Type-VI-A Electrosher

USER'S GUIDE

#07299.08

Contents
Introduction to the Type VI-A ...................... 1 Receipt of shipment ..................................... 1 Type VI-A Combo ........................................ 1 Control panel ............................................... 2 Connections ................................................ 3 Operating Procedures ................................. 3 Set-Up Procedure ........................................ 3 Electroshing Procedure ............................. 4 Generator Speed ......................................... 4 Trouble Shooting ......................................... 4 Overload Protection ..................................... 4 Thermal Protection ...................................... 4 General Maintenance .................................. 4 Specications .............................................. 5 Electroshing Safety .................................... 7 Preventing Electrical Shock ......................... 8 Planning For Safety ..................................... 8 Backpack Safety .......................................... 9 Boat Safety .................................................. 9 Do's & Don'ts .............................................. 9 Introduction to Electroshing ..................... 10 Types of Current .........................................11 Electrode Design ....................................... 13 Field Techniques........................................ 17 Electroshing Reference & Training Materials ...................................... 18

Items manufactured by companies other than Smith-Root carry the original manufactures warranty. Please contact product manufacturer for return instructions.
All Smith-Root, Inc. manufactured products are covered by a one year warranty.

Prices are subject to change without notice. SRI reserves the right to make changes of products at anytime without notice.
Smith-Root, Inc. Electrical Field Fish Barrier systems are protected by patent. Ideas, arrangements, drawings, and specications are the sole property of SmithRoot, Inc. and are intended for this specic catalog and shall not be used for any other purpose, without written consent of Smith-Root, Inc. U.S. - 4,750,451 Canada - 1,304,442 Credit & Refund Policy: Customers returning equipment, in new condition, will be given credit to the applicable VISA/Master Card account within ve days from the date of the return. A return authorization must accompany returns. Valid equipment returns include, but are not limited to, ordering incorrect equipment, funding decits, and defective equipment returned for reimbursement. All returns are subject to a restocking fee and applicable shipping charges. The restocking fee is gured at 10% of the purchase price but not less than $20.00. Customers receiving equipment in damaged condition will be referred to the shipping company for insurance reimbursement. Rev. 08 Control # __________________

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Type VI-A Electrosher

Introduction to the Type VI-A
The type V1-A is a heavy-duty skW electrosher. It can be used in large bodies of water like lakes and rivers, and in low to medium-high conductivity waters: 20 to 2000 microsiemens/cm3. It can be powered by any 120 or 240 volt AC generator, and features transformer isolation for safety.

Receipt of shipment

Carefully remove electrofisher from its shipping container and examine closely for shipping damage. If parts are missing or the unit is damaged, notify the transportation company and immediately le a claim for the amount of damage.

Type VI-A Combo Package Includes the Following:

Quantity Description Line Number 1 .....................................Electrosher ....................................................................... 00859 1 .....................................Input Power Cable .............................................................. 03426 1 .....................................Output Power Cable ........................................................... 03425 1 .....................................15ft. Single Foot/Hand Switch ............................................ 03302 1 .....................................Instruction Manual .............................................................. 07299

This operators manual contains important information about the operation and maintenance of your unit. We suggest you keep this manual and refer to it when making adjustments or ordering parts. Additional copies are available for a nominal charge from Smith-Root Inc. Record the serial number of your type VI-A electrosher in the space provided below: Serial number _________________________________ When ordering parts, always quote the electrosher model and serial number located on the units nameplate. This is essential to ensure that the correct part is shipped to you.

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Type-VI-A Electrosher
Control panel CAUTION: BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS EQUIPMENT, BE SURE TO READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.

Power Switch: 25 amp circuit breaker switch used to turn the input power on and off. Power Indicator: the red light located next to the power switch indicates the electrosher is turned on. High Voltage Indicator: The red light located next to the voltage selector switch indicates that the high voltage has been activated. Voltage Selector Switch: Selects the output voltage. Emergency Shutdown Switch: Provides a means for quickly stopping the Electrosher output. Output Mode Selector Switch: Selects the output wave shape and frequency. Pulse Width Control: This adjusts the pulse width in DC output modes. Ammeter: Shows the current owing through the water via the electrodes. Seconds Counter: Records actual shocking time in seconds. The counter records one count per second when the output is activated and the timer is turned on. Key Switch: The key provided must be inserted and turned on before power can be output the electrodes. Fuse: This 8 amp fuse protects the electrosher from short circuits and overloads.

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Type VI-A Electrosher

Connections Input Plug: The power cord from the generator plugs into this 3-pin connector.

Remote Foot Switch Plug: Foot switches provided are plugged into this 4-pin connector. The Key switch and the Emergency Shutdown switch must also be activated to get the output to the electrodes. Output plug: The anode and cathode output cables are connected to this 2-pin connector. Pin A goes to the anode and Pin B goes to the cathode.
The cable connectors on the type VI-A are easily distinguished by the number of pins. Operating Procedures The following is a short summary of the procedures to set up and operate the Type VI-A Electrosher. Be sure to also read the Safety Precautions and the Electroshing Principles sections before starting the generator.

Above: Type VI-A Connectors 4. Connect the remote foot switch to the electrosher. The on/off switch is to be used by the electrosher operator and the foot switch by the netter. NOTE: For greater safety and more exibility, it is recommended that a RCB-6B Junction Box be used in the connecting of electrode devices. A RCB-6B can be used in both shore and boat operations.

Set-Up Procedure

1. Connect suitable electrodes to the output cable provided. The black wire connects to the cathode and the red wire to the anode. Plug the 2-pin connector into the electrosher.

2. Connect the input power cable between the generator and plug an electrosher the electrosher. Caution: Do not that is wired for 240 volts into a 120 volt generator, or put an electrosher that is wired for 120 volt into a 240 volt generator.
3. If grounding is called for in local codes, or radio interference necessitates it, do the following: On the shore drive a 3/4 or 1 inch pipe into the ground as close to the unit as possible. This pipe must penetrate To this pipe connect a ground clamp, and moist earth. run a No. 10 wire from it to the battery negative terminal on the control panel or to the generator ground stud. Do not connect to a water pipe or a ground used by a radio system. When used in a metal-hulled boat, ensure that the generator frame is grounded to boat hull. This will prevent a shock should you experience an electrical failure.

Power Source

Anode

Type VI-A

RCB-6B Cathode

Typical hookup of RCB-6B, Electrodes and Electrosher.

RCB-6B for Type VI-A..............................#08747

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Type-VI-A Electrosher
Electroshing Procedure
1. Start the engine on the generator. 2. Adjust the Mode Selector Switch to the desired mode. It is recommended that you use one of the pulsed DC positions. 3. Make sure all personnel are clear of the electrodes. 4. Turn on the power switch. The power indicator lamp should come on. 5. Adjust the Pulse Width Control to approximately 3.5ms. 6. Set the Voltage Selector Switch to the lowest setting. 7. Insert the key provided into the Key Switch on the front panel. Turn it to the ON position. 8. Lift the cover on the Emergency Shutdown switch and move it to the ON position. 9. Both operators should now activate their control switches. The High Voltage indicator lamp should come on. You should also see a deection of the ammeter. 10. Adjust the Pulse Width Control and Voltage Selector Switch as necessary. Caution: Do not adjust the Voltage Selector switch or the Mode Selector switch under load. Always turn off the Key Switch or the Emergency Shutdown Switch rst. Damage to the switches may result from switching under load. 11. Experiment to learn what mode settings and voltage settings are best for water conditions and the sh being shocked. Read section C for useful data.

Trouble Shooting

The Type VI-A has a long history of reliability in the eld, but problems can occur. The electrosher has built-in protection devices to prevent it from being damaged by overloading and overheating.

Overload Protection

An overload occurs any time the load on the output is greater than the electrosher can deliver. Common causes of overloads are shorting the output anode to the cathode by touching them together, working in water too conductive for the unit, working with too high a voltage for the waters conductivity, and short circuits within the unit or the cables. The Type VI-A is protected from overloads and short circuits by an 8 amp fuse on the output circuit, and a 25 amp circuit breaker on the input circuit. If the 8 amp fuse blows or the 25 amp circuit breaker kicks off, reduce either the Pulse Width or the Voltage Selector to a lower setting. Make sure that the anode is not shorted to the cathode.

Thermal Protection

Generator Speed

The greatest limiting factor in a transformer is its ability to dissipate heat. Because of weight limitations, the transformer in the Type VI-A is air-cooled. An internal fan is used to cool the transformer, but, under very heavy load, the transformer will eventually get too hot. To prevent damage from occurring to the transformer, a thermal cut-off switch has been installed in the transformer. The thermal switch turns off the output while the transformer gets too hot, and it wont turn on again until the transformer has been cooled.

The generator must be run at proper speed to furnish the electrical power it was built to produce. All engines have a tendency to slow down when a load is applied. The speed governor tries to hold the speed as near constant as possible, but when the electrical load is increased, the engine speed will always drop slightly. This, together with the voltage drop within the generator, results in lower voltage loaded than when running unloaded. The decrease in engine speed will also affect the output frequency slightly.

General Maintenance

Store the Electrosher in a dry room free from extremes of temperature. Clean the front panel of the unit with a mild spray-on cleaner. Protect the unit from continuous vibration and severe impacts. Transport it well secured and protected from bouncing into other objects while being transported over rough roads. Regularly check the connectors and wires for damage or corrosion.

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Type VI-A Electrosher

Specications Conductivity Range .............................................. 10-1,000 micromhos Input Voltage ................................................. 120 or 240 volt AC 60 Hz Voltage Indicators .......................................................Front panel neon Output Voltage, AC ................................... 0-707 V RMS in 117 V steps Output Voltage, DC ...............................0-1,000 V peak in 167 V steps Output Wave shape, AC .......................................................Sine Wave Output Wave shape, DC ..................................... Fast rise, slow decay Output Frequency, AC ..................................................................60 Hz Pulse Frequency, DC........................................60 or 120 pps selection Input and Output connectors .................................... MS environmental Input and Output cables ............. 15 heavy packed neoprene-jacketed Output Power AC ................................... 5,000 watt maximum at 707 V Output Power DC ................................ 5,000 watt maximum at 1,000V Output Current ...........................................................10 amp AC or DC Output Metering ............................................... 0-10 amp current meter Safety Devices ..............................................Hand switch & foot switch must be operated simultaneously Isolation ...............................................Transformer completely isolates electrosher output from generator and/or boat. Input Circuit Protection ....... 25 amp magnetic-hydraulic circuit breaker Output Circuit Protection ...........................10 amp fuse, 3AG fast blow Isolation Transformer .....................................................Thermal switch Timer Display ..........................................................Mechanical register Timer Rate .............................................................. 1 count per second Timer Accuracy ....................................................................... 5 percent Cabinet Construction ..........................................Heavy-duty aluminum, welded seams, see-through top, carry handles Dimensions ....................................................... 20L x 10.5W x 15.5H Instrument Weight ...................................................................... 75 lbs.

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Electroshing Safety

ELECTROFISHING SAFETY
SAFE FISHING Electroshing equipment uses voltages and currents that can be lethal to humans. The operators must always keep in mind that the chance of receiving an electrical shock is multiplied in or near water. Using an electrosher is like using a rearm: if used properly and with good judgment it is perfectly safe; lose respect for it and you can lose your life! Electrical equipment used in a moist eld environment is always subject to deterioration that could lead to dangerous electrical shock. Field equip ment is also subjected to vibration and impact during transporting and while in operation. Often equipment shared by different crews does not receive proper maintenance or a complete checkout. Follow the safety guidelines, and use good common sense to handle unforeseen circumstances. All personnel involved in electroshing should be taught the fundamentals of electricity, and have an understanding of the safety requirements. The most important factor in electroshing efciency and safety is the training and experience of the crew. At least two members of the crew should be qualied to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation. As opportunities arise, all crew members should attend a course in basic life-support training. ELECTRICAL SHOCK It is the current that passes through the human body that does the damage. The voltage is relevant, because it is the force that push es the current through the body. Experiments show that 20 to 500 Hz AC current is more dangerous than DC, or higher frequencies of AC. The voltages used by electroshing gear cause death by one of three means: Ventricular Fibrillation Ventricular fibrillation is uncoordinated contraction of the muscles of the heart. The heart quivers rather than beats. Electrical current through the chest can cause this condition. Once a person goes into ventricular brillation, the only way to stop the quivering is to use a debrillator that applies a pulse shock to the chest to restore heart rhythm. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation may help to keep a victim alive until he can be debrillated. Respiratory Arrest The respiratory center is at the base of the skull. Thus, shocks to the head can cause the breathing to stop. Articial respiration by the mouth-to-mouth method should be used in this case. Asphyxia Asphyxia is caused by contraction of the chest muscles.

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Electroshing Safety
When a current is above a certain level, a person cannot let go of an electrically hot wire. Currents above this level may not cause ventricular brillation, but may be enough to cause contraction of the chest muscles. If the current is not stopped, or the victim is not removed from the point of electrical contact, asphyxia will result. Articial respiration or cardiopulmonary resuscitation may be necessary. To prevent electrical shock all electrical equipment should be carefully inspected before each eld operation. With all electrical equipment in good operating condition, and all insulation, junction boxes, bonding, and connections intact, there is much less danger of receiving an electrical shock. Preventing Electrical Shock Electricity needs to have a complete electrical circuit in order for current to ow. The only way that you can get shocked is if you become the elec tri cal conductor to complete the circuit. The current ows from the cathode to the anode through the water. The water is the electrical conductor. If you touched both the anode and the cathode you would become an electrical conductor and complete the circuit path and get a severe electrical shock. If you were to touch only one of the electrodes, you would not complete the electrical circuit and not get shocked. WARNING: Touching any electrode is not recommended. Unless all conductive objects you come into contact with are connected to the same electrode, you will be shocked to nd a current path that is not obvious, e.g., the water, or the boat. Preventing electrical shock means preventing electrical current from entering and flowing through parts of the body. The skin is a partial but variable barrier, because it offers resistance to the passage of electrical current. Tough skin has more resistance than tender skin, and dry skin more then wet skin. But tough dry skin alone does not offer enough protection for electrofishing. Rubber linemans gloves, rated 5,000V minimum should always be worn. Even while wearing rubber gloves and waders, never touch an electrode while the circuit is energized. Do not work on the electrical system while the generator is running. Do not enter the water while the current is on during boom shocking operations. A severe electrical shock from electrofishing gear may result in the need for articial respiration; therefore it is imperative that no one ever works alone. Planning For Safety 1. Never electrosh alone! A minimum of two properly trained people are required for every electrofishing crew. 2. A crew leader shall be appointed for all electroshing. The crew leader is responsible for the safety of the crew, and the enforcement of all safety regulations. 3. The crew leader, and at least one additional crew member, shall receive training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and First Aid. 4. All electroshing personnel shall receive training in fundamentals of electricity and safety. 5. Check your electrofisher before each operation, to ensure that it is in good working order. 6. Turn off your electrofisher before making any connections or part replacements. 7. When not in use, and when transporting the unit, disconnect the power supply. 8. Check that the electrofisher gives an audible signal when there is voltage present at the anode. 9. Do not make any field modifications to your electrofisher without written approval from the manufacturer or a qualied electrical engineer. 10. Use only dip nets with insulated handles. 11. Wear personnel otation devices. 12. Wear linemans gloves, rated 5,000V minimum. 13. Never reach into the water in vicinity of an electrode, even if rubber gloves are being worn. 14. Take frequent breaks. Stress and fatigue endanger the crew. 15. Practice the quick release system as shown on page C-6.

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Electroshing Safety
1. Before each operation, check that the frame emergency release is in working order and check that the tilt switch shuts off power if the unit is tipped more than 45 2. Wear hip boots or chest-high waders, with non-skid soles. 3. Wear polarized sunglasses to help you detect sub-surface hazards and obstacles. Beware of turbid water that can hide unseen sub-surface obstacles and sudden drop-offs. 4. Shut off your electrosher before entering or leaving a stream. 5. Do not operate an anode pole when carrying a backpack unit weighing more than 20 pounds when in hazardous conditions. 6. If you get water in boots, waders, or gloves, stop work immediately and get dry clothing 7. Operate slowly and carefully. Footing in most streams is poor, and most falls often occur when operators are hurrying.

BACKPACK SAFETY

DO'S & DON'TS Dos:

1. Always be sure that all personnel are clear of the electrodes before turning on the power. 2. Know how to administer rst aid treatment for electrical shock. 3. Wear otation devices. 4. Have electrical circuits checked only by qualified technicians. 5. Disconnect the power supply when the electrosher is not in use.

Donts:

1. Ground the generator to the boat hull. 2. Be sure that all the metal parts on the boat are bonded to each other electrically. 3. Run all cables through electrical conduit, or use a heavy-duty rubber-covered cord recommended for wet locations. 4. Make all electrical connections in water-tight junction boxes. 5. Each dip netter should have his own foot switch to control the output. The switch should be wired in series with the emergency off switch of the boat operator. 6. When wading with a boat, even in shallow water, chest waders should be worn. An operator may trip, end up in a kneeling or sitting position in the water and receive a shock. 7. All crew members must be alert Operators who control the power switch must be constantly aware of the netters in the electrical eld.

BOAT SAFETY

1. Dont electrosh alone! 2. Dont continue to electrosh if your boots or gloves get wet inside. 3. Dont operate an electrosher if you have had any prior heart ailments. 4. Dont operate generators without covers or screens. 5. Dont operate generators without a spark arrester.

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Electroshing Principles
For many years it has been known that sh react to electric current passed through water. Electricity was rst used for shing in 1863 when a British patent was granted. Major efforts to apply electricity as a tool in sheries management did not occur until after 1950. Since then detailed studies have been made on the physiological effects of electricity on aquatic organisms.

INTRODUCTION TO ELECTROFISHING

RESPONSE OF FISH TO ELECTRICITY

To collect fish by electrical means we must create an electried zone of sufcient amplitude to stun sh. In the basic electroshing circuit, shown in Figure 1, a current is passed between submerged electrodes. A sh between these electrodes forms part of a closed circuit and some current ows through its body. The effectiveness of the electrosher is affected by nine factors: voltage, electrode shape, water conductivity, water temperature, conductivity of the stream bed, shs distance, size, species, and time in the eld. If these environmental factors are too far out of line, poor electrofishing will result. To some extent, the effects of changes in water conductivity may be compensated for by changing the output voltage.

of potable waters in the United States ranges from 20 to 2,000 microSiemens/cc. Sufcient current at realistic power levels will flow through water in this range to electrosh successfully. Figure 2 illustrates the field patterns caused by the presence of a sh in water. In (a) no distortion is caused by the presence of the sh. In low conductivity water, (b), the distortion of the electric eld is such that the voltage near the sh is less than it was before the sh was present. The reverse is true in (c) where the water conductivity is more than that of the sh. In this case the distortion is caused by the current concentrating in the water surrounding the sh. In both (b) and (c) not as much power is transferred into the shs body as in (a).
Voltage Source Water

Electrical Field Electrode Electrode

WATER CONDUCTIVITY

The conductivity of the water and that of the shs esh are the factors that affect electroshing most. The conductivity of water depends on the quantity of dissolved salts and minerals in the water. The conductivity

Figure 1. The basic electroshing circuit.

5.3V 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Volts

2V 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Volts

8V 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Volts

Figure 2. Electric eld patterns caused by sh.

53mm

100mm a. Equal conductivities b. Fish more conductive c. Water more conductive

10

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Electroshing Principles
LOW CONDUCTIVITY WATER
Distilled water is a very good insulator. It has a conductivity range of 0.5 to 5.0 microSiemens/cc. If a normal voltage is applied in distilled water, very little current will ow. Power ow is too low to be effective for electroshing. The current passing through a sh decreases as the power flow decreases. To get the same response from fish, the current can be maintained by either increasing the voltage, or by keeping the resistance low. If a higher voltage is used, up to 1,200 volts may be necessary. High voltages create three problems, special electrical equipment is required, safety is reduced for the operators, and conditions are lethal for fish close to electrodes. The resistance can be kept low by increasing the size of the electrodes. The only limitations to this are the availability of larger electrodes, and the weight of electrode that can be handled by the operator. Fish flesh conductivity ranges from 500 to 1,500 microSiemens/cc. Each species has a different conductivity. This affects their susceptibility to electric current. Conductivities for some sh species are: Trout 1,220 microSiemens/cc Perch 1,089 microSiemens/cc Carp 870 microSiemens/cc Grudgeon 814 microSiemens/cc E. Halsband - Vilbert 1967

FISH SIZE

Among fish of the same species, the larger fish are more sensitive to electrical currents. Fish absorb power as a function of body surface area. This is important to remember if you are shocking for small sh and large sh are also present. The large sh are going to receive a much greater shock than the small sh.

HIGH CONDUCTIVITY WATER

High conductivity is over 2,000 microSiemens/cc. If a high voltage is applied, most current will ow easily through the water and the sh will hardly be affected. The electric current follows the path of least resistance and bypasses the sh completely. Therefore use low voltages and high currents. Currents as high as 60 amps are common, the limiting factor being the rating of the power-supply. Some brackish water and industrial waste water have conductivities over 10,000 microSiemens/cc. Here smaller power-supplies are unable to deliver enough power to stun fish. Waters in this range can only be electrofished effectively with the larger model GPPs. The Smith-Root 7.5 GPP outputs 62 amps through 8 gauge stranded cables. This unit can stun large sh in the interface between fresh and salt water. For example, Striped Bass can be stunned for taking brood stock. Theoretically high conductivity could be dealt with by using smaller electrodes, but this would reduce the range and also create damaging current densities near the anode.

TEMPERATURE

Water conductivity and effective sh conductivity increase with higher temperature. Conductivities reported for Carp: 5 372 microSiemens/cc 10 543 microSiemens/cc 15 714 microSiemens/cc 20 1,026 microSiemens/cc 25 1,969 microSiemens/cc Whitney and Pierce 1957

SUBSTRATE

Certain bottom substrates will conduct electrical current. These weaken the electric eld in the water, making sh capture less effective.

ADJUSTING THE VOLTAGE

FISH CONDUCTIVITY

A sh will receive the maximum shock through its body when the conductivity of the water is the same as the conductivity of the shs esh. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case.

By adjusting the output voltage, the effects of the waters conductivity on electroshing can be reduced. The current owing through the water is directly related to the voltage applied. The higher the voltage, the greater the current will be.

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Electroshing Principles

Even greater anode attraction is possible with pulsed direct current. Pulsed direct current is made by interrupting steady DC with an electronically controlled switch. The switch When adjusting the output voltage the major consideration gives several on-off pulses per second. The number of is the power being used. This is especially true for battery pulses per second (pulse frequency) and the on time (pulse powered electrofishers. Power is equal to the voltage width) have different effects on different species of sh. multiplied by the current. When guring the power for an In a pulsed DC eld a shs body exes with each pulse, electrosher, the fact that it is usually putting out pulsed DC and returns to normal between pulses. This flexing and must be taken into consideration. The instantaneous power straightening accentuates the involuntary swimming during a pulse may be quite high, but if the electrosher towards the anode, called galvanotaxis. is only producing pulses at a 25% duty cycle, the average power would be approximately 25% of the instantaneous + off on off on off 0 power.
straight flexed straight flexed straight

PULSED DIRECT CURRENT

TYPES OF CURRENT ALTERNATING CURRENT

Alternating Current (AC) is an electrical current in which the direction of current ow reverses a number of times per second. In an AC eld, the sh takes a position transverse to the electrical field lines and attempts to face the anode and cathode successively, in rhythm with the AC cycle. When the eld strength increases, tetany occurs, and the sh is stunned. Strong contractions of the body muscles make the sh feel rigid. At high voltages, the larger sh may be killed, the muscular contractions being so severe that vertebrae are fractured and the brain damaged. Hence AC electroshing is only successful with small sh in low conductivity water .

Galvanotaxis: In pulsed DC a sh's body exes with each pulse.

Smith-Root Programmable Output Waveforms give you complete control over your electrofisher output. This patented method of synthesizing waveforms makes it possible to produce virtually any waveform, so you can select the one that is safest for the sh. POW allows you to create narrow pulses to achieve the same results as wide pulses. Narrower pulses put less power into the water. This has three benets: you have less chance of damage to the sh, your battery or fuel lasts longer, and you can work in very conductive water that overloads conventional electroshers.

An electric eld in water can be considered to have three Direct Current (DC) is the term given to electrical current separate areas. The outer peripheral area is a weak eld that ows only in one direction. The current ows from that the sh is indifferent to. The next area, closer to the the negative electrode (cathode) to the positive electrode electrodes, has a stronger electrical eld, but not enough to stun the sh. In this area, the involuntary swimming action (anode). The reaction of sh to direct current is quite different from will occur and the sh will swim towards the anode. The their reaction to alternating current. The rst reaction of the innermost area has the strongest electrical eld, and the sh is to turn toward the anode and start to swim toward sh within it are immobilized. it until it reaches an electrical eld strong enough to stun Zone of Indierence it. Being stunned is called galvanonarcosis. The severe When electroshing rst starts sh are usually hiding up to muscle contractions caused by AC do not occur, and the three meters away, so high power is required to attract them sh recover much faster. Mortality rate is much lower with out of hiding. But as the sh nears the anode, high power can direct current. injure it.

RESPONSE OF FISH TO DC FIELDS

DIRECT CURRENT

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Electroshing Principles

V Voltage across fish Field Intensity, V/cm 6.25 Distance from anode, m 1.2

6.25 12.5 1.0

9.5 22 0.8

18 40 0.6

30 70 0.4

50 120 0.2

280 400 0.0

As the sh nears the anode it receives a very high head-to-tail voltage.

Zone of Potential Fish Injury

Fish close to the anode receive a very high head-to-tail voltage. Most sh injuries occur within half a meter from the anode. This is called the Zone of potential sh injury. We can minimize the injury by reducing the time the electricity is turned on .

ELECTRODE DESIGN
The way in which voltage and current distribute around electrofisher electrodes is complex. Figure 4 shows the field pattern created by a pair of closely spaced ring electrodes, and the voltage gradient between them. Note that the current density and voltage gradient are highest near the electrodes. The dimensions of the electrodes are very important in determining the voltage distribution around electrofisher electrodes. Figure 5 compares a 10cm and a 20cm ring anode carrying 200 volts in open water. The cathode dimension is considered to be innite. Note that the 20cm anode reaches out much

Duty-Cycle
Duty-cycle is the percent of on-time. It is a product of the pulse width and the pulse frequency. The duty-cycle can be lowered in three ways: by reducing the pulse width, by reducing the pulse frequency, or by using gated bursts, where the power is off for a period between each burst of pulses. Fish close to an anode with a low duty-cycle are far less likely to be injured than with a high duty-cycle.
Fish Attraction to Anode
Limited Galvanotaxis

Good Galvanotaxis

Zone of Potential Injury

3.0m
60 50

2.0m

DIST DISTANCE

1.0m

0.5m

DUTY CYCLE %

30 20 10 0

TIME TIME

10

Anode
12

40

Duty Cycle

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Electroshing Principles
further, producing a 33 volt potential at 1.2 meter. But the 10cm anode produces the same potential at only 0.6 meter from the electrode. Figure 6 further illustrates the effect of electrode diameter. The voltage is applied head-to-tail to a 20cm long sh. The applied voltage is 200 volts with 10cm and 20cm diameter ring-electrodes. Note that the 20cm electrode reaches out farther, producing 7 volts head-to-tail between 1.0 and 1.2 meter from the electrode; as opposed to only 4 volts for the smaller electrode at the same distance. Note also that the voltage the sh receives closer to the electrode is less for the larger electrode (100 volts instead of 144 volts). Larger electrode thus offers two advantages: greater range, and lower maximum gradient. One drawback is that a larger electrode also has greater circuit loading, and thus draws more current for the same voltage (twice as much for the double size electrode). Thus, a larger electrode requires a larger generator. This dictates a practical upper limit on electrode size for a given generator and water conductivity. Except for this limitation, the larger the electrode, the better the fishing effectiveness and the
Current lines Constant voltage lines

easier it is on the sh. Figure 7 shows that larger electrodes increase the fish collection area. The shaded areas have a voltage gradient between 0.12 and 1.2 volts per cm, and are suitable for electroshing. The applied voltage is 300 volts.

ELECTRODE BEHAVIOR

1. Larger electrodes have lower resistance, need more current at given voltage, reach out farther, and have lower maximum voltage gradient.

1r 10cm

2r

3r

4r 40

5r 33

200 100 66 50 volts

20cm

200

100 1r

66 2r

volts

50 3r

40 4r

33 5r

0.0

0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 Distance from electrode centers (meters)

1.2

Figure 5. Comparison of two sizes of anode.

1r 10cm 2r 3r 50 4r 40 5r 6r 7r 25 8r 22 9r 20 4 10 50 3r 40 4r 7 33 5r 10r 18

200 100 66 144 100

33 28 volts

44 100 1r 66 2r

16 volts

Electrode Voltage

20cm

200

Gradient

Distance

0.0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

1.2

Figure 4. The field pattern, and the variation of gradient between two electrodes.

Figure 6. Comparison of effects of two sizes of anode.

Distance from electrode centers (meters)

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Electroshing Principles
10cm

6.16m

500 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 00

anode

gradient zone Sufficient

550

Electrode diameter

20cm

10.18m2

35cm

12.57m

Total voltage

Cathode Indentical to anode: 600V, 6.3kW

0.5m2 grid cathode: 350V, 3.7kW 10m2 wire netting cathode: 310V, 3.2kW
cathode

60cm

16.63m

2 4 6 44 46 Distance from center of anode (meters)

48

Figure 8. Variation of voltage for three kinds of anode.

0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2 Distance from electrode centers (meters)

Figure 7. Larger anodes increase the shing area.

2. Small electrodes pose a hazard to sh because of high current density and voltage gradient. 3. Electrodes placed farther apart use less current, but the savings are not large. 4. The resistance of an electrode varies in direct proportion to water resistivity.

RING ELECTRODES

1. Once spacing exceeds 10 radii, the distance between electrodes is insignicant. 2. The region affected by the electrode is limited to 5 to 10 radii. 3 Electrode resistance is primarily dependent on electrode radius, and varies in inverse proportion to radius. 4. For ring electrodes, the cross section diameter of the ring material is of little importance. If the ratio of cross section diameter to ring radius is held constant, resistance varies inversely with ring radius.

CATHODES

In electroshing it is desirable to have a high voltage gradient around the anode, and a low voltage gradient around the cathode.

Figure 8 shows variation of voltage, as a function of the distance from the shing anode, for three types of cathode. It shows that it is advantageous to have the potential of the water as near as possible to that of the cathode. The required voltage is reduced by diminishing the resistance of the cathode eld. This compensates for the reduced resistance so that the current does not vary. The power consumption is directly proportional to the voltage used. One advantage of a large cathode is that the risk of accidental electrocution is much reduced. A large cathode has very low potential with respect to the soil and the water around it. The resistance between the cathode and the water is halved each time the surface of the cathode is doubled. For example, a 100 square foot cathode would need another 100 square foot added to pass from 9 to 4.5 ohm. However a cathode larger than 100 square feet would be inconvenient to handle for shore-side electroshing. Figure 9 compares small and a large cathodes. With a standard grid cathode, the anode voltage falls distinctly from 324 to 265 volts when using two anodes. However with a very large wire netting cathode efciency falls only slightly from 324 to 302 volts when using two anodes. For shore-side operations, the cathode surface presents the least resistance when it is divided into several parts placed several meters apart. An electrode is more effective when its form is least concentrated. For example, a 3'x12' strip is more effective than a square of 6'x6'.
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Electroshing Principles
2 Standard 0.5m grid cathode

Large wirenetting catho c. one d. two anode anodes

a. one anode Resistance ohms of cathode of anode field between anode and cathode Potential dif volts ference between cathode and water between anode and water total Current amps Powerkilowatts

b. two anodes

35 90 125

35 50 85

9 90 99

9 50 59

126 324 450 3.6 1.62

185 265 450 5.9 2.38

32 324 326 3.6 1.28

54 302 356 6.0 2.15

Resistivity of the water in all cases=143mho/cm

Figure 9. Comparison of two sizes of cathode.

300

Figure 9. Comparison of two sizes of cathode.

Figure 11. Bottom mounted cathode plate on SR-6.

Potential gradient (volts/cm)

16

Figure 11 shows a Smith-Root tote barge designed for stream wading operations. Note the large cathode plate 2.5 attached to the bottom of the fiberglass hull. The anode 200 2.0 is a pair of ring electrodes about 28cm (11") in diameter 1.5 mounted on berglass poles. With this arrangement, the 100 1.0 Potential resistance of the anode pair is four times the cathode 0.5 Gradient resistance. Thus, four times as much voltage appears in the 00 anode eld as in the cathode eld, and consequently 80% 2 4 46 48 of the applied voltage appears at each electrode. Distance from center of anode (meters) The situation could be further improved by enlarging the Figure 10. Variation of of potential and gradient. potential and gradient. cathode, but a point of diminishing returns is reached. Figure 10. Variation Doubling the cathode size would halve the cathode Figure 10 illustrates the variation in both voltage and resistance and give an 8 to 1 ratio between anode and gradient between the electrodes. cathode resistance. Now 88% of the voltage would appear Whenever possible, the cathode should be placed in parts at the anode. This is only an 8% improvement, and is not of the stream that you do not wish to sh, or even in parts worth the additional physical problems associated with the completely separated from the stream itself. The anode larger cathode. should never be allowed to come close to where the The SR-6 eld tested with two 28cm anodes and a voltage cathode is located. of 240 volts, showed good fishing effectiveness in 400 microSiemens/cc conductivity with a current of 3 to 4 Boat Cathodes amperes. In lower conductivities of 40 microSiemens/cc, Many aluminum electroshing boats use the boat hull as a current of 1 to 1.5 amp is effective. This data may serve the cathode and the boom electrodes as the anode. This is as a useful bench-mark to judge whether a unit is operating perfectly safe as long as you never come in contact with under conditions such that fish should be caught. If the the anode and complete the electrical circuit. The National electrical performance is close to this reference point, and Safety Council in their data sheet #1-696-85 does not sh are not being caught, it is safe to conclude there are recommend using the boat hull as the cathode, but we have few sh in the area. yet to hear of any accidents occurring because of it.
3.5 3.0
Cathode Anode

Total potential (volts)

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Electroshing Principles
An operator engaged in electroshing must wade or oat, depending upon the depth and swiftness of the water.

FIELD TECHNIQUES

CLARITY AND DEPTH

WADING

In shallow slow-moving waters the operators can wade and probe the anode into likely fish habitat. Wading upstream eliminates the effects of turbidity caused by bottom sediment. Furthermore, if collections are for food habitat study, stunned prey are not swept downstream and consumed by predators. Fish that manage to escape are often captured a short distance downstream. Closing a stream with seine nets at each end of the study area helps prevent the loss of stunned and frightened sh.

Clarity of the water limits the ease of capturing sh. The length of the dip net handles and the visibility of the sh limit the depth of effective electrofishing. In general, waters over ten feet deep cannot be sampled effectively. For daytime shing polarized sunglasses help in locating stunned sh.

VEGETATION

Aquatic vegetation grows better from certain substrates and can hinder electrofishing by fouling electrodes and entangling stunned sh.

Electrofishing in flowing water is not as effective as in still water, since sh are swept away from the electric eld Boat electroshers are used in lakes and in streams that and netting is more difcult. Also, it is more difcult to are too deep or swift to wade. Boats have the advantage of see a sh in fast owing water, and operators can loose being able to carry large generators and holding tanks for their footing. Flows greater than 5 feet per second usually the stunned sh. Electroshing boats typically have two produce poor electroshing efciencies. insulated booms extending from the bow. From the end of the booms electrodes hang into the water. Usually one boom is used as the anode and the other as the cathode. The boat operator guides the boat while the electroshing crew activates the electrosher when approaching likely habitat.

WATER VELOCITY

BOATS

NIGHT FISHING

Electroshing at night with lights is ve to ten times more effective than daytime fishing, especially in lakes. In streams the reection of the spotlight on the rufed surface makes the sh difcult to see. Boats have ood lights on the bow to attract the sh and to help locate stunned sh.

SURPRISE

Collecting can be enhanced by introducing the element of surprise through intermittent shing. The intensity of the anodes peripheral eld often frightens sh, causing them to bolt and hide. Do not work with the power on continuously, but turn it on only in likely habitats. Fish can be enticed from under areas of heavy cover or ice by inserting a portable anode, turning the power on, and withdrawing the anode slowly and smoothly. Fish will follow the anode, under the inuence of galvanotaxis, into the open where they can be netted.
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Electroshing Principles
REFERENCES
The following are books, research papers, and other references on various aspects of electroshing. The ideas and ndings presented in them form the basis for much of the current practice in electroshing. 1. Bryan R. Cowdell and Richard A. Valdez, 1994 Effects of Pulsed DC Electroshing on Adult Roundtail Chub from the Colorado River in Colorado, North American Journal of Fisheries Management. Vol. 14 2. I. G. Cowx and P. Lamarque, 1990, Fishing With ElectricityApplications in Freshwater Fisheries Management, Fishing News Books, Blackwell Scientic Publications Ltd. lSBN 0-85238-167-0 3. L. G. Cowx, 1990 Developments in Electroshing, Fishing News Books, Blackwell Scientic Publications Ltd. lSBN 0-85238-166-2 4. N.G. Sharber and S.W. Carothers, 1988 Inuence of Electroshing Pulse Shape on Spinal Injuries in Adult Rainbow Trout, North American Journal of Fisheries Management. 8: 117-122 5. Michael A. Bozek and Frank J. Rahel, 1991 Comparison of Streamside Visual Counts to Electroshing Estimates of Colorado River Cutthroat Trout Fry and Adults, North American Journal of Fisheries Management. Vol. 11 6. D. W. Novotny and G. R. Priegel, 1971 A Guideline for Portable Direct Current Electroshing Systems, Technical Bulletin No. 5l, Department of Natural Resources, Madison, Wisconsin 7. D. E. Snyder and S. A. Johnson, 1991 Indexed Bibliography of Electroshing Literature, Larval Fish Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado. 8. M. Burridge and G. Goodchild, 1988 A Bibliography of Electroshing, Ministry of Natural Resources, Fisheries Branch, Queens Park, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 9. Alec G. Maule and Matthew G. Mesa, 1994 Efcacy of Electroshing to Assess Plasma Cortisol Concentration in Juvenile Chinook Salmon passing Hydroelectric Dams on the Columbia River, North American Journal of Fisheries Management. Vol. 14 10. N.G. Sharber, S.W. Carothers, J.P. Sharber, J.C. DeVos, D.A. House, 1994 Reducing Electroshing-Induced Injury of Rainbow Trout, North American Journal of Fisheries Management. 14 11. Jeffery C. Barnet and Gary D. Grossman, 1988 Effects of Direct Current Electroshing on the Mottled Sculpin, North American Journal of Fisheries Management. Vol. 8

18

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Warranty
Smith-Root, Inc. original products have a 1-Year Limited Warranty. SMITH-ROOT, INC. Length of Ownership Limited Warranty Smith-Root, Inc. warrants that its Products are free from defects in material and workmanship that result in Product failure during normal usage, according to the following terms and conditions: 1. The limited warranty for the Product extends for the length of ownership beginning on the date of the purchase of the Product by the original purchaser (Consumer) of the Product and is not assignable or transferable to any subsequent purchaser or user. 2. The limited warranty extends only to Consumers who purchase the Product from Smith-Root, Inc. or an authorized distributor. 3. During the 1-year limited warranty period, Smith-Root, Inc. will repair, or replace, at Smith-Root, Inc.s sole option, any defective parts, or any parts that will not properly operate for their intended use with new or refurbished replacement items if such repair or replacement is needed because of product malfunction or failure during normal usage. No charge will be made to the Consumer for any such parts. Smith-Root, Inc. will also pay for the labor charges incurred by Smith-Root, Inc. in repairing or replacing the defective parts. The limited warranty does not cover defects in appearance, cosmetic, labels or structural items, including framing, and any nonoperative parts. Smith-Root, Inc.s limit of liability under the limited warranty shall be the actual cash value of the Product at the time the Consumer returns the Product for repair, determined by the price paid by the Consumer for the Product less a reasonable amount for usage. Smith-Root, Inc. shall not be liable for any other losses or damages. These remedies are the Consumers exclusive remedies for breach of warranty. 4. Upon request from Smith-Root, Inc., the Consumer must prove the date of the original purchase of the Product by a dated bill of sale or dated itemized receipt. 5. The Consumer shall bear the cost of shipping the Product to Smith-Root, Inc. Smith-Root, Inc. shall bear the cost of shipping the Product back to the Consumer after the completion of service under this limited warranty. 6. The Consumer shall have no coverage or benets under this limited warranty if any of the following conditions are applicable: a) The Product has been subjected to abnormal use, abnormal conditions, improper storage, exposure to moisture or dampness, unauthorized modications, unauthorized connections, unauthorized repair, misuse, neglect, abuse, accident, alteration, improper installation, or other acts which are not the fault of Smith-Root, Inc., including damage caused by shipping. b) The product has been damaged from external causes such as collision with an object, or from re, ooding, sand, dirt, windstorm, lightening, earthquake or damage from exposure to weather conditions, an Act of God, or battery leakage, theft, blown fuse, or improper use of any electrical source, or damage caused by the connection to other products not recommended for interconnection by Smith-Root, Inc. c) Smith-Root, Inc. was not advised in writing by the Consumer of the alleged defect or malfunction of the Product within fteen (15) days after the expiration of the applicable limited warranty period. d) The Product serial number plate or the accessory data code has been removed, defaced or altered. 7. If a problem develops during the limited warranty period, the Consumer shall take the following step-by-step procedure: a) The Consumer shall return the Product to Smith-Root, Inc. for repair or replacement processing. b) The Consumer contacts the Customer Service Department at Smith-Root, Inc., at the number listed on the bottom of this page, for repair or replacement processing.

c) The Consumer shall ship the Product prepaid and insured. Expenses related to removing the Product from an installation are not covered under this limited warranty. d) The Consumer will be billed for any parts or labor charges not covered by this limited warranty. The Consumer will be responsible for any expenses related to reinstallation of the Product. e) Smith-Root, Inc. will repair the Product under the limited warranty within 30 days after receipt of the Product. If Smith-Root, Inc. cannot perform repairs covered under this limited warranty within 30 days, or after a reasonable number of attempts to repair the same defect, Smith-Root, Inc. at its sole option, will provide a replacement Product or refund the purchase price of the Product less a reasonable amount for usage. f) If the Product is returned during the limited warranty period, but the problem with the Product is not covered under the terms and conditions of this limited warranty, the Consumer will be notied and given an estimate of the charges the Consumer must pay to have the Product repaired, with all shipping charges billed to the Consumer. If the estimate is refused, the Product will be returned freight collect. If the Product is returned after the expiration of the limited warranty period, Smith-Root, Inc.s normal service policies shall apply and the Consumer will be responsible for all shipping charges. 8. The Product consists of newly assembled equipment that may contain used components that have been reprocessed to allow machine compliance with Product performance and reliability specications. 9. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE, SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THE FOREGOING LIMITED WRITTEN WARRANTY. OTHERWISE, THE FOREGOING LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE CONSUMERS SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. SMITH-ROOT, INC. SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF ANTICIPATED BENEFITS OR PROFITS, LOSS OF SAVINGS OR REVENUE, PUNITIVE DAMAGES, LOSS OF USE OF THE PRODUCT OR ANY ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT, COST OF CAPITAL, COST OF ANY SUBSTITUTE EQUIPMENT OR FACILITIES, DOWNTIME, THE CLAIMS OF ANY THIRD PARTIES, INCLUDING CUSTOMERS, AND INJURY TO PROPERTY, RESULTING FROM THE PURCHASE OR USE OF THE PRODUCT OR ARISING FROM BREACH OF THE WARRANTY, BREACH OF CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT TORT, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL OR EQUITABLE THEORY, EVEN IF SMITH-ROOT, INC. KNEW OF THE LIKELIHOOD OF SUCH DAMAGES. SMITH-ROOT, INC. SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR DELAY IN RENDERING SERVICE UNDER THE LIMITED WARRANTY, OR LOSS OF USE DURING THE PERIOD THAT THE PRODUCT IS BEING REPAIRED. 10. Some states do not allow limitation of how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above warranty limitation may not apply to you (the Consumer). Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental and consequential damages, so certain of the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you (the Consumer). This limited warranty gives the Consumer specic legal rights and the Consumer may also have other rights which vary from state to state. 11. Smith-Root, Inc. neither assumes nor authorizes any authorized service center or any other person or entity to assume for it any other obligation or liability beyond that which is expressly provided for in this limited warranty including the provider or seller of any extended warranty or service agreement. 12. This is the entire warranty between the Smith-Root, Inc. and the Consumer, and supercedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements or understandings, oral or written, relating to the Product, and no representation, promise or condition not contained herein shall modify these terms. 13. This limited warranty allocates the risk of failure of the Product between the Consumer and Smith-Root, Inc. The allocation is recognized by the Consumer and is reected in the purchase price. 14. Questions concerning this limited warranty may be directed to: Smith-Root, Inc. *Smith-Root, Inc. is a registered trademark of Smith-Root, Inc.

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