GFCI or not to GFCI

nowell · 09/16/2008, 12:17 PM

Hey guys. So I am one of the lucky ones, only lost power early (2am Sat morning) to Monday afternoon in the wake of Ike. The UPS(s) worked great for most of the weekend (just running the #4) and I did a 50% water change Monday after work (yup someo of us had to work right after).

Anyway, now for the real question. Most of you know my situation with the apartment and having a slightly larger tank than allowed. For whatever reason (maybe the storm), im having a bit of a waking dream. I see a worst case major tank failure happening. I realized my tank sits right in front of a 3 prong plug. This is the plug im currently using to my timer/surge bar under the tank (all drip loops in place). The closest GFCI I have is in the kitchen. Im considering running a short extension cord with cord clips around to the tank. I need to expand my setup (TLF 150s, and a few heaters as its starting to cool off now). Then I would like to tape well over the plug for the "worst case".

Is this a good idea? Should I not even worry about it?

I really need to get my own place, thank god my lease is almost over!

BigJay · 09/16/2008, 12:30 PM

Get a GCFI plug from Lowe's for $8.00.

Use the same outlet that you're using now, and plug in the GCFI protector.

nowell · 09/16/2008, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BigJay
Get a GCFI plug from Lowe's for $8.00.

Use the same outlet that you're using now, and plug in the GCFI protector.

So I shouldn't have to worry in the case of a major water flow? My worst fear would be starting an electical fire and injuring someone. Myself, im ok with (if im that dumb), but other people, not happening! Will the GFCI still work for the part between itself and the wall plug?

Thanks, and sorry if the questions are dumb! =)

an411 · 09/16/2008, 12:56 PM

I think its like a power strip with an on off switch where the power stays in the outlet and the power strip acts as a gfci and trips everything that plugged into it

an411 · 09/16/2008, 12:57 PM

Why not just replace with a gfi outlet. just keep the old one that you took off so when you move you can put it back nobody knows anything. They are easy to install just gotta make sure you can turn that breaker off before touching any wires

greggnyce · 09/16/2008, 01:12 PM

Get the plug because on another note I got shocked from a koralia that shorted in my tank. If i did not have one ZAPP! It would have been painful.

nowell · 09/16/2008, 01:19 PM

Thanks all. I'll go ahead and get the plugs, and just make a splash/overflow guard out of plastic. I don't have access to the breaker (already thought of putting in my own box!).

paulallen · 09/16/2008, 01:35 PM

If you get the plug you have to make sure you have a three prong grounded outlet. If you don't have the equipment ground on your outlet it won't work.

09/16/2008, 12:17 PM	#1
nowell Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Houston TX Posts: 56	GFCI or not to GFCI Hey guys. So I am one of the lucky ones, only lost power early (2am Sat morning) to Monday afternoon in the wake of Ike. The UPS(s) worked great for most of the weekend (just running the #4) and I did a 50% water change Monday after work (yup someo of us had to work right after). Anyway, now for the real question. Most of you know my situation with the apartment and having a slightly larger tank than allowed. For whatever reason (maybe the storm), im having a bit of a waking dream. I see a worst case major tank failure happening. I realized my tank sits right in front of a 3 prong plug. This is the plug im currently using to my timer/surge bar under the tank (all drip loops in place). The closest GFCI I have is in the kitchen. Im considering running a short extension cord with cord clips around to the tank. I need to expand my setup (TLF 150s, and a few heaters as its starting to cool off now). Then I would like to tape well over the plug for the "worst case". Is this a good idea? Should I not even worry about it? I really need to get my own place, thank god my lease is almost over!

09/16/2008, 12:30 PM	#2
BigJay Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Southlake, Texas Posts: 1,872	Get a GCFI plug from Lowe's for $8.00. Use the same outlet that you're using now, and plug in the GCFI protector. __________________ PBITAWA

09/16/2008, 01:12 PM	#6
greggnyce Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Bellport, New York Posts: 1,782	Get the plug because on another note I got shocked from a koralia that shorted in my tank. If i did not have one ZAPP! It would have been painful. __________________ What you talkin about Mrs Lime. Current Tank Info: 120 gl oceanic tech, 30 gallon fuge, 40 gallon sump, Itech 200 skimmer, LED Lighting . Mixed reef.

09/16/2008, 12:56 PM	#4
an411 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Derby CT Posts: 2,861	I think its like a power strip with an on off switch where the power stays in the outlet and the power strip acts as a gfci and trips everything that plugged into it

09/16/2008, 12:57 PM	#5
an411 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Derby CT Posts: 2,861	Why not just replace with a gfi outlet. just keep the old one that you took off so when you move you can put it back nobody knows anything. They are easy to install just gotta make sure you can turn that breaker off before touching any wires

09/16/2008, 01:19 PM	#7
nowell Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Houston TX Posts: 56	Thanks all. I'll go ahead and get the plugs, and just make a splash/overflow guard out of plastic. I don't have access to the breaker (already thought of putting in my own box!).

09/16/2008, 01:35 PM	#8
paulallen Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Milwaukee Posts: 344	If you get the plug you have to make sure you have a three prong grounded outlet. If you don't have the equipment ground on your outlet it won't work.