Grounding probe

tinnghe · 04/13/2008, 12:37 PM

how does a grounding probe works? just plug it into an outlet? how much amp can a GFCI handle?

submytion · 04/13/2008, 01:33 PM

You just plug it into a outlet and place the probe in the water. Any stray current will go to the probe then to the ground of the house.

Paul B · 04/13/2008, 01:50 PM

A GFCI for household use will handle either 15 or 20 amps depending on which one you buy. The 20 amp one will have a small horozontal slot perpendicular to the larger (or neutral) slot.
So one slot looks loke a slot and the other one looks like a T
It will also say the amps on the box it comes in.
A 15 amp GFCI will not trip if you pull more than 15 amps out of it but the contacts and circuitry inside are not made for that load and could heat up thats why you install a 15 amp GFCI on a 15 amp circuit and a 20 amp GFCI on a 20 amp circuit. Receptacles are rated the same and the slots look the same as I stated also.
A ground probe works by directing any current flow in your water to a ground or earth. It could be a long discussion and everyone will have a different opinion but thats what it does.

(Electrician 40 years)
Paul

04/13/2008, 12:37 PM	#1
tinnghe Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 800	Grounding probe how does a grounding probe works? just plug it into an outlet? how much amp can a GFCI handle?

04/13/2008, 01:50 PM	#3
Paul B Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 15,549	A GFCI for household use will handle either 15 or 20 amps depending on which one you buy. The 20 amp one will have a small horozontal slot perpendicular to the larger (or neutral) slot. So one slot looks loke a slot and the other one looks like a T It will also say the amps on the box it comes in. A 15 amp GFCI will not trip if you pull more than 15 amps out of it but the contacts and circuitry inside are not made for that load and could heat up thats why you install a 15 amp GFCI on a 15 amp circuit and a 20 amp GFCI on a 20 amp circuit. Receptacles are rated the same and the slots look the same as I stated also. A ground probe works by directing any current flow in your water to a ground or earth. It could be a long discussion and everyone will have a different opinion but thats what it does. (Electrician 40 years) Paul __________________ I used to get shocked when I put my hand in my tank. Then the electric eel went dead. Current Tank Info: 100 gal reef set up in 1971

04/13/2008, 01:33 PM	#2
submytion Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Topeka, KS Posts: 51	You just plug it into a outlet and place the probe in the water. Any stray current will go to the probe then to the ground of the house.