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The Importance of a GFI/GFCI

NL146

NL146

reef obsessed
Manhattan Reefs
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Nassau
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I accidentally knocked an air pump into a tub of LR I had curing. I didn't even realize when it happened. What made me realize was the GFI broke the circuit, I heard the click and a pump on the same outlet shut off. If it weren't for the GFI things could have been worse especially since I had my hand in the tub at the time.
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Did you guys change out the outlets you use for your aquarium equipment to gfi, or did you just use gfi extensions like they sell on marinedepot?
 
Last edited:
KathyC

KathyC

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Barnum Island
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beerfish said:
He said he only had one hand in the tub... just a zap! lol

Don't listen to me though... I've also tested for stray voltage with my hand to avoid running downstairs to grab my multimeter.

:Hydrogen: Probably explains a few things... :Hydrogen:
Click to expand...

He said it, I didn't...lol

Seriously though folks, not something to mess with. You might not know if you are one of those people who have a heart issue where one zap proves deadly..get some GFI's for your tank if you don't already have them!
 
M

masterswimmer

Old School Reefer
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Manhattan Reefs
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NY
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I'm an idiot, like beerfish, I don't use one either. BUT DO NOT USE ME AS YOUR GUIDE ON THIS TOPIC.

Part of my reasoning is exactly what beerfish said. It is also against code to have any life support systems on a GFCI outlet (ie: dialysis machine, heart-lung machine, etc.). They are known to trip for no reason, or even the slightest amount of stray voltage. If you just left your home and there was a minor 'blip' such as a brown out that trips your GFCI and your system shuts down for eight hours until you come home, even though your electric did not go as far as a blackout for that amount of time, guess what, your tank would respond the same as if it were a total blackout because your GFCI tripped.

Also, if you do use a GFCI, which I do not recommend changing because of what I've said, then please make sure you check the self test button on it regularly. Once a GFCI has tripped, it can, and often does, turn faulty and needs replacing. Just check it often.

I said it at the beginning of this little diatribe and I'll say it again, DO NOT USE ME AS YOUR GUIDE ON THIS TOPIC. I have my own thoughts and reasons for doing this my way.

Russ
 
jaa1456

jaa1456

MR's Greatest Member
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Old Bridge/L.B.I.
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Master they make newer ones that do not trip when there is a power lose. They cost quite a bit more money but well worth it. I just installed a new line dedicated to the aquarium and used this outlet. It ran about 35 bucks for it. 110 can kill you just as easily as 220. Just depends on what you are doing when it hits you.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
MatthewScars

MatthewScars

Guns, Razors, Knives.
Manhattan Reefs
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Brooklyn
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NL146 said:
I accidentally knocked an air pump into a tub of LR I had curing. I didn't even realize when it happened. What made me realize was the GFI broke the circuit, I heard the click and a pump on the same outlet shut off. If it weren't for the GFI things could have been worse especially since I had my hand in the tub at the time.
-----
Did you guys change out the outlets you use for your aquarium equipment to gfi, or did you just use gfi extensions like they sell on marinedepot?
Click to expand...

I dont use them, I live on the edge.
 
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