Hello All -
With the thousands of dollars that we all spend on this hobby - it still amazes me that some people are still running tanks on non-GFCI outlets. I have heard some say that it's too hard or too expensive to install one. The GFCI parts cost about $15, and installation takes about 15 minutes (max). If you are uncomfortable installing a GFCI switch - you should hire an electrician. You can also purchase one of those wall GFCI adapter plugins or a surge suppressor with a GFCI built in.
There was a thread awhile back where Total Khaos somehow got socked because of loose wiring. This could have been prevented with a GFCI switch. I personally know of another case where a MARS member son pulled a hose out of a sump. Water ended up all over the floor and the surge suppressor sparked. He was lucky that his son didn't get electrocuted.
In my personal experience, a GFCI switch as more than paid for itself. I once accidentally spilled water onto a surge suppressor and ended up standing in a middle of puddle of water with the surge all wet. Luckily for me - the GFCI tripped.
Anyway - I posted this because a few thread on the BAR RC forum reminded me how important one of these GFCI switches are. There may be some new members that have not heard the "lecture" so I just wanted to let them know. You can read more on the BAR forum at :
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=787613
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=788897
I think this weekend, I will do a "how to" install a GFCI switch and post the instruction.
Minh
With the thousands of dollars that we all spend on this hobby - it still amazes me that some people are still running tanks on non-GFCI outlets. I have heard some say that it's too hard or too expensive to install one. The GFCI parts cost about $15, and installation takes about 15 minutes (max). If you are uncomfortable installing a GFCI switch - you should hire an electrician. You can also purchase one of those wall GFCI adapter plugins or a surge suppressor with a GFCI built in.
There was a thread awhile back where Total Khaos somehow got socked because of loose wiring. This could have been prevented with a GFCI switch. I personally know of another case where a MARS member son pulled a hose out of a sump. Water ended up all over the floor and the surge suppressor sparked. He was lucky that his son didn't get electrocuted.
In my personal experience, a GFCI switch as more than paid for itself. I once accidentally spilled water onto a surge suppressor and ended up standing in a middle of puddle of water with the surge all wet. Luckily for me - the GFCI tripped.
Anyway - I posted this because a few thread on the BAR RC forum reminded me how important one of these GFCI switches are. There may be some new members that have not heard the "lecture" so I just wanted to let them know. You can read more on the BAR forum at :
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=787613
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=788897
I think this weekend, I will do a "how to" install a GFCI switch and post the instruction.
Minh
