Gfi

[bertoni]

Hey, that's a great link! I like that product. The automatic reset feature sounds fine, though.

Anything plugged into the GFCI will be protected. I'm not sure what was meant by "downstream" in this usage.

 

[Capt. Nemo]

Thanks to everyone for their assistance. I dont know what I would do without you guys.

Gary

 

[Paul B]

Mike is correct, you should install a ground probe with a GFI or GFCI as you guys call them. Most aquarium appliances are not grounded because many of them are plastic and come with two prong plugs. I personally have never seen a three prong heater plug but before GFI I got knocked on my A- - twice from broken heaters. A GFI will not trip off if a heater breaks or a light falls in the water unless there is a ground on the system. I have been an electrician foreman almost 40 years and installed hundreds of them. Put in a ground. You can make one out of a stainless steel antenna or a sterling silver spoon, fork, knife etc. Just bend it so it hangs over the side of the tank and drill a hole in the part outside of the tank. Connect a copper wire to the fork and either the center screw of a receptacle or a copper cold water pipe. Of course you could buy one ready made.
Paul

 

[DgenR8]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7321381#post7321381 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bertoni



Anything plugged into the GFCI will be protected. I'm not sure what was meant by "downstream" in this usage.

Basically, electricity comes from a circuit breaker via Romex or BX cable. That cable attaches to a light or outlet. Power travels through that first outlet, into other cables that run to other outlets/lights. If the first outlet on the run is a GFCI, and it trips, it will interupt power to anything further down the circuit (This depends on the GFCI being wired in properly).

 

[reef_ky]

I spent a little more money, and took it one step further. My electrician said it was safer?? He replaced my existing breaker with a GFI Breaker in the main breaker. Makes everything in that circuit on the GFI.

 

[DgenR8]

The GFCI breaker is probably a little more expensive than a GFCI outlet, but you're correct, everything on that circuit is GFCI protected. It's also easier to change than an outlet.