Apex Amp Problem

Neilmu · 03/12/2016, 09:48 PM

I'm on a journey trying to program my new Apex. So far connected 3 XR30's, 1 300W heater and 2 SICCE 3.0 returns. Didn't think the amps would be an issue and I'm no electrician but the 15A GFCI outlet tripped each time the XR30's turned on. It appears each of the XR30's is 4.2 amps so I must be exceeding 15 amps out of the EB8 which is more than it can handle. I suspect I need to change the 15A circuit to a 20A but whats the fix on the apex so I can connect what I need and not go over the 15 amps? Thanks RC

fraggin corals · 03/12/2016, 10:51 PM

Unless you are a qualified electrician I would highly recommend not changing the 15A for a 20A as the wiring in the wall may not be able to take the extra load on them which could lead to overheating and possible fire.

slief · 03/12/2016, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fraggin corals

Unless you are a qualified electrician I would highly recommend not changing the 15A for a 20A as the wiring in the wall may not be able to take the extra load on them which could lead to overheating and possible fire.

+1.. Don't just change the GFCI to a 20 amp as very often the wiring isn't setup for 20 amps and if it's not, you are asking for problems.

I would split the Radions up onto separate circuits and get another EB8 or an EB4 if you really feel you need to have the Radions on the EB power bars. Since the Radions can be controlled via the WXM, there is really no need to waste EB outlets on them anyway.

Neilmu · 03/12/2016, 10:56 PM

yes I agree. wire gauge needs to be changed to support the 20A. I will have an electrician make that change but anyone know what Im doing wrong with the Apex. I suspect even after I change the circuit I'll need another EB to support 3 XR30s and other equipment so I dont go over 15A on the EB. Any other suggestions?

Neilmu · 03/12/2016, 11:00 PM

thanks Slief. So if I keep the radions powered outside of the EB I'll still have the same control using the WXM which I just connected?

spifftempo · 03/13/2016, 05:06 AM

I would check to see if the trips with just the Radions connected and nothing else. You shouldn't be near 15A at all.

I suspect that you'll need to contact EcoTech and get their "special" non-switching power supplies:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...=non+switching

If it just trips with only the Radions connected.

slief · 03/13/2016, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neilmu

thanks Slief. So if I keep the radions powered outside of the EB I'll still have the same control using the WXM which I just connected?

Yes. You should only control the Radions via the WXM module and never need to shut those outlets off. Therefore there is no reason to even connect them to an EB8.

Quote:

Originally Posted by spifftempo

I would check to see if the trips with just the Radions connected and nothing else. You shouldn't be near 15A at all.

I suspect that you'll need to contact EcoTech and get their "special" non-switching power supplies:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...=non+switching

If it just trips with only the Radions connected.

This is GREAT advice.

Now that you mention it, I recall some threads about some Radion power supplies causing issues with GFCI's and an alternate power supply being available from Ecotech.

Neilmu · 03/14/2016, 02:52 PM

Contacted Ecotec support and they are sending me out 3 non-switching ballasts. Keeping my fingers crossed that this solves my problem. thank you for the advice

Neilmu · 10/09/2017, 02:24 PM

better late than never. the 3 non-switching ballasts I recd in March 2016 did the trick.

03/12/2016, 09:48 PM	#1
Neilmu Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 46	Apex Amp Problem I'm on a journey trying to program my new Apex. So far connected 3 XR30's, 1 300W heater and 2 SICCE 3.0 returns. Didn't think the amps would be an issue and I'm no electrician but the 15A GFCI outlet tripped each time the XR30's turned on. It appears each of the XR30's is 4.2 amps so I must be exceeding 15 amps out of the EB8 which is more than it can handle. I suspect I need to change the 15A circuit to a 20A but whats the fix on the apex so I can connect what I need and not go over the 15 amps? Thanks RC

10/09/2017, 02:24 PM	#9
Neilmu Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 46	better late than never. the 3 non-switching ballasts I recd in March 2016 did the trick. __________________ 180g from custom aquariums (Neenah,WI), seamless sump, Apex Lab with WXM, 3 XR 30w Radions, 2 MP40's, Simplicity DC320 Skimmer, 2 SICCE 3.0 returns

03/12/2016, 10:51 PM	#2
fraggin corals Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Caln, PA Posts: 231	Unless you are a qualified electrician I would highly recommend not changing the 15A for a 20A as the wiring in the wall may not be able to take the extra load on them which could lead to overheating and possible fire.

03/12/2016, 10:56 PM	#4
Neilmu Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 46	yes I agree. wire gauge needs to be changed to support the 20A. I will have an electrician make that change but anyone know what Im doing wrong with the Apex. I suspect even after I change the circuit I'll need another EB to support 3 XR30s and other equipment so I dont go over 15A on the EB. Any other suggestions?

03/12/2016, 11:00 PM	#5
Neilmu Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 46	thanks Slief. So if I keep the radions powered outside of the EB I'll still have the same control using the WXM which I just connected?

03/13/2016, 05:06 AM	#6
spifftempo Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 65	I would check to see if the trips with just the Radions connected and nothing else. You shouldn't be near 15A at all. I suspect that you'll need to contact EcoTech and get their "special" non-switching power supplies: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...=non+switching If it just trips with only the Radions connected.

03/14/2016, 02:52 PM	#8
Neilmu Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 46	Contacted Ecotec support and they are sending me out 3 non-switching ballasts. Keeping my fingers crossed that this solves my problem. thank you for the advice