Anyone using GFCI breakers on their systems? I'm in the process of setting up a large reef in a dedicated fish room and I'm installing a subpanel with (4) 20 amp breakers. I believe GFCI is required by the NEC since this is in the basement in an unfinished area of the basement. I know GFCI can be very sensitive and GFCI outlets can be finiky. GFCI breakers are supposedly more reliable. I'm looking for experience. I'll be having the electrical inspected once it's finished so there's no getting around code even if I wanted to. I like the protection of GFCI anyway. Just looking for feedback on their senstivity with respect to reef tank equipment. Thx.
GFCI Breakers
- Thread starter Oldtimer
- Start date
RBU1
Moving on Up
I guess it depends on your location for the code. As far as I know it is not neccesary for GFI outlets in a basement in the national electric code. I have been told that the slightest rush of current will cause them to trip. In my opinion they are more trouble then they are worth. My luck they would trip when I am not home and I would have no pumps running. I think it is better to go with regular outlets and just be careful when working with the water.
mm949
New member
never had any problems w/ gfci outlets....have (120) of them...code would not require a gfi breaker if using gfci outlets....i find its better to run individual gfci outlets so one bum pump/heatr doent trip the whole circuit.....DO not use and extension cords...not code...use all 12g wire
good luck
good luck
RokleM
Premium Member
Occupation: Electric ... Are you serious? :eek2:
Personally I have all GFCI run in the basement where I installed tank power, in addition to where my homebuilder put it in the basement, garage, kitchen, dining area, and bathrooms. As well, in my computer room (58 is in there), I have a couple of things plugged into the portable outlets. 80 amps of circuits, never once has it tripped without reason. It has indeed tripped 3-4 times when it should have (fans falling into water, etc). No way I'd run without one.
corals b 4 bills
New member
Here are some pictures of the GFCI panel I made for my 155, it has 55 outlets that are hard wired to my sub panel with two (2) GCFI breakers. Whats nice about the panel is that it can be removed and used in the next tank that I am currently looking for (220 through 300). It has only tripped once and that was before my light reflectors were grounded (elbow + water = OUCH!).
racksteris
New member
That is correct. 08 NEC codes.
As of right now the code reads GFCI are required in any location where moisture or water is present. Kitchen, Bathroom, Outside etc. There is some leaway in this code like there is in every code, and this up the the individual inspector inspecting that day.
As far as the 08 NEC codes that is a new for me, I will have to look into that since we are looking into building this year.
As far as the 08 NEC codes that is a new for me, I will have to look into that since we are looking into building this year.
justinm0424
New member
So do gfci breakers and gfci outlets do the same thing? I have 2 gfci outlets but am in the process of adding a basement tank room and I already have a subpanel with a gfci breaker (from old hot tub) and I'd love to save money and use that with standard outlets. Also can you use both outlets and breakers on the same circuit?
Oh and I always thought anywhere 6ft or less from running water needed a gfci but i'm not too sure about that.
Oh and I always thought anywhere 6ft or less from running water needed a gfci but i'm not too sure about that.
corals b 4 bills
New member
I ran separate Neutrals, I wanted the two 20 amp breakers ran independently but on the same panel.
Yes they do the same thing. If you are planning on using GFCI outlets then the breaker is not needed. I dont use the breakers because I dont like the whole ciruit to turn off. If I use GFCI outlets I use multiple ones on the same circuit so the whole circuit is not effected by a trip. This kills only one or two devices instead of the half/all of the tank.
