool electrical systems, underwater wiring installations, leakage current environments

Download simulation files (files may be viewed using any QuickField Edition).

Problem Type
3D problem of DC conduction.

Geometry

Given
Electrical conductivity values are taken from the book by G. S. Cargill III "Electric Shock Drowning: Causes and Prevention".
Water electrical conductivity is 0.15 S/m, body electrical conductivity is 0.12 S/m
Lamp voltage is 120 V, ladder is grounded.

Task
Calculate the electric potential distribution in the water and current through the body.

Solution
We use a simplified human body model so the problem can be constructed by extrusion from the plane.
The lamp is operating at AC voltage. At 60 Hz frequency the displacement component of the electric current is negligible, so we run the analysis at DC voltage.

Results
Electric current through the thorax is 14.7 mA.
Electrical current in swimming pool

Reference
* G. S. Cargill III Electric Shock Drowning: Causes and Prevention CreateSpace Independent Publishing, ISBN: 9781545330077.

Download simulation files (files may be viewed using any QuickField Edition).