Ground probe???

I use GFCI -- 2 of them on my tank. One for the lights, and one for the rest of the stuff. Electronic ballasts can be tricky with GCFI and if I turn on too many lights at the same time, it will trip. If I stagger them the GCFI is alright. This is because of the RF filtering that bleeds some current and when too many turn on at once, it bleeds enough to trip things. I use it for safety. Basically, if I stick my hand in the tank and there is current flowing through me, the GFI should trip. I use two of them to keep the pumps going if the lights should ever trip things.

I don't have a ground probe, mainly because I'm not so sure they do anything that I _really_ need (there is a big debate), and also because I never got the gumption to go out and get one and hook it up.
 
The power strips most often have surge protection, not Ground Fault Circuit Interuption. The GFCI has a thingy in it that basically monitors current in vs current back through. If current leaves via an external route (e.g. through your arm) then it trips within a matter of sub miliseconds, I think. Thus it can really save you. Surge protection won't do that.
 
I use a ground probe. would not go without it, especially since I had a pump go up on me last year. had it in and it likely saved me from nukeing the tank.
 
Ok where would one get a GFI unit and is it easy to install or is it a plug in deal? Im guessing lowes has these correct?
 
yea, lowes had them. be prepared to replace your existing plug. they also sell them that will go in your circuit box, but them is expensive. I dont have a gfci on the tank. I need to do it, but I cant get to the plug. I do know you can install them upstream from the tank and if done right they effect all the plugs.
 
Yeah, they make plug in GFIs, ones that replace the plugs in your wall, and ones that work in the breaker box. I think Lowe's carries all 3 kinds. I made my own GFI box by getting an outdoor outlet box and 2 GFIs and wiring them up in parallel. I have that plugged into the wall, so it is sort of my own DIY power strip. If I get a chance, maybe I can snap a pick of it tomorrow.
 
yeah crumbletop has the solution that is not so problematic to you, this way you won't risk electracution or shorting out something in your system that has to be replaced. if your iffy call me and i will help you out, do eletrical work and can help you do it.
 
I use GFCI as well. Only $15 at Lowes for a plug in one with 5 outlets.

The DIY approach works as well.

About time you showed up and said something, Bob! :D

Brandon
 
the 5 outlet is a surge pro. a gfci is a ground fault circuit interupt that is a different type of circuit. i think crumbletop explains it above. call me. i'll im my cell
 
Just watch some of those plug in GFCIs. I had one that would trip every time the electricity would go out.
 
Here's the one I put together using two sets of GFCI outlets wired in parallel. This plugs into the wall and works great.

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