Type VII Troubleshooting Guide

Smith-Root Staff April 09, 2026

Problem: Type VII wonʼt shock fish.

Possible Solutions:

  1. Dirty anode ring. Clean ring with wire wheel or abrasive pad. DO NOT SAND!
  2. Broken wire in anode pole. Try a different pole. See this article for testing anode poles.
  3. Broken cathode. Try a different cathode. See this article for testing cathodes.
  4. Battery weak or dead. Check voltmeter on front of unit with output activated. Replace battery if necessary.
  5. Loose connection at battery terminals. Tighten connection if possible. If connection is broken or burned return for repair.
  6. No output. Return unit for repair.

Problem: Unit overloads.

Possible Solutions:

  1. Output voltage set too high. Reduce output voltage setting.
  2. Pulse width or frequency control set too high. Reduce setting.
  3. Anode and cathode too close together. Increase distance between electrodes.
  4. Metallic object in the water or stream bed near the shocker.

Problem: Relay clicks on and off when output activated.

Possible Solutions:

  1. Broken wire in anode pole curl cord. Try a different pole.
  2. Weak battery. Replace.
  3. Bad connection at battery terminals. Tighten connection if possible. If connection is broken or burned return for repair.

Problem: On/Off circuit breaker trips when unit is turned on.

Possible Solutions:

  1. Battery connected backwards. Return unit for repair.