Return pump on GFCI or not?

CAPSLOK · 07/08/2013, 06:59 AM

Of those who have their tank(s) protected by GFCI (hopefully everyone...) -
How many people have their return pump protected on the same GFCI circuit as the rest of the tank?

And how many have their return pump either not protected by the GFCI circuit, or protected on a different GFCI circuit from the rest of the tank?

I have a GFCI plug in which has all my tank's electronics plugged into it. However, if it were tripped my concern is that I would lose all circulation, and may not know right away. So is it safer to take the risk of not having the return pump on GFCI to safeguard the tank?

thegrun · 07/08/2013, 08:09 AM

If possible I would place the return pump and one of your two heaters on its own GFCI, but if there is only one circuit available then place all your tank equipment on the same GFCI circuit. I understand the concern of having all your equipment turn off due to a faulty GFCI, but the risk of not having all your equipment protected and being electrocuted or starting a house fire (a far greater risk) outweighs the risk to your tank IMHO. You, your family and your home should come first.

MHG · 07/08/2013, 08:12 AM

My entire 60g system runs on two 20 amp gfi....

Vinny Kreyling · 07/08/2013, 08:16 AM

Split into 2 separate 15A GFI's

Palting · 07/08/2013, 08:22 AM

I suppose it would be ideal if each electrical component had it's own GFI. On my tank I have the return pump and the powerheads on separate GFI's. The concept is that if one trips, there will still be some movement and biofiltration from the other. You can do something simillar, easy enough to buy the inline GFI plugs from a hardware store. They look like power strips. Just buy 2, and make sure to mount them off the floor and provide a drip loop like you would any other electrical cord from the tank.

View Poll Results: Is your return pump on a GFCI circuit?
Yes - return pump on the same GFCI circuit with other equipment	7	53.85%
Yes - return pump is on a seperate GFCI circuit	4	30.77%
No - return pump is not on GFCI	1	7.69%
No - no GFCI (eek?)	1	7.69%
Voters: 13. You may not vote on this poll

07/08/2013, 06:59 AM	#1
CAPSLOK Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Cape Cod Posts: 308	Return pump on GFCI or not? Of those who have their tank(s) protected by GFCI (hopefully everyone...) - How many people have their return pump protected on the same GFCI circuit as the rest of the tank? And how many have their return pump either not protected by the GFCI circuit, or protected on a different GFCI circuit from the rest of the tank? I have a GFCI plug in which has all my tank's electronics plugged into it. However, if it were tripped my concern is that I would lose all circulation, and may not know right away. So is it safer to take the risk of not having the return pump on GFCI to safeguard the tank?

07/08/2013, 08:12 AM	#3
MHG Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 2,919	My entire 60g system runs on two 20 amp gfi.... __________________ MHG (LIRA Member) 60G Cube, Kessil 360's

07/08/2013, 08:22 AM	#5
Palting Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,912	I suppose it would be ideal if each electrical component had it's own GFI. On my tank I have the return pump and the powerheads on separate GFI's. The concept is that if one trips, there will still be some movement and biofiltration from the other. You can do something simillar, easy enough to buy the inline GFI plugs from a hardware store. They look like power strips. Just buy 2, and make sure to mount them off the floor and provide a drip loop like you would any other electrical cord from the tank. __________________ Anything I post is just an opinion. One of many in this hobby. Believe and follow at your own risk of rapid and complete annihilation of all life in your tank :) Current Tank Info: Incept 3/2010, 150 RR, 50g sump, 20g fuge, 150w 15K MH x3, T5 actinics x8, moonlight LED x6, 1400gph return, Koralia 1400 x4, 300 g skimmer, 4 tangs, 2 mandarins, 2 perc, 6 line, 3 cardinals, 2 firefish, SPS, LPS, zoas, palys, shrooms, clam

07/08/2013, 08:09 AM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	If possible I would place the return pump and one of your two heaters on its own GFCI, but if there is only one circuit available then place all your tank equipment on the same GFCI circuit. I understand the concern of having all your equipment turn off due to a faulty GFCI, but the risk of not having all your equipment protected and being electrocuted or starting a house fire (a far greater risk) outweighs the risk to your tank IMHO. You, your family and your home should come first.

07/08/2013, 08:16 AM	#4
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	Split into 2 separate 15A GFI's