electric shock during tank work

beavis · 06/15/2010, 03:30 PM

I have an extension cord plugged into the wall outlet on one end and a GFCI unit on the other. A multiple outlet adapter is plugged into the GFCI.

However, this afternoon when working on the tank, my hands were a bit wet and I plugged my pump into the multiple outlet adapter and I got a noticeable shock.

Two questions:

1. Can you still get a modest shock when working with equipment that is plugged into a functional GFCI?

2. Other than the obvious (don't plug equipment into wet outlets), do I need to take any other steps to assure future safety?

Thanks!

Jake007 · 06/15/2010, 06:15 PM

I am not clear on your explaination of how you have it connected.
You should have all plugs that go into your tank connected through a GFCI outlet.... no exceptions.

The GFCI should trip if there is any differential of current.... shock.

You should periodically test your GFCI... push the button verify it trips and then reset. If you are hooked up correctly and get a shock without tripping the circuit, I would replace the GFCI outlet with a new one.

beavis · 06/15/2010, 08:18 PM

Yes. That is what happened. I have a six outlet strip plugged into the GFCI outlet. When I plugged my pump into the strip, I got shocked.

JustTIMMY · 06/15/2010, 08:29 PM

We've been replacing all of our GFCI outlets in the apartment complex I work in. You should never receive a shock from one if it is correctly installed. Make sure the grounding wire is correctly attached to the outlet. Use the test button, and make sure it works. If I were in your shoes, I'd drop 10 bucks and replace it - it may save your life next time!

Jake007 · 06/16/2010, 11:13 AM

HD sells a tester that you plug into the outlet to test if it is wired correctly and functioning. It is inexpensive and will also work on regular outlets. Be sure to get the one that specifies GFI outlets since it will work on both.

06/15/2010, 03:30 PM	#1
beavis Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 67	electric shock during tank work I have an extension cord plugged into the wall outlet on one end and a GFCI unit on the other. A multiple outlet adapter is plugged into the GFCI. However, this afternoon when working on the tank, my hands were a bit wet and I plugged my pump into the multiple outlet adapter and I got a noticeable shock. Two questions: 1. Can you still get a modest shock when working with equipment that is plugged into a functional GFCI? 2. Other than the obvious (don't plug equipment into wet outlets), do I need to take any other steps to assure future safety? Thanks!

06/15/2010, 08:29 PM	#4
JustTIMMY Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Columbia, MO Posts: 31	We've been replacing all of our GFCI outlets in the apartment complex I work in. You should never receive a shock from one if it is correctly installed. Make sure the grounding wire is correctly attached to the outlet. Use the test button, and make sure it works. If I were in your shoes, I'd drop 10 bucks and replace it - it may save your life next time! __________________ Researching a 40G breeder..... with DIY LED setup.... call me crazy! Current Tank Info: n/a

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06/15/2010, 06:15 PM	#2
Jake007 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 273	I am not clear on your explaination of how you have it connected. You should have all plugs that go into your tank connected through a GFCI outlet.... no exceptions. The GFCI should trip if there is any differential of current.... shock. You should periodically test your GFCI... push the button verify it trips and then reset. If you are hooked up correctly and get a shock without tripping the circuit, I would replace the GFCI outlet with a new one.

06/15/2010, 08:18 PM	#3
beavis Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 67	Yes. That is what happened. I have a six outlet strip plugged into the GFCI outlet. When I plugged my pump into the strip, I got shocked.

06/16/2010, 11:13 AM	#5
Jake007 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 273	HD sells a tester that you plug into the outlet to test if it is wired correctly and functioning. It is inexpensive and will also work on regular outlets. Be sure to get the one that specifies GFI outlets since it will work on both.