Q&A: Scale Filter That Works by Galvanic Polarization — on the Sabbath
Scale Filter That Works by Galvanic Polarization — on the Sabbath
Question
Hello Rabbi,
I installed a scale filter in my house that, as I understand it, uses polarization to cause the limescale to change its structure a bit in a way that prevents it from depositing as scale.
Last Sabbath I started thinking that maybe this is problematic on the Sabbath.
I’m attaching here a video that explains exactly how it works, and the question is whether I’m allowed to open the faucet on the Sabbath when there is such a mechanism (the explanation starts at 1:35).
Answer
I’m not sure I understood everything. Is there some electrical circuit there that is activated during operation? I didn’t see anything like that there. If not, then I don’t see a problem. If there is, then even so it would still require discussion.
Discussion on Answer
I didn’t look into it deeply. In any case, if it is as you describe, then it is indirect causation in a rabbinic prohibition (an unintended act with an inevitable result) that is not visible to the eye. It seems to me that there should not be a problem.
That’s just it—I thought the Rabbi would understand 🙂
I also didn’t fully understand it.
As far as I understood, the rotation of the gears created by the water flow creates polarization between one disc and another (the gold-colored one and the silver-colored one) of about 4 volts,
and that is supposed to affect the limescale and change its structure.