Oh My! FIRE!

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by kcbrad, Apr 20, 2010.

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  1. kcbrad

    kcbrad Giant Squid

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    Seattle, WA
    Okay, this thread is to inform people about the dangers of electricity around the fish tank. I know it's been preached before about the GFCI outlet, and I am writing this to re-emphasize that point!!

    I'd been meaning to get a GFCI outlet, but never seemed to get around to it. Well, last night I heard a sizzling noise and then there was a lot of white smoke.....

    My power strip had caught on fire from water dripping into it. Thank goodness I was awake and in the kitchen, because it happened after midnight. I could have easily been asleep. The power strip and some pumps are totally singed and will need to be replaced. But I am not complaining at all about that! All my fish made it through the night with nothing but the heater on.

    And thankfully I had just watched an episode of the Cosby Show that talked about fire safety, so I knew what to do with the electric fire - smother!

    The house still stinks like burnt plastic - ewww. I'm going to do a water change tonight and go get a GFCI outlet! So all of you that don't have a GFCI outlet - GO GET ONE!!!
     
    kcbrad, Apr 20, 2010
    kcbrad, Apr 20, 2010
    #1
    6 people like this.

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  2. reefmonkey

    reefmonkey Giant Squid

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    I'm real glad you and your family weren't hurt and that your home didn't burn to the ground!

    G F I!!
     
    reefmonkey, Apr 20, 2010
    reefmonkey, Apr 20, 2010
    #2
    1 person likes this.
  3. Puffer Chick

    Puffer Chick Giant Squid

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    YIKES! that had to been a huge scare glad you caught it and nothing seriously damaged. glad to hear your fish made it ok
     
    Puffer Chick, Apr 20, 2010
    Puffer Chick, Apr 20, 2010
    #3
    1 person likes this.
  4. Reef2Keep

    Reef2Keep Purple Spiny Lobster

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    Oceanside, CA
    HOLY SMOKES! (no pun intended) Glad to hear no real harm or damage was done to you or the equip. Yes, GFCI and drip loops!
     
    Reef2Keep, Apr 20, 2010
    Reef2Keep, Apr 20, 2010
    #4
    1 person likes this.
  5. RedGambit

    RedGambit Giant Squid

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    Sorry to hear, I made sure all my outlets where able to be used outside, IE water proof etc... lol
     
    RedGambit, Apr 20, 2010
    RedGambit, Apr 20, 2010
    #5
    1 person likes this.
  6. bama

    bama Humpback Whale

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    wow, Im glad youre ok.. It could have been much worse..
     
    bama, Apr 20, 2010
    bama, Apr 20, 2010
    #6
    1 person likes this.

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  7. Robman

    Robman Great White Shark

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    Dang KC...glad everything is OK!!
     
    Robman, Apr 20, 2010
    Robman, Apr 20, 2010
    #7
    1 person likes this.
  8. Night-Rida

    Night-Rida Finback Whale

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    Tampa, FL
    glad you caught it in time! some people mount power strips, to keep them off the floor too.
     
    Night-Rida, Apr 20, 2010
    Night-Rida, Apr 20, 2010
    #8
    1 person likes this.
  9. MoJoe

    MoJoe Dragon Wrasse

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    CT
    Wow KC, glad you're ok! Def water & electrical equipment don't mix but are inevitable in fish keeping so it's a great heads up from a trusted member.
     
    MoJoe, Apr 20, 2010
    MoJoe, Apr 20, 2010
    #9
    1 person likes this.
  10. kcbrad

    kcbrad Giant Squid

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    Seattle, WA
    It could have been so much worse. I am SO thankful I was awake when it happened. I think I only slept about 3 hours last night I was so stressed out and freaked. So I'm not feeling great today, but eh. Happy my house is still standing.
     
    kcbrad, Apr 20, 2010
    kcbrad, Apr 20, 2010
    #10
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