GFCI outlet

[EllieSuz]

I'm having a dedicated line run from the circuit panel box to the aquarium. Right now if you run a hair dryer and a curling iron in the upstairs bathroom, the circuit blows and turns off everything in the aquarium. The electrician is recommending a GFCI outlet. I've read threads here about the GFCI tripping and killing everything in the tank, but on the other hand, I've also read threads about water getting into the outlet and causing fires, etc. Do any of you have an opinion on this? Which is safer?

 

[Conesus_Kid]

GFCI is definitely safer, and should be used whenever water and electricity are in close proximity to one another.

I would recommend that you have two separate circuits installed. That way, you can separate system components in case one of them trips. For example, you may wish to have your return pump and powerheads on separate circuits. If either trips, then you'll still have water circulation in the aquarium.

A second circuit shouldn't add significantly to the cost. The electrician can run the two circuits through some 12-3 wire to the tank.

 

[pascal32]

get a GCFI - better for your health! that and I believe there is a code for outlets within a couple feet of water are required to be GCFI. I have a dedicated 20 amp GFI breaker for the reef.

the suggested dual circuit is ideal.

 

[pascal32]

GFCI is definitely safer, and should be used whenever water and electricity are in close proximity to one another.

I would recommend that you have two separate circuits installed. That way, you can separate system components in case one of them trips. For example, you may wish to have your return pump and powerheads on separate circuits. If either trips, then you'll still have water circulation in the aquarium.

A second circuit shouldn't add significantly to the cost. The electrician can run the two circuits through some 12-3 wire to the tank.

somewhere between 2001 and now they added a code for dual lines over 12-3 - you need to use a double pole breaker. used to be able to stack two breakers I guess people were unbalancing the circuit by putting dual lines on individual breakers across from each other (effectively the same side).

the annoyance is that a double pole GFI is pricey and ties the lines together defeating the goal of individual lines.

if I understand correctly you now need to run two lines to have the benefit you mentioned

 

[Conesus_Kid]

Thanks, Blurry- I wasn't aware of that. Sounds like two separate lines would be the way to go if possible.

 

[reef2]

ive got two line for my tank. one with a gfci with most of the stuff on it and another with a few pumps on it. incase the gfci pops the pumps will still run

 

[pascal32]

you might want to bounce what I said off an electrician, I'm a software weenie