Scariest sound ever

[thatguy]

I got home about 20 minutes ago and was putting my new zoo's into the tank when I heard a strange noise. There was some weird sizzling sound coming from the area of the tank. At first I thought one of my MH's was getting ready to explode. Then I looked behind the tank to see that my power strip was covered in water and smoking. My piece of $#1? HOB skimmer was dripping water down onto the strip.

I shut off and unplugged everything. When I took the strip from behind the tank water actually ran out of it. The damn thing was holding water.

Luckily, I had an extra power strip. All power related items are now nailed to the wall and the skimmer is in the trash. If I would have gotten home any later I could have had a fire.

I'm a little ****ed that the fuse on the strip didn't blow and shut everything off.

I need a beer or 5.

 

[vishboy]

Wow, what brand of skimmer were you using?

 

[Mykayel]

At a minimum you should have a GFI strip. But it only cost $15 or so to go get a GFI outlet to instal where you plug your tank in. Not only could this save you from a fire, it could possibly save your life.

 

[azgard]

Ditto on the GFI. Also, so very important to keep all electrical wires elevated above any level that water can pool. Do not ever touch something sizzling or with an obvious electrical burning smell. Go to your breaker panel switch off the circuit, then deal with the issue.

 

[Dert42]

i have my outlets above floor level with drip loops.
drip loops are also a good idea!

 

[thatguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8394478#post8394478 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Dert42
i have my outlets above floor level with drip loops.
drip loops are also a good idea!

Drip Loop??? What is this drip loop you speak of?

 

[cwegescheide]

A drip loop is basically having cord hanging in such a way that its impossible for the water to travel down the cord and to your outlet.

GFI's are a good idea too! Sounds like you got lucky there.. Must be livin right :thumbsup:

 

[drummereef]

What brand of skimmer was it!?!?

 

[levon15]

I dont think blaming this on the skimmer is the correct couse of action.

All electrical items/outlets should be protected form this type of incident