power bar

[Salmon King]

I just purchased a couple power bars from walmart.They are made of metal with a circuit braker built in it.I/m hoping these are the answer to a safer hobby.

[Joe Reefer]

You will still need to have them on a GFI to be safe. Breakers are to protect the equipment not humans.

[Salmon King]

Just wondering what gfi stands for

[Joe Reefer]

GFI = Ground Fault Interrupter

[surgeonfish]

Ground fault interuptor. Any electricians out their that can explain them better than myself.

[Shrimpy]

Basic info on GFI's. http://home.howstuffworks.com/question117.htm

[Joe Reefer]

A GFCI monitors the amount of current going from hot to neutral. If there is any imbalance, it trips the circuit.

[adidas]

i recently installed one, and the other day water dripped into my powerbar and the switch immediately killed the power. definately get one

[Slick Fork]

Maybe a little off track but sort of related...


I wanted to add a UPS to my system, we're out in the country and our power "flickers" a lot. I was hoping the ups would eliminate this flicker as far as the tanks inhabitants are concerned (no more real quick stop-start on the powerheads, lights, etc.) However, if I plug the UPS into my GFI outlet, and the GFI trips would the UPS not negate any safety benefits by interpreting the GFI tripping as a power outage and providing the power anyways? Is there a way for me to have reliable power AND safety?

[Psyire]

Easy, just put the UPS before the GFCI outlet(s). You'll probably have to rig up some sort of breakout box but it can be done.