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Can you just use a normal outlet or power bar to power an aquarium or should you use a GFCI outlet or strip to be safe. On every power bar box I see it says "not for use with aquariums". Different people tell me differnet things. Thanks for the help.

I've used a normal power strip. Yeah, it does indeed say not for use with aquariums. All you have to do is make sure water doesn't splash on it. Don't forget that little loop in the wiring so the water doesn't drip down to the strip.

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The aquarist is one who must learn the ways of the biologist, the chemist, and the veterinarian.

I guess if I just mount the power bar to the wall I can do the drip loops instead of putting it on the floor. Thanks for the tip.

I also use a power strip. So far no problems, so you should be okay.

-Nemo

I also use regular strips. I have mine resting on a table near the tanks so it's easier to reach them, with a drip loop as Shinigami mentioned. I think the reason for the warning is that there is alot of moisture surrounding tanks and they don't want the lawsuits.

^_^

ericm

I hope this is what you are refering to, or am I getting confused with your technical terms.

Keith
keithgh attached this image:
[img]http://www.fishprofiles.net/attachments/420110.jpg"]

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keithgh,

A GFI (Ground Fault Innterupt) outlet is usually found in a bathroom. It usually has a reset button on it to reset the circuit. If it detects a lot of moisture it will shut off. I'm pretty sure there is a GFI power bar somewhere out there but i cant find them anywhere here, so I am going to use a normal power bar. I have no clue what kind of power bar that was, it has more than one switch and the outlets are different here in Canada. (well at least i think they are). If that is a GFI powerbar than that was what i was talking about.

[span class="edited"][Edited by 2004-08-23 08:44][/span]

ericm,
The one that keithgh posted a pic of would be a australian one, which I just have to say wow! why cant we get ones like those here in the states . It would really beat unplugging stuff every time you want to turn it off ].

^_^

A GFCI outlet is never a bad idea, although I suspect few of us use them. A regular power strip is usually ok, provided it's in a spot where it's chances of getting wet are close to 0. I only have one of my tanks out of 3 on a GFCI...my goal is to at least get both my home tanks plugged into one.

I found a plug-in GFCI at Lowe's:
http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=145275-33536-30339011

Which is a reasonable solution for someone who doesn't want to switch out an outlet. It also gives you the freedom to move it very easily.

Buying a GFCI wall outlet and switching it out with an existing outlet isn't a terribly difficult project, but if you aren't comfortable with doing this (i.e. playing with electrical outlets) I would not recommend doing so. But if you've installed a dimmer switch, this isn't beyond your realm of DIY.

The outlet where my aquarium is going to be, can be turned on and off by a swtich that's on the wall. Changing it wouldnt be all that hard but it would be easier if i could find a GFCI cord that you showed me. I looked for GFCI extension cords/ power bars around here, but I can't seem to find them. And there are no Lowe's stores in Canada

[span class="edited"][Edited by 2004-08-23 11:57][/span]

Babelfish

It took a long time to locate that one. I bought it at a large Hardware retail store. They are imported into Aust. Try and locate a electrical/lighting etc suppliers.

That one does not have a cut out switch, but there are some that do and naturally cost a lot more.

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
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I must agree with Babelfish, that powerstrip is awesome. Question: Has anyone thought about using a UPS. Seems like it might be overkill to me.

A GFI (Ground Fault Innterupt) outlet is usually found in a bathroom. It usually has a reset button on it to reset the circuit. If it detects a lot of moisture it will shut off

Gfi doesn't detect moisture. A gfci is there to prevent yourself from severe electrocution. It detects when there is a ground fault(putting a steel knife in a socket) or a leak in a circuit and trips out ( shuts off the power). It is used in the bathroom to prevent you from killing yourself when you put your hand in a sink full a water while operating your hair dryer, curling iron, radio, and etc.(say if your hair dryer, etc. was defective and not insulated properly). Also they use it on outside plugs, example would be running over extension cord with lawn mower, or using a trouble light that has a frayed cord to work on your car.
Normal circuit beakers will not usual protect against these types of electrocution unless the leakage is drawing more current than they are rated for.
Something to think about when you put your hand in the aquarium. Maybe that internal filter has frayed cord or exposed electrical part that is in contact with the water.
openwater