Gfci ......

[jorjef]

Okay not trying to be a smart arse, know it all blow hard jerk by I need to ask if anyone has "personally known" anyone that died from an accidental aquarium electrocution. Not heard about or knew a guy, but either went to a funeral or at least was only one person removed from the deceased. I realize the obvious risks but wonder what the "true" likely hood of it happening to me. My chances are higher than most as I don't shut power down or use GFCI'S. The way I see it is unless it happens as my arm is fully submerged the risk is minimal. If there was a problem existing and I went to put my hand in a quick "how do you do" is all I would get. No expert but my wife always seems to stay a fair distance away when I'm do tamk maintanence........worry or something more sinister???

[Zoaelite]

Didn't you see the 1000 ways to die about this ?

[jorjef]

I'll put ya down as a no ..... I do look both ways when I cross the street.

[Milad]

nope
but i still feel uncomfortable with plugging something into the wall that goes into the water of my tank. From day 1 of my life ive been told that was bad and yet i do that everyday now.

makes me think, what else have i been lied to about? Is the sky really not blue?

[mark]

Could play a big game of know anyone that died from... but if a relatively cheap device is available to limit or eliminate the risk of electrocution, I'd say why take a chance and kick over the 10 bucks.

[jorjef]

Good point, wise advise.

[intarsiabox]

Originally Posted by mark

Could play a big game of know anyone that died from... but if a relatively cheap device is available to limit or eliminate the risk of electrocution, I'd say why take a chance and kick over the 10 bucks.

Where abouts in Edmonton can you find these for $10? I checked Home Depot and they were on sale for $59. Thanks!

[mike31154]

Originally Posted by jorjef

Okay not trying to be a smart arse, know it all blow hard jerk by I need to ask if anyone has "personally known" anyone that died from an accidental aquarium electrocution. Not heard about or knew a guy, but either went to a funeral or at least was only one person removed from the deceased. I realize the obvious risks but wonder what the "true" likely hood of it happening to me. My chances are higher than most as I don't shut power down or use GFCI'S. The way I see it is unless it happens as my arm is fully submerged the risk is minimal. If there was a problem existing and I went to put my hand in a quick "how do you do" is all I would get. No expert but my wife always seems to stay a fair distance away when I'm do tamk maintanence........worry or something more sinister???

Might be a good idea at this point to review the OP's original questions/intent for this thread. There are a pile of threads regarding GFCI devices on this and other forums and much of the information presented here has been rehashed ad infinitum. I'm sure we can all search the net for more specific info on how GFCIs work, their application, etc.

No, I do not know anyone personally who has died from accidental aquarium electrocution, nor have I been to such a funeral. Seems like the OP is willing to deal with the risk involved by not using GFCI devices for his aquarium equipment whereas his wife is a little more cautious. Fine, we all take risks daily as soon as we drag our butts out of bed.

The electrical code is designed to standardize installations and provide the best level of safety using the technology available at the time. If you have an older home, you are under no obligation to bring it up to current code requirements, your call, you live with the risks of not doing so. My place was built in the late '50s early ' 60s and I've been doing a few wiring upgrades including a new breaker panel with AFCI & GFCI circuit breakers. Some of the stuff I've found behind the walls and in the older boxes is scary. By rights my place probably should have burned down by now, but somehow, it hasn't. I only have a few wire runs left to replace and I need to get on that based on some of the stuff I've come across. The code is updated periodically and GFCI/AFCI devices are relatively new on the scene. They can be a costly upgrade as well depending on how you go about it. If you're building new, you don't have much choice, the inspector will make sure it's up to code.

Here is an excerpt from the B.C. Book 1 edition of the "Electrical Code Simplified - Residential" published by PS Knight. There is a newer edition out there, but I'm fairly certain the GFCI requirements will be similar if not identical and other provinces will also be much the same.

(4) G.F.C.I Protected Plug Circuits Required - The rules require separate G.F.I. protection for the following:

A All plug outlets - within 118 in. (3 m) of a bathtub or shower stall, (except washing machine and dryer plugs in a combined bath and laundry room), Rule 26-700(11); and

B All plug outlets - within 118 in. (3 m) of a wash basin, (except washing machine and dryer plugs in a combined bath and laundry room), Rule 26-700(11); and

C All carport plugs - See explanation below, under "Carport only Plug Outlets".

D All outdoor plugs - which are ON the outside of a single family dwelling or an attached garage and which are within 98.5 in. (2.5 m) of grade, Rule 26-714(b).

Notice there appears to be no rule regarding aquariums specifically. But does it make common sense that your level of safety around an aquarium may be elevated through the use of a GFCI device? More than likely and all my equipment is so protected. Will you die if you don't install or retrofit a GFCI device? Beats me, I play lotto 649 and haven't won more than about $80 in countless years of playing. 99% of folks not using GFCI protection will likely never have a problem, heck, we lived without them since Ben Franklin flew his kite in the lightning storm. It would be interesting to see some statistics on known cases of electrocution and their causes. Even GFCIs can be faulty, so no absolute guarantees. It all boils down to your own comfort level with regard to electricity near water, or in our case, submerged in water... heaters, power heads, pumps.