installed a gfi plug - Page 2

Squiddy · #11 01-30-2006, 08:50 PM

Ruth, how much was shipping, how did you have it shipped and how long did it take from Axe? Thanks!

Ruth · #12 01-30-2006, 10:13 PM

I ordered 3 of them and the shipping was really quick and I got in on a promo so it was free!

midgetwaiter · #13 01-31-2006, 06:18 PM

I've got a power bar that looks just like the ones pictured. I know what I did to it though, I got SW all over it. I'll bet that those power bars either had water or salt creep short them out. A power bar for an aquarium should never be on the floor. Any power cables should dip lower than the plug to avoid water running down the cable.

TheReefGeek · #14 01-31-2006, 06:37 PM

In addition to GFI outlets and powerbars NOT on the floor, you should use a grounding probe for safety. For example, if your lighting unit falls into the tank while you have your hands in it, the GFI wont trip, but a grounding probe may save your life.

I would also test your aquarium pretty regularly for stray current as well, to make sure any of your devices are not failing/faulty.

TheReefGeek · #15 01-31-2006, 06:48 PM

Sweet link for the DJ Panel, I have been looking for those for a while, and they are right here in Edmonton! I am going to pick 2 up tonight, now I can complete my electrical setup!

robzilla · #16 02-01-2006, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheReefGeek

In addition to GFI outlets and powerbars NOT on the floor, you should use a grounding probe for safety. For example, if your lighting unit falls into the tank while you have your hands in it, the GFI wont trip, but a grounding probe may save your life.

I would also test your aquarium pretty regularly for stray current as well, to make sure any of your devices are not failing/faulty.

how do you setup a grounding probe? any links? how do you test for stray current?

TheReefGeek · #17 02-01-2006, 02:09 PM

Grounding probe you can buy from www.jlaquatics.com

To test for stray current, you need a voltmeter (a $15 multimeter from Canadian Tire will do), then you put one probe into the ground of a power bar, and the other in your tank, and see if there are any volts reading on the meter. Every device (pumps, heaters, etc.) puts out some stray voltate, the key is to measure it every month or so to ensure it does not increase. The grounding probe has to be out of the tank to test for stray current. The grounding probe "grounds out" the stray voltage for you. But it does this at the cost of creating current, so too much is bad. If you have a device that is putting out more than a couple volts, I would probably replace it.

tbone · #18 02-03-2006, 05:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by midgetwaiter

I've got a power bar that looks just like the ones pictured. I know what I did to it though, I got SW all over it. I'll bet that those power bars either had water or salt creep short them out. A power bar for an aquarium should never be on the floor. Any power cables should dip lower than the plug to avoid water running down the cable.

i just learn that from today!!!!!!!!

tank overflowed when i was doing something. water went into the powerbar. so i'd jump on the the salt bucket and unplug everything. it felt like i was fighting for the unplugging the cord.