GFCI?

[jroo99]

This morning I put my hand in one of my tanks and seem to have felt a little stinging sensation. I think maybe my heater has failed. I disconnected it and replaced it.

With all the recent talk about heater failures; How many people use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) on their tanks? I have always felt that the GFCI's tend to stop current unnecessarily and could cause more of a problem than they are worth when not watched carefully.

What do you think?

[cichfrk]

Have you tried testing your GFCI first? If you hit the test button on the front face, it should stop whatever is connected. If it does not, your GFCI is faulty. Pressing reset will allow for normal use.

[jroo99]

I don't use them on my tanks but have always questioned myself as to whether or not I should. I have them in other areas outside my house and they trip sometimes for no reason at all. I have never heard of anyone being electrocuted by their fish tank. Have you?

[zcfish]

jroo - gfci is not optional equipment. it's a must. it's easy to install too just replace once of your existing outlet then the whole circuit is protected. I am no electrician my understanding is it will trip much quicker than the regular breaker box. you must have it anywhere near water.

[Afrabat]

In Iowa it's code to have a GFI anywhere near water (kitchen, bathroom). It is way safer to have one of those go and just flip it rather than the whole fishroom. They sell ones with indicator lights on them so you just have to glance over and look you don't actually have to go over and test it.

[triscuit]

I installed gfci outlets near all my tanks- and I recommend getting the expensive ones. The cheap ones will tend to trip accidentally. It is also important to test GFCI, especially in humid conditions, in order to keep them working properly.

[Zippo]

This morning I put my hand in one of my tanks and seem to have felt a little stinging sensation. I think maybe my heater has failed. I disconnected it and replaced it.

With all the recent talk about heater failures; How many people use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) on their tanks? I have always felt that the GFCI's tend to stop current unnecessarily and could cause more of a problem than they are worth when not watched carefully.

What do you think?

ALWAYS use GFCI around water. Why trust a heater/filter or anything with you or your families life? Besides it doesn't take alot to check these things. :becky:

[cichfrk]

I don't use them on my tanks but have always questioned myself as to whether or not I should. I have them in other areas outside my house and they trip sometimes for no reason at all. I have never heard of anyone being electrocuted by their fish tank. Have you?

John, I had assumed that you were using the GFCI already. GFCI is recommended in a tank setup. Not only because heaters will fail but accidents can happen too. The light kit may decide to swim with the fishes. Instinct will tell us to reach for it. Bad idea, if the light is on then you know what will happen. With GFCI, (hopefully working) will cut off the current instantly.

Please inspect your heater as soon as possible.

[nick a]

If you're doing any new work, you can set up one GFI as master and the other outlets as slaves (hi-tech talk LOL) . Every tank/outlet except one has been set up with a GFI so far for me.....I'm playing my stoopid-risk card on smoking my cigs :whistle:

[jroo99]

Enough said, I will be stopping at Home Depot tonight.
Thanks!

[fishbuddy]

if you have any problems, give me a PM I can help you through it.