Posted 2007-05-07 5:26 PM (#60530) Subject: How to check for a short in the wiring
Veteran
Posts: 243 Location: Maine
I saw in a recent thread about a horse's sudden aversion to loading may be the result of a wire shorting out and perhaps giving the horse a shock? Could that really happen, and if so, how would one go about checking to see if that is the problem.
Checking into this for a friend who's having a problem. Nothing is wrong with my new trailer!
Posted 2007-05-08 8:55 AM (#60555 - in reply to #60530) Subject: RE: How to check for a short in the wiring
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 455 Location: Texas
I don't see how this could happen. If there was a short in one of the lighting or brake wires, the current would be grounded out by the trailer itself being grounded, not a horse or person. If, by chance, there was a short, and the trailer was not properly grounded, I don't think 12 volts would ground itself through a horse. Plus, for this all to be even possible, either the lights or brakes would not be working properly, so it should be fixed before you load and haul a horse anyway.
Posted 2007-05-08 2:56 PM (#60572 - in reply to #60530) Subject: RE: How to check for a short in the wiring
Expert
Posts: 2689
Originally written by barstow on 2007-05-07 5:26 PM
I saw in a recent thread about a horse's sudden aversion to loading may be the result of a wire shorting out and perhaps giving the horse a shock? Could that really happen, and if so, how would one go about checking to see if that is the problem.
Checking into this for a friend who's having a problem. Nothing is wrong with my new trailer!
Thanks.
HEY !
PLEASED to hear that there is nothing wrong with your new trailer (-:
Sounds like you got it home OK and are ENJOYING it.
With things like this; a) Check (the credibility of) the source.
I didn't see that thread, or if I did I probably forgot it REAL quick.
It is possible to feel 14 or 15 volts, I've experienced it when launching boats but only when standing IN water - - it is hardly a SHOCK.
A possibility is that the trailer (& truck) had generated a static charge while rolling and the horse grounded THAT. If you've ever slid off a car seat cover in dry February and got a zap off the door handle ? Yeah, THAT sort of static discharge.
So I guess for item b) Check for seasonal low humidity.
Posted 2007-05-09 5:03 AM (#60598 - in reply to #60530) Subject: RE: How to check for a short in the wiring
Veteran
Posts: 243 Location: Maine
My guess is it's not seasonal low-humidity, we are in the midst of mud season here!
The previous thread didn't go into any detail about the possibility of the trailer's wiring causing a shock. the person just mentioned that he/she had "heard' about that happening before.
In retrospect, I am willing to bet it's a behavioral problem. I just thought if it was an easy thing to check (I dunno, like using my fence tester?) that we could rule out "equipment."
Posted 2007-05-15 5:19 AM (#60778 - in reply to #60770) Subject: RE: How to check for a short in the wiring
Veteran
Posts: 243 Location: Maine
ummm, I think I will take your word on it! I don't want the neighbors to call the mental health services on me! Hey, I read the post here - I didn't make it up...
How to check for a short in the wiring
) that we could rule out "equipment." 
