GFCI Outlets

So I was always under the notion GFCI outlets are very good because they can stop electric shocks, and overloads.

Well we had a lightning storm while I was at work and my GFCI outlet circuit triggered. Lucky for me I only put a select few systems on the GFCI and the rest are on a normal outlet. But there could have been 6 hours that those systems were off(1 Circulation pump, Heater, UV, and Nitrate Reactor) so if this was the winter, I could have had a problem =/.

What is everyone's thoughts on GFCI outlets and how do you over come the issue of if the outlet pops? Does anyone use those automatic GFCI resetters?

I feel like if I ever go away for any period of time that I will have to move everything off of the GFCI to ensure I don't lose anything in the tank.

 

GFCI outlets are too sensitive. They pop at the slightest possibility of moisture. I forget what kind it was, but my dad told me about an outlet that only shuts off if there are sparks or if actually wet.

 

Oooh Seano I would definitely be interested in knowing what kind of outlet that is. I'll have to do some scouring of the internet

 

Arc fault is just as bad. But if the GFCI or AFCI is on the circuit rather than just the outlet, then you should be good to go.

GFCI/AFCI-->circuit-->wires in walls(obviously)-->outlet-->your plugs-->your tank.

 

Ya I would like to know also. Mine trip if the power goes out and don't reset until I do it manually. Its a pain. Right now I just have my heater and 2 powerheads hooked up without a gfi plug so the tank will be somewhat ok when the power comes back on.

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If the GFCI is on the circuit rather than the actual outlet, then the outlet won't trip every time the power goes out.

 

I have a Shock Buster GFCI plugged into my outlet. We get power outages all the time, as well as lightning strikes and it doesn't trip it. The only time it tripped was when I accidentally dropped a plugged in extension cord into my sump (was trying to plug a timer into it and fumbled the cord). Tripped it immediately.

 

if your gfci outlets are popping early or for no reason that just means they need to be replaced. i ran gfci on my 55 for 2 years and never had an incident (and they were located above my sump, plenty of moisture). just make sure you put quality in and you will get quality out.

 

I've been an electrician for 9 years and I've never heard or seen of such a GFI. If your GFIs are tripping easily, either replace with a new GFI or move whatever is causing it to trip (assuming water) away a little. Good GFI receptacles run $18-$22 and good GFI Breakers run $28-$35. Just so you know, the 2011 code is going to state that ALL receptacles be GFI or AFI(Arc-Fault), except in hallways (and I'm sure that will change as well). That pertains to all new construction, and renovations (adding one receptacle falls under renovation).

 

GFCI's are lifesavers and all aquarium equipment should be on them.
I split my equipment up between two GFCI protected circuits so chances are one will still be in operation in a storm. Not having a GFCI is foolish and could be deadly.