Do you use a GFCI?

[nate_newton]

Do you use a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)?

[larryandlaura]

I use a GFI for fire prevention. I like it due to that fact it will cut out if somrthing arcs out.

[tankdude]

I use GFCI on everything I have plugged in. When I finished my basement the new circuits I installed were also GFCI in the panel, per code. Why would I mention my basement? My sump is there, and the last thing I need is a fire starting below my son's bedroom. I think it's absolutely necessary that you use them for your own protection from a major shock also.

[BWsReef]

I installed new breakers and ran two new lines from my box, each to a GFCI. I also have a surge protector on each outlet, one for the lights and one for the pumps. ( Serious Overkill, but total piece of mind. )

[CableGuy]

I use a GFI for fire prevention. I like it due to that fact it will cut out if somrthing arcs out.

100% False. For that, you need an Arc sensing breaker.

[The.Maxi.Man]

I don't lol

[larryandlaura]

100% False. For that, you need an Arc sensing breaker.So you are saying that it won't trip a breaker than?

[75mixer]

When I started to build my current tank I installed GFCI in all outlets of the circuit the tank would run in. Completely unnecessary but was easy. I used to go to school to be an electrician and I just feel safer with them. 15-20 a piece is worth it to me compared to the other expenses. With all the electricity a reef tank has flowing to it and all the saltwater splashing around I feel it is a must.

[CableGuy]

So you are saying that it won't trip a breaker than?

I should have said 99%, not 100%.

It is possible that it could arc between the hot wire and something like the stand or a whole different circuit's ground back to the box and trip but not always the case. A GFCI will only trip when it senses a change in the status of its' ground. So yes, it COULD arc and it could trip but not always guaranteed.

They now sell arc and GFCI breakers. They are a few pretty pennies, but well worth it.


There are also a few threads floating around of people using GFCI's and they tripped for no reason taking out most of the tank from no flow/heat. For the record I do not use any GFCI's but when I setup the new tank, it will have two 20 amp GFCI and arc breaker circuits.

[75mixer]

off topic but +1 to cable. An arc may not trip a breaker. GFCI protects you from completing the circuit where as an arc detector senses the arc and interrupts the circuit. arc breakers are more for say old wires or frayed cords that give arc. AFCI are typically installed in newer ( I think 2002 and up) panel boxes or as outlets. The best protection from fire from arc and shock from completing a circuit is a combo AFCI and GFCI breaker in your panel box. AFCI can and will trip a lot from motors. That being said just make sure your cords aren't frayed and stick with GFCI.

[Paulo]

Actually GFI will trip on many instance that will prevent fire or danger of elctricution. Will prevent most cases of electricution. They can prevent fires by eliminating the causes of many tank related fires, IE bad pump. ballast, if gounded and ect. They work by sensing the leakage of curent. They compare the current at the hot verses the current at white. If they dont equal you have a ground falt and it blows. Problem is that many ground fault interupter can be fool to trip when motors are running on them. Only hopital grade, if I remember right, are rated for motor use at receptical. The GFI will prevent the fire from happening. One type of short it may not sense is a tru frayed cord or salt water between hot and cold. But even in this case a lot of time it will trip(they dont advertise this b/c it is not a sure thing). Make sure you have a grounding plug in tank to have the highest benifit from it. if you dont, you are expecting one of you many pumps in the water to have a good ground. too risky. I have not done my setup with GFI. But when I do I will have maltiple GFI so if one thing blows it does not blow out whole tank.
Paulo

[75mixer]

Paulo you are absolutely correct about motors on older GFCI outlets and breakers. After 2008 NEC made the manufacturers make GFCIs that no longer trip for nuisance reasons. If a modern up to code GFCI does trip it's either a fault GFCI or there is a ground fault.

[AZDesertRat]

Absolutely. They can save your life. Remember the old saying that water and electricity don't mix? The GFCI helps with that issue safely.

[Jstadler]

I use GFCI and a grounding probe, just to be safe. Plus the whole basement remodel required Arc fault breakers be installed.


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[nate_newton]

Interesting to hear what everyone uses. I use GFCI's and a grounding probe.

[dlhirst]

Any of you who ARE using GFCI had any problems with "nuisance tripping"? I have been told the big downside to using GFCI is that occasionally the thing trips and you don't find out until your tank is 68 degrees and your pumps have been off for hours...

I have been using one anyway, so far so good, but I am a little nervous about it!

[nate_newton]

Any of you who ARE using GFCI had any problems with "nuisance tripping"? I have been told the big downside to using GFCI is that occasionally the thing trips and you don't find out until your tank is 68 degrees and your pumps have been off for hours...

I have been using one anyway, so far so good, but I am a little nervous about it!

If the polarity of your plug was wired backwards it will cause random tripping.