If an Electric Cable.....?

Question

If a live electric cable was thrown into the sea, would it kill every fish in that sea? If it was thrust into the Atlantic, for instance, how far would the effect of the electric reach?

Thanks for answering. I mean sort of, if you put a live wire into a bath of water, it would kill anyone in it. Why would it not have the same effect in the sea?

Answer 1

simply put it depends hw strong the current is 240v in a bath is 1 thing in the ocean u would have 2 b with in a baths distance 4 it 2 have the same effect

Answer 2

The cable would have to complete a circuit to have any effect whatsoever. The only chance of any effect is if it "earths" to, well earth... then a current will flow. This current is going to be low. The conductivity of water, even saltwater is pretty poor and curiously, it needs to be poor to have any chance of electrocuting something . The strength of the electric field around the wire depends on the voltage of the wire and the distance from the source of "earthing", say the sea bed. 250V is unlikely to cause many aquatic life much difficulty over 5m because the field is getting weak by then. However, it's quite likely the current would rather pass through the water as opposed to the animal, if the water is a better conductor. This is why you're safe in a car in a thunderstorm. The car conducts electricity better than you.

Answer 3

Electric cable on its own doesn't do anything but have you tried putting an immersion heater in the sea? This might warm up the sea one day if you leave it there for few years!!


I haven't tried it but I have no way to try it because I don't have any sea within 60 miles of where I live!

Answer 4

The sea is a massive earth/ground so no it would not kill any fish

Answer 5

not far the fuse would blow in the nearest sub station