Reef Tank System Fire Danger

gbbari · 03/08/2010, 11:40 AM

Apologies if this article has previously been linked and/or discussed, but I found it to be fascinating and very eye-opening with regard to setup and maintenance of the electrical systems that support reef tanks, and the risks posed by not observing some basic procedures.

I have read many threads in RC, but probably have barely scratched the surface. This site is way too large to discover everything about any one topic - even using the excellent search tool.

So here is the link. It is from the July, 2006 issue of California Fire/Arson Investigator (online at www.arson.org). I would recommend everyone read it no matter how extensive their reef keeping experience. It may just re-awaken you to some critical issues. For newbies it is invaluable.
http://cjbfire.com/aquarium.pdf

EddieJ · 03/08/2010, 12:07 PM

Good reminder to inspect every component on your reef system on a regular basis. The one thing I don't see mentioned much in users build threads is the installation of an AFCI along with a GFCI. What most people don't realize is that a GFCI is NOT going to do much to prevent a fire. GFCI are designed to save you from electrocution. they are not designed at all to prevent fire. What you should have is an AFCI along with a GFCI. AFCI's are designed to prevent fires from arcing. When saltwater comes in contact with electrical equipment it arcs and starts a fire. a GFCI will NOT prevent this. A GFCI is designed to break a ground fault to save lives. A AFCI is designed to detect arcing on the circuit to prevent fire.

Simply put, you install a GFCI to save your life. You install a AFCI to save your house. Of course, a AFCI saves your life from fire.

gbbari · 03/08/2010, 12:11 PM

Good advice Eddie. I was not aware of that technology - your post made me do a quick search. here is a great short article about AFCI application.
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/afci.html

03/08/2010, 11:40 AM	#1
gbbari Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 27	Reef Tank System Fire Danger Apologies if this article has previously been linked and/or discussed, but I found it to be fascinating and very eye-opening with regard to setup and maintenance of the electrical systems that support reef tanks, and the risks posed by not observing some basic procedures. I have read many threads in RC, but probably have barely scratched the surface. This site is way too large to discover everything about any one topic - even using the excellent search tool. So here is the link. It is from the July, 2006 issue of California Fire/Arson Investigator (online at www.arson.org). I would recommend everyone read it no matter how extensive their reef keeping experience. It may just re-awaken you to some critical issues. For newbies it is invaluable. http://cjbfire.com/aquarium.pdf

03/08/2010, 12:07 PM	#2
EddieJ Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Brunswick Ohio Posts: 492	Good reminder to inspect every component on your reef system on a regular basis. The one thing I don't see mentioned much in users build threads is the installation of an AFCI along with a GFCI. What most people don't realize is that a GFCI is NOT going to do much to prevent a fire. GFCI are designed to save you from electrocution. they are not designed at all to prevent fire. What you should have is an AFCI along with a GFCI. AFCI's are designed to prevent fires from arcing. When saltwater comes in contact with electrical equipment it arcs and starts a fire. a GFCI will NOT prevent this. A GFCI is designed to break a ground fault to save lives. A AFCI is designed to detect arcing on the circuit to prevent fire. Simply put, you install a GFCI to save your life. You install a AFCI to save your house. Of course, a AFCI saves your life from fire.

03/08/2010, 12:11 PM	#3
gbbari Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 27	Good advice Eddie. I was not aware of that technology - your post made me do a quick search. here is a great short article about AFCI application. http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/afci.html