GFIs on your controllers?

mc-cro

mc-cro

(macro)
How do you guys suggest using seperate GFI's on the dc8s?

Or do you? Do you just plug the DC8 into a single GFI and hope it doesnt trip shutting down everything?

So far this is the only real downside I can see
 
if you are concerned or want some seperation of what is GFI protected you could make a GFI "extension" that plugs into the DC8.
so you could end up with each item on it's own GFI.
 
I have considered that, but at ~$15 per GFI outlet setup, your looking at about another $150-200 in GFI's.

I have had GFI circuits save me and my tank on occasion, so I feel a little uncomfortable running without them.
 
you would probably be ok leaving items that are not in constant contact with water off but I know where you are coming from on that one.

do one every couple of months it will lessen the pain :)
 
I believe that putting a DC8 on a GFI is not really accomplishing anything. If the current gets too great, the 15 amp fuse inside the DC8 will blow before the GFI unless you are using a lower amp GFI, which then wouldn't allow enough current to maximize what you plug into the DC8.

Believe it or not, I have NO GFIs in my Tank room. I don't think they are needed. I have 5 20 amp circuits specifically for the tank equipment and each one has a DC4HD or a DC8 on it. If anything shorts, the DC8 or DC4HD fuse will blow, and if that doesn't happen, the 20 amp circuit breaker will trip. You have to be careful about using GFIs for aquariums because if one item trips it, other critical items could be shut down.

Anyway, I am not an expert in this and I know many would argue for the GFIs, but I just don't see them as neccessary, especially when you are using a DC8.
 
I hadnt considered the fuse on the DC8, that is a good point.

But there again, just as you stated, if one thing shorts out, the
whole system goes down. Or at least what is on that controller.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7090850#post7090850 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by szwab
BTW when are you going to make it back up to Columbus?!
Click to expand...

I had planned on joining you guys for the Cleveland swap, but
it didnt work out because of work.

I will be there for the Columbus swap, and we'll see if something else comes up before then.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7094452#post7094452 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mc-cro
I hadnt considered the fuse on the DC8, that is a good point.

But there again, just as you stated, if one thing shorts out, the
whole system goes down. Or at least what is on that controller.
Click to expand...

And that is what happened to me last week so that can be nerve racking. What I am going to do is install 15 amp push-button circuit breakers into my units. I have 4 DC4HDs and 1 DC8 and I have tried to position things so that if any one of them trips, there will still be light and circulation. The breakers cost about $4.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7094653#post7094653 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
And that is what happened to me last week so that can be nerve racking. What I am going to do is install 15 amp push-button circuit breakers into my units. I have 4 DC4HDs and 1 DC8 and I have tried to position things so that if any one of them trips, there will still be light and circulation. The breakers cost about $4.
Click to expand...
can you post more details on these?

is there really no need for a GFI when we have a fuse in the DC4HD? i have 3 DC4HDs and have them plugged into a GFI before my 2x20Amp circuits. They do trip on occasion and i have to reset them. I am not sure if it is actually protecting something, or just an added hassle for no reason...
 
I would talk to Curt at Neptune about it. He really knows this stuff front and back.

My question is why are your 20 amp circuits tripping before the 15 amp fuse in the DC4HD blows?
 
agreed, i hate changing the fuse. first i have to unscrew the DC4HD from my tight cabinet, then i have to somehow reach in and get it out and squeeze the new one back in and then screw it all back into my cabinet. not fun at all.
 
some have wired in surface mount fuse holders which seem to work well. I will probably go this route
pRS1C-2160137w345.jpg
 
that works but why use a fuse when you can just use a breaker? They look about identical when mounted but there is no fuse to replace...
 
don't breakers wear out over time? guess either way would work plus I have about 30 of the fuses :)
 
well if you have 30 fuses the surface mount fuse sockets would be good. I don't even understand why the units don't come with that anyway. Bizarre if you ask me.
 
that switch relay is very cool, and if I buy a controller I think I will
end up wiring in a bunch of those as well. The wire schematic for this is gonna look like spaghetti, so much for a controller making things simpler.
 
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