Small fire erupts!

[gotdesl]

Well, I have had a bit of bad luck this weekend. My setup suffered a small fire. Apparently, my directional flow part of my return got bumped or moved while I was gone to where the water was pushing against the overflow box inside the tank. This created a swell inside the quarium which forced water over the side. With driplines and everything, My power system still got wet and shorted. The surge suppressor, gfci, and everything else did squat to shut it off. I have burnt every one of my plug ends and will be spending the evening playing electrician. On the bright side, my house didn't burn down, there is no physical damage to the tank, and minimal scorching of the stand! Hopefully, I haven't lost any critters yet...

 

[blkSupra]

Sorry to hear about that.. But next time you invest in some GFCI's don't buy on the cheap. I had a similar issue once and my cheapo GFCI's didn't unlatch. My main power is supplied by some telecom based strips that are very very sensitive to changes in current draw.

 

[gotdesl]

Just finished it up. I now have an expandable distribution box. Didn't go cheap on the GFCI this time. I picked up a $25 one. It was the best one Lowe's had. Probably not telecom quality, but not too shabby for a Sunday. I also added some quality computerized timers so that I don't have to constantly reset the time as I had to do on the mechanical models that I had. Short of a flood, I should be high and dry fom now on.

 

[blkSupra]

Cool deal.. At least your place did not get damaged and mainly you..

Thats one thing we don't consider with the hobby we get so concerned making everything else right that we don't take time to make sure we protect us either..

Brandon

 

[Viper GTS]

Funny how something so full of water can be a fire hazard. Glad you live to reef again.

jc

 

[gotdesl]

There is a bit of irony to it. I am much happier with my configuration now. The computerized timers are much more exact and I no lnger have the chore of daily adjustment. All said and done, it was a good experience if that is possible. No damage other than goofing up my last weekend of deer season. I was lucky!

 

[edsiajb]

GFCIs prevent shocks and electrocution...AFCIs prevent fires! AFCIs (Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter) are currently only available as breakers and not outlets. They are now required by NEMA code for all bedrooms in new construction.

We should all have an AFCI breaker installed for the circuit that feeds our reef tank. Again, GFCIs will do nothing to prevent (fire-causing) arcing. I am adding this project to my "to do" list!

 

[gotdesl]

Great info. The GFCI was added mostly to protect myself from electrocution. Only once by the aquarium so far, but it is kind of a recurring theme in my life. I will look into adding an AFCI to the setup.

 

[edsiajb]

I think the AFCI breakers are about $50...but that would be cheaper than a fire!

 

[gotdesl]

Considering that I easily spent twice that replacing/upgrading my power distribution... pretty darn reasonable!

 

[tritontr21]

Considering that I easily spent twice that replacing/upgrading my power distribution... pretty darn reasonable!

Since you put it that way, your are exactly right, i will be installing that as well.

 

[Runner]

Hey, guys. I know it is a year after this. Sorry for digging up an old thread. I was searching for information on AFCI breakers and was wondering if anybody every tried one. I was thinking of getting one but was worried that my MH lighting would trip it (since it looks like an arc-fault electrically).

 

[j1b1e1]

Good point, I was thinking the same thing. Seems like a draw like the lighting would trip it. I've had GFI's trip due to a high amp draw.