Electric Shock

[balibule]

I bought myself a submersible pump. It's one of those pumps that you put in the water and has a system with an automatic switch which is a floater on a cable. When the swith floats up, the pump starts and when the switch is down, the pump automatically stops.

Anyways, the pump has no guarantee but a "two day return it to shop if it doen't work" kinda guarantee. Last night, I put the pump in a bucket full of water to test. I take the floating switch in my hand to lift it up to get the pump started. I get shocked.

Duh

Obviously, with water and electricity not mixing well I knew there was a chance of a shock so I didn't kill myself.

Should these things not be shockproof or electricity "leakproof"? If this is not normal I want to change the pump today or tomorrow. If it is normal then I will just keep it and make sure to stay away from the water when the pump is running.

[Rangi]

No that is not normal

[meerkat]

check wether your own electricity is earthed-in my experience you need to have an electrician come in and create a good earth to ground out your electrical system-particuarly for your computers...that's just the beginning-watch what plugs and switches you add to any outlet to see if you switch from 3 pin (P E G) to two pin plug - and undoing your good work...
AC power plugs and sockets - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[kiwi]

There should be no electrical leakage from a submersiable pump, they are used in a lot of applications and I can not imagine having to put a sign on every steel tank saying do not touch when pump running as you will get a electic shock

[balibule]

I went back to the shop and changed it for a regular pump. Didn't want to risk getting electrocuted again especially with my little daughter running around.