what equip goes on a GFCI plug

Gools · #1 12-20-2007, 02:55 AM

I'm thinking mostly lights, and any submerged pumps/powerheads in my tank and sump. I don't use heaters. Can anyone else think of things that should be put on these plugs?

I'm doing my electrical work right now and I'll be going out to buy reg plugs and GFCI plugs, and didn't realize how expensive they are, so if not needed all the better. Thanks

Black Phantom · #2 12-20-2007, 03:32 AM

You want to put anything that is within arms distance from your tank on GFCI. They cost a bit more but then so does a funeral these days.

The secret to GFCI's is that they will protect any plug that is "downstream" from their instalation. That way you can get a lot of protection from only one plug.
How is it you can get away without using a heater?

Myka · #3 12-20-2007, 03:52 AM

Yep, I put EVERYTHING within a 5 ft radius of the tank on a GFCI. I just installed them myself, and I'm a chick (albeit a carpenter lol).

Gools · #4 12-20-2007, 03:58 AM

But if I go away for a night, and say the power goes off, don't you have to manually reset the breaker. So then your pumps and other items on them wouldn't atomaticlly come back on.

marie · #5 12-20-2007, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gools

But if I go away for a night, and say the power goes off, don't you have to manually reset the breaker. So then your pumps and other items on them wouldn't atomaticlly come back on.

I have never had to reset a breaker after a power outage.

Electric eel · #6 12-20-2007, 04:02 AM

No, GFCI's only need to be reset if they trip. (they usually trip for a reason!) if the power goes off the GFCI will have power when Hydro power returns.

Gools · #7 12-20-2007, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Electric eel

No, GFCI's only need to be reset if they trip. (they usually trip for a reason!) if the power goes off the GFCI will have power when Hydro power returns.

Thanks for the explanation, I was under the impression they had to be manually reset everytime