I am also an interprovincial journeyman electrician for over 35 years. My 2 cents....I personally see nothing wrong with homeowners doing minor electrical work provided it is done properly, it isn't rocket science and anybody can do a good job by doing a little research. I am also not an insurance agent but they would be hard pressed to not pay a claim provided the work was done properly as they would have to prove that the moved outlet was the cause of a claim and that it was not done properly. The fine for not pulling a permit is a joke and very very rarely enforced. Most of the stories about big fines are nothing more than an urban myth. I would also never install an arc fault receptacle anywhere else but a bedroom. These devices were invented for bedrooms as that is where most domestic fires occur. They are not recommended for any cicuit that has arcing loads which is not a problem in a bedroom for the most part but when you plug in somthing like your vacumm cleaner you will get nusiance tripping.
Your tank will probobly have several loads which could cause tripping ie..pump motors and even your heater.
As far as gfci go I wouldn't install one on my reef tank either as they can also cause nusiance tripping and I would rather just take the prcaution of keeping my electrical clean and dry as possible. A gfci is designed to prevent people from being electrocuted they are not designed to protect from fire. I have wired hundreds of outlets in public places for drinking fountains and have never used a gfci for this. I can also find no code rules which mandate such precautions.
I am quite sure the only place a gfci is mandated by code is near your kitchen sink or in your bathroom.
Make sure you have a propely grounded outlet, keep your electrical clean dry and neat and take a chill pill.
|