Frequently Asked Questions
Why is electricity in fresh water dangerous?
Why is electricity in fresh water dangerous?
Electricity seeks the path of least resistance, and human and pet bodies conduct electricity with less resistance than fresh water. This is not usually the case in salt water.
What causes electric shock drowning (ESD)?
What causes electric shock drowning (ESD)?
Most electric shock drownings occur when low-level alternating current from boats, docks, or lights "escapes" into the water, shocking people in the water and paralyzing them so they can’t swim or help themselves.
How much electricity does it take to cause ESD?
How much electricity does it take to cause ESD?
10 mA of alternating current (AC) can cause muscular paralysis and create ESD risk. To put that in perspective, that’s just 1/50th of the electricity flowing through a 60-watt light bulb.
How far can electricity travel in the water?
How far can electricity travel in the water?
The exact length that electricity can travel in water varies depending on the source, structures in the water, and water clarity and sediment levels. In some test conditions, electricity has reached dangerous levels at more than 300 yards from the source.
What happens to the body when an electrical current passes through it?
What happens to the body when an electrical current passes through it?
Electrical current can cause numerous problems when it passes through a body, including:
- Muscular paralysis
- Respiratory paralysis, shutting down the lungs
- Ventricular fibrillation (a life-threatening heart rhythm that results in a rapid, inadequate heartbeat)
- Cardiac arrest (electrocution)
Are pets immune to ESD?
Are pets immune to ESD?
Animals are susceptible to ESD just like humans.
Is WaveLink Secure a safety device?
Is WaveLink Secure a safety device?
WaveLink Secureplays the same role as a smoke alarm or a CO2 detector in your home.WaveLink Securewarns you when conditions are dangerous, but it will be up to you to take action to ensure your safety.
What occurs when the WaveLink Secure system detects dangerous electricity?
What occurs when the WaveLink Secure system detects dangerous electricity?
The LED light system on theWaveLink Securehub will turn from blue to red and a siren will alert everyone in the immediate area. A signal is also sent to theWaveLink SecureApp, alerting you while you are aware from the dock.
What should I do if I'm in the water and WaveLink Secure signals dangerous conditions?
What should I do if I'm in the water and WaveLink Secure signals dangerous conditions?
Stay put and call for help from the dock. Do NOT move because the voltage source is unknown, and moving in any direction could put you at risk.
How can I help swimmers who are incapacitated when WaveLink Secure signals dangerous conditions?
How can I help swimmers who are incapacitated when WaveLink Secure signals dangerous conditions?
DO NOT JUMP IN THE WATER! First, shut down the breaker, and then use the hook to pull the swimmer in.
My dock just passed inspection; do I still need a WaveLink Secure system?
My dock just passed inspection; do I still need a WaveLink Secure system?
An inspection indicates your dock is up to code at that moment in time. Various things can cause wiring on your dock to wear out after the inspection, including wildlife, weather, dock motion, etc.
If I have a GFCI, do I still need WaveLink Secure?
If I have a GFCI, do I still need WaveLink Secure?
Yes,WaveLink Securedetects dangerous electrical conditions in the water around your dock while GFCIs protect the circuit on your dock. They serve different functions, but they work well together.