Electrical Problem

[runningnreefing]

About two years ago, I had an electrician run a dedicated line for the tank. I have not had any problems with the GFCI tripping until two months ago. I purchased a new computer, and almost every time I turn it on the GFCI for the tank would trip. I tried plugging the computer into another circuit to see if it was a short in the computer, but the same GFCI would trip and nothing else. I called the electrician a few weeks ago, but he has not gotten back to me. Unfortunately, the GFCI tripped over the weekend. When I went to reset it, my main pump did not turn back on. The tank temperature dropped while I worked on the pump. Now half of my SPS have died and the other half is not looking so well. The question I have is: if it was a separate line for the tank, would it be possible for my computer to trip the GFCI. What needs to be done to resolve this problem.

 

[fishtk75]

You said line for tank has GFI. The outlet where the tank you plug in that is where you said now GFI you reset? I check one thing at a time for the tank that pluged in and see if something making it short out. unplug all out and put in one at a time and wait to see. I had a pump and heater go bad but worked ok but was cracked and water got in and shorted and made the GFI go off. Then for safety I buy a ground probe for the tank. Now not saying this will fix the problem the GFI outlets go bad also I had them come in and replace my GFI outlet would not handle the load any more going off all the time. Make sure no water can splash on it if it got wet it done from the salt. I also get a extension cord and plug the other things in at a different outlet so you can keep it running. The computer would not trip the GFI if as you said plug in different outlet.
ome new home have GFI breakers in the home breaker panel that covers all the outlets on that line. If you if have this type system then yes it will.

 

[runningnreefing]

I have tried unplugging each item that is plugged into that outlet. Nothing is shorting it out and tripping the GFCI. I have narrowed it down to the computer. I don't know why the computer is tripping the GFCI. Help anyone.

 

[tkeracer619]

I go against the grain on GFCI when it comes to return pumps. Plug the pump directly in the wall. No controllers and no gfci.

The rest of the stuff should be on gfci.

The psu in the pc should be replaced as it is faulty. It should be a warranty thing.

You should also go ahead and replace the GFCI.

 

[runningnreefing]

Thanks for the info. Is there a way to test if the psu in the pc is faulty.

I go against the grain on GFCI when it comes to return pumps. Plug the pump directly in the wall. No controllers and no gfci.

The rest of the stuff should be on gfci.

The psu in the pc should be replaced as it is faulty. It should be a warranty thing.

You should also go ahead and replace the GFCI.

 

[Agu]

Use a heavy duty extension cord plugged into another circuit and try to use that to run the tank. If that works you're good to go in the short term.

If you're really adventurous plug the computer in the same circuit. If the breaker trips it's the computer, if not the GFCI is questionable.

 

[wrott]

I haven't read the other postings, but it sounds like you are ill-minded to keep an aquarium if you do not know the basics of electrical circuitry.
I would give up the hobby until I learned a lot more about basic electronics in your condition--sorry.

 

[tkeracer619]

I haven't read the other postings, but it sounds like you are ill-minded to keep an aquarium if you do not know the basics of electrical circuitry.
I would give up the hobby until I learned a lot more about basic electronics in your condition--sorry.

You gotta be kidding me... You should give up replying to posts until you learn how to deflate your ego.

 

[wrott]

racer,
why are you so amazed? If you were in this situation, I'd bet that it would be a non-posting problem.
I do not have an ego.

 

[tkeracer619]

I'm not amazed. I am disappointed.

 

[wrott]

[violation]

 

[tkeracer619]

Thanks for the info. Is there a way to test if the psu in the pc is faulty.

If its popping a GFCI then somethings wrong. Its better to get it replaced now before it goes completely and knocks out your entire pc.

If its not popping other GFCI circuits then chances are its fine and its the GFCI that keeps tripping. Either way don't wait for that guy to call you back. Yellow pages has plenty of electricians who need work. Have someone else come out and take a look at it.

 

[Porcupinepuffer]

I haven't read the other postings, but it sounds like you are ill-minded to keep an aquarium if you do not know the basics of electrical circuitry.
I would give up the hobby until I learned a lot more about basic electronics in your condition--sorry.

You made a completely useless, waste of time post that did nothing but waste everyone's time reading it. You expect every person who gets in the hobby to know everything about electrical, plumbing, hardware, heating/cooling, and carpentry? ...If you know the basics, and seem under the impression his problem is basic, what's your answer to it? Until then, keep quiet and go troll elsewhere.

 

[Kentsreef]

I would have the GFI changed out, have had a few weird problems with them in the past..

 

[runningnreefing]

I am sorry you feel that way. I admit I do not know a lot about electrical circuitry, and that is why I posted here for help. There are a lot of good people here on this forum with an incredible amount of knowledge. I have been into reefing for about five years and I am still learning everyday. I find that people on this forum are very helpful. I am not going to let a few problems drive me out of this great hobby. I hope what ever is troubling you will get resolved soon.

I haven't read the other postings, but it sounds like you are ill-minded to keep an aquarium if you do not know the basics of electrical circuitry.
I would give up the hobby until I learned a lot more about basic electronics in your condition--sorry.

 

[runningnreefing]

I will try to plug the computer in another circuit that has a GFCI. If the GFCI trips, then I know it is computer. Thanks again for you input.

If its popping a GFCI then somethings wrong. Its better to get it replaced now before it goes completely and knocks out your entire pc.

If its not popping other GFCI circuits then chances are its fine and its the GFCI that keeps tripping. Either way don't wait for that guy to call you back. Yellow pages has plenty of electricians who need work. Have someone else come out and take a look at it.

 

[runningnreefing]

+1

you made a completely useless, waste of time post that did nothing but waste everyone's time reading it. You expect every person who gets in the hobby to know everything about electrical, plumbing, hardware, heating/cooling, and carpentry? ...if you know the basics, and seem under the impression his problem is basic, what's your answer to it? Until then, keep quiet and go troll elsewhere.

 

[runningnreefing]

I am going to have an electrician change it out to be on the safe side. Thanks.

I would have the GFI changed out, have had a few weird problems with them in the past..

 

[REEFERJACK]

@runningnreefing
hey i'm an electrician, while it's possible that your cpu could be faulty or you could have a faulty device etc... my experience is that gfci's are incredibly unreliable. they monitor the balance between the neutral and the ground. and the second they get wet or even salt on them, they are just about ruined. I've changed so many i've lost count.
i don't know if your using a gfci recepticle or a gfci circuit breaker, but if you have a "dedicated circuit" just for your tank, no other recepticles in the house should affect it.
to make a really really long diagnosis short. I would just go out to your local home improvement store, get a new recepticle, and get a "in-use wet location" cover for it.
we usually call them bubble covers, they look like a clear acrylic bubble. if you need any assistance you can pm me anytime

 

[staplesofficewr]

@runningnreefing
but if you have a "dedicated circuit" just for your tank, no other recepticles in the house should affect it.

+1 here. I think that you asked for a dedicate line to the tank, and unless you saw the electrican pulling a new wire from your panel box to the location of the new outlet, all he did was install a GFCI inplace of a standard outlet.
If that is the case, anything that is after the GFCI is also technically on the GFCI....By bet is that the GFCI is OK, and your computer has a bad power supply. I have a BET in electronics engineering, and I dont claim to know all about house wiring, however, I know circuits are somethings protected with 1 GFCI and it doesnt have to be a GFCI breaker (my garage is wired this way. 1 GFCI outlet also monitors about 4 other outlets.)

Good Luck.