Electrical Problem

[Chris27]

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

Yep - but you need a digital multi-meter, wiring diagram of the ps and a couple of basic hand tools. Basically you would check for resistance between each of the lines in a powered off state. Following that, you would check for voltage between the power and grounds. Given that you don't have much in the way of electrical experience, you could simply remove the power supply and take it to a computer repair store or similar and have them check it out.

If your GFCI is popping when you plug your computer into a receptacle that isn't on that line, then the PS possibly has an EMI issue that is making it's way into your house wiring. It's very difficult to TS, but definitely a possibility.

At any rate, replacing the GFCI is a good idea, espicially if it seems to be getting more sensitive with age....after that try it with the computer....if it still pops...a new PS is in order.

 

[Chris27]

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.

Hey pal - my degree isn't in biology, chemistry or fluid dynamics, does that mean I should throw in the proverbial reefing towel?

Also, since I haven't been to GM Truck school, should I just give up owning a GM truck and simply pedal my bike around town?

Don't take out your frustrations or shortcomings on others it's just an ugly practice. Try lending a helping hand to someone daily - it makes a world of difference.

 

[sasharotty]

<font size="1" color="#0000FF">Your post is in violation of the <a href="http://www.reefcentral.com/index.php/user-agreement">terms and conditions of use</a> of this web site and has been edited. Further violations will result in revocation of your posting privileges.</font>

What???? Hes asking about an electrical issue hes having not government.

 

[fishtk75]

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

When he comes in ask him what do you have as a hookup for your line to the tank. As the other said GFI outlet right there or it is not hookup to other outlets also . The member said pc yes if the filter on the power supply is bad grounds the electric noise to ground and trips the GFI I have a pump control that does that if I plug it in GFI the GFI thinks threre is a short. Check as the other member said plug the pc in a GFi other part of the home as there must be one for the basement as the washer.

When you said this was for only the tank setup I would not use it for nothing but the tank then so you will not have any problems that is why you did it for to have the tank stay on. if something shorts and trips the breaker in the home it will not stop your tank. And put a cover over it so the saltwater will not short it out.

We are all here on this form to help each other and have fun with our hobby.

 

[runningnreefing]

I appreciate all the responses. I plugged the computer into the bathroom circuit which has a GFCI on it and it did not trip. I tried it a few times so I don't think that the ps on the computer is bad. I will have an electrician change out the faulty GFCI on the tank to see if that solves the problem. I will also cover the outlets behind the tank to prevent any problems with splashing in the future.

 

[bearpeidog]

Hard to follow but where is the pc being plugged in? It's the same circuit as the tank - right? So, are you plugging into a power strip or another outlet along the line? It could be the outlet shorting when you plug something into it. Try a lamp to rule out the pc and isolate it to the pc. I didn't read the whole thread as there was some noise, so apologies if someone already suggested this.

 

[fishtk75]

I appreciate all the responses. I plugged the computer into the bathroom circuit which has a GFCI on it and it did not trip. I tried it a few times so I don't think that the ps on the computer is bad. I will have an electrician change out the faulty GFCI on the tank to see if that solves the problem. I will also cover the outlets behind the tank to prevent any problems with splashing in the future.

Looks good I would see and watch with out putting but only tank hardware on that New GFI to see if you have a sometime problem if not the GFI went bad and you are ok. And then back to happy reefing.

 

[mm949]

as strange as it sounds i have seen this before....my freinds gfci would trip every time they did laundry....replaced the recepticle, no difference and the lights were on their own circuit....the interesting thing was the laundry breaker was right above the light breaker.....we wrapped the outside of the circuit breaker a few times with electrical tape and now it doesnt trip

 

[bearpeidog]

Here is a good article on how gfi works:
http://ecmweb.com/mag/electric_gfcis_work/

In essence, the current leaving is equal to the current returning. If someone ties neutral or white wires together the gfi will trip as the current coming back is not what was going out. If I remember, that difference causes a magnetic field, which is what initiates the trip. (In the diagram that little doughnut looking thing is where the magic happens. Could also just be a bad gfi

Anyway, be sure to let us know what happens as I'm curious. I wired in a 220 pool pump with gfi and didn't understand how it worked as there was no neutral. That search led me to the above info.

 

[89Foxbody]

Electricity is really very simple when you sit down and think about it. One of the great things about this hobby is that there are so many other skills/fields that go along with it. Biology, plumbing, electricity, the list goes on and on. Just take some time some night to read up about it a little bit. The more you know about all the various aspects of keeping your tank up and running, the higher your comfort level will be. That's how I feel at least.

 

[runningnreefing]

Just an update. An electrician opened up the circuit panel and saw that it was very dusty. He used a hair dryer to blow out the dust and vacuumed. He tighten the screws on circuit breakers. Now, the GFCI no longer trips. He thinks the dust was causing an arc so when I turned on my computer it would trip the GFCI. Once again, thank you to everyone for your input. Have a happy holiday.

 

[Porcupinepuffer]

By panel, do you mean the small electrical box the gfci plug was mounted in? The electrical panel should be clean inside. But I can see drywall dust being built up in an electrical plug box since they don't put the covers on until all the drywall sanding and painting is complete.