|
06/03/2012, 01:25 PM | #1 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 64
|
GFCI & Ground Probe?
My setup: All of my equipment is plugged into Tripp-Lite GFCI power strip (pic attached). The power strips are plugged into normal wall outlets. The only thing not plugged into the GFCI is my MP40w, which should never cause a problem because the power is outside the tank.
If I were to set up a grounding probe should I attach it to the ground screw inside my regular wall outlet or do I tie it to the Tripp-Lite? Or should I just not even use a ground probe? The ground probe I plan on using is the ultralife grounding probe (pic attached). |
06/04/2012, 05:26 AM | #2 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Zuehl, Texas
Posts: 4,460
|
The grounding probe provides a path to ground for the unbalanced load to follow in case of a short. With out it a GFCI will not operate properly because our aquariums are insulated waiting for you to provide that grounding path.
|
06/06/2012, 01:01 PM | #3 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Belmont, CA
Posts: 337
|
I won't argue that a grounding probe isn't providing some safety benefit, but I don't think it's completely accurate to state a GFCI won't work without it.
In my admittedly limited inderstanding, a GFCI is supposed to detect when current is lost between the hot & neutral. Whether the lost current is going to a "ground probe" or anywhere else shouldn't matter. |
06/06/2012, 01:06 PM | #4 | |
Registered Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 838
|
Quote:
Oh, and I would attach it to the middle screw on the wall receptacle cover. This screw screws into the center of the receptacle itself. If your receptacle is grounded, you're good!
__________________
Current Tank: 125 gal mixed reef, 3-250 watt Radiums, T5 actinics, CS2 skimmer, RKL 60 gal "fun tank", 2-Ecotech Radions, Lifereef Overflow, build-in-progress |
|
06/06/2012, 02:14 PM | #5 | ||
Registered Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 8,158
|
Quote:
Here is a fantastic post covering it all. Quote:
__________________
Jim Current Tank Info: 120g Mixed Reef and 75g Freshwater |
||
06/06/2012, 04:45 PM | #6 |
Reef Chemist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Arlington, Massachusetts
Posts: 86,233
|
In terms of where to ground it, it doesn't matter what ground you use, as long as you connect it to one.
__________________
Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef |
|
|