does everyone use a grounding probe????............

[Naperville Reef]

and if so, which brand?

thanks
rob

 

[mhurley]

Yes.
No idea.
Titanium one.

 

[PSam]

Yes, generic - $8 or $9, if memory serves, Titanium.

Wouldn't go without one.

 

[Rockitmakr]

Yes, Titanium here too.
:beer:

 

[ostrow]

There are plusses and minuses to using them. Search on grounding probe gfi and userid jdieck to find the thread. Jose is the man on this and at one point he posted a very long explanation of the various configurations and risks/rewards of each.

 

[ppurcell]

I do use a titanium grounding probe and I believe a GFCI should be required equipment if you are going to operate an aquarium.

 

[ostrow]

Here it is:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=766680&highlight=probe+gfci

 

[Naperville Reef]

thanks for the info...... now here is a follow up queston.

my electrical outlet IS NOT a GFCI. can i simply replace the outlet or does a GFCI outlet require additional wire connected to my fuse box?

thanks
rob

 

[ostrow]

You can replace the outlet. In my house I had to rewire to the box but your construction is newer. Just replace the outlet. You can even get a gfci plug that plugs into each socket and then plug your devices into that if you want a quicker fix. Those things I am told by electicians are very reliable. (Now watch Jose come in and blow this statement all to high heck.) It won't save you money, in fact it will cost more, but it is easier.

 

[PSam]

I have the "strip" style GFCI you plug into 3-prong outlet. It was more expensive than replacing the outlet itself (I think it was $40 or so), but as a filled tank was already in place, this was a quick, easy fix. Next time I'll replace the outlets.

 

[kimoy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8928846#post8928846 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ostrow
You can replace the outlet. In my house I had to rewire to the box but your construction is newer. Just replace the outlet. You can even get a gfci plug that plugs into each socket and then plug your devices into that if you want a quicker fix. Those things I am told by electicians are very reliable. (Now watch Jose come in and blow this statement all to high heck.) It won't save you money, in fact it will cost more, but it is easier.

does this mean that i can use the power surge i got that has a gfci on it and plug all my aquarium stuff in it? or it is easier and safer to replace the outlet itself?

 

[ppurcell]

Rob, I am pretty sure that I have at least one maybe two GFCI recepticles laying around. I'll let you have them in trade for a some frags of your nice new encrusting corals when they get bigger...

 

[ostrow]

Those power strips ... don't use them if they are surge suppressors. I forget why, but I was told not to use them, whether GFI protected or not! I have 2 of those GFI strips and now use neither on my tanks....

 

[hansnfrans]

I use a titanium grounding probe along with a "strip-style" GFCI. I am very happy that I have these. The GFCI has already prevented a fire.

 

[Naperville Reef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8928917#post8928917 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ppurcell
Rob, I am pretty sure that I have at least one maybe two GFCI recepticles laying around. I'll let you have them in trade for a some frags of your nice new encrusting corals when they get bigger...

thanks for the offer but since i am going to change this outlet i might as well switch out the outlets in my bathrooms as well. so i am going to need about 5 or so and i just assume they all match (yes, i am "anal" about things like that)

ostrow...... i meant to thank you for linking that thread. good info.

 

[canar]

GFCI's will trip for no reason. I personally think that is a bigger risk then shocking yourself or the fish

 

[flapjack1439]

Generally, if they pop it's for a reason. If you have electricity around water a GFCI outlet is a must. The risk of electrocution and fire is not worth any perceived gains.

 

[pusanpa]

Multiple gfci is the best solution. My set up has 3 small GFCI portable plug that I got from Mernard for $5 each.

 

[Naperville Reef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8928846#post8928846 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ostrow
You can even get a gfci plug that plugs into each socket and then plug your devices into that if you want a quicker fix. Those things I am told by electicians are very reliable.

i think this is my best solution because the outlet is behind the sump and i only have 6 inches of room to work.

 

[svb57]

In my opinion everyone should use a GFCI for anything they plug in around water! The shock you might get could be your last one, or worse someone else in your family! It is not worth the risk.....

What I have done is replaced the breaker in my main box with GFCI breakers. They cost around $40.00 and protect the whole circuit.

Jim Mc