GFCI Question

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boojumsnark25

AC Members
Aug 13, 2006
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After receiving quite a buzz from a heater, I think I'm going to outfit my saltwater and freshwater tanks with GFCIs...the outlets are not GFCI fitted so I'm going to use the plug in adapter type. I was told not to plug a surge protector into the GFCI, but what about regular power strips? I use the coralife power strip/timer...could I just pluf the GFCI into the wall and then the power strip into the GFCI?

By the way, I recommend some sort of electricity prevention to everyone...one bad heater, and you'll be sold on them:eek3:
 
So far, I've never had a problem with surge-protected power strips false-tripping on a GFCI'd circuit. I've been told that before too. You can try it and see.

Most of my tanks (soon to be all) are fed from GFCI outlets in the wall. That would be my first choice, or is it not your house? Even so, I would think a landlord would install one if you bought it....?

Not real hard to install.

I dropped a drill into a bucket of water once...the GFCI tripped so fast - I swear it was before the drill hit the water :) I never heard any sizzling or arcing.
I cleaned/dried the drill and it's still working many years later.

A few times I plugged something in & tripped a GFCI. Each time there was something wrong, usually a wet plug or defective equipment.
 
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It would be better to plug the GFCI closest to the device. If you have a surge protector instead of a power strip then I would put it close to the source instead as a redundant fail-safe.
 
Once a GFCI outlet is installed, it protects the entire circuit and all outlets are protected that are on that breaker in the main electrical box. You do not need one at every outlet if all your tanks are on he same circuit breaker.
 
Being lazy can kill you. Spend the $15.00 for the outlet and save yourself. It's only a few screws and then protect all the outlets on that circuit.
 
GregAW said:
Being lazy can kill you. Spend the $15.00 for the outlet and save yourself. It's only a few screws and then protect all the outlets on that circuit.
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No Thanks. I would like to use the adapter.

Back to the question...thanks kj5kb, I'll try and see what happens...I guess if it keeps tripping I can just leave the lights on the timer and put everything else straight into a GFCI adapter.

I use the master power switch to turn everything off before I reach in the tank for anything anyways, so this is just more or less insurance.
 
I have a question for clarification...
If a piece of equipment, like a heater or many powerheads, doesn't have the third prong / ground plug, does a GFCI still protect someone from being shocked by that piece of equipment?
 
boojumsnark25 said:
No Thanks. I would like to use the adapter.

Back to the question...thanks kj5kb, I'll try and see what happens...I guess if it keeps tripping I can just leave the lights on the timer and put everything else straight into a GFCI adapter.

I use the master power switch to turn everything off before I reach in the tank for anything anyways, so this is just more or less insurance.
Click to expand...

I don't know where you live, but here in California ANY outlet near water has to have a GFI outlet.

Here's a test to see if your LAZY way will actually protect you. Fill the bath tub with water. Plug in your adapter into an outlet. Now plug a hair dryer into your adapter. While holding onto the hair dryer, climb into the bath tub, turn on the hair dryer and plunge it into the water, Let me know how things go. Water and electricity do not mix and salt water conducts electricity better than fresh.
 
Take it easy there Greg. You need to accept that I'm not going to install a GFCI outlet. You offered your opinion, and I declined your opinion, so leave it at that. I appreciate your input, but this thread is about the GFCI adapters and power strips, not which method is the best.
 
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