Fire Inspection

[susieq]

My tank is setup in my classroom. In February we are due for a fire inspections. One of the "common violations" involves the use of power strips. I have one double outlet located near my tank. Right now, I am using a power strip for filter, heater, lights, power head and bubble strip. I will have to limit my tank to filter and heater only during this inspection. Any opinions on how long I can go without the rest?

 

[pfitz44]

If you are using a surge protector, then you should have no problem. They are internally fused, and if the total current is above the rating of the surge protector, it will pop.

 

[susieq]

I can't use the surge protector during the fire inspection. They are not allowed in schools. I didn't know that until today.

 

[pfitz44]

Wow... thats dumb.... good way to ruin all of the computers....
But anyways....
As long as you have surface agravation with the filter, you will be all set for a few days. No light is no big deal. Just leave it off for the day. Turn it back on the next day.

 

[ophiura]

Can you use one of those 4 outlet conversion things that is just on the wall? You really don't need the bubble strip at all. If you could use them, you could keep everything going.

 

[susieq]

Nope. Only the wall outlets. That's the problem. I really only need it to be disconnected for a couple of days. I don't like the idea of not being able to use my lights. I'm going to check the fire code for any exceptions.

 

[jerthunter]

I know that some places do not allow most powerstrips but there is usually an exception. Usually a certain type of powerstrip is allowed but you will have to look that up. Good luck.

 

[pfitz44]

susieq... what state are you from?

 

[susieq]

I'm from New York State.

 

[scotts]

As a former facility manager for an industrial plant I have been through my share of fire inspections. technically power strips are considered extension cords and extension cords can only be used for temporary power. Some inspectors will let you get away with them, but it is kind of a gray area. Now especially since you are with a school district the district will probaly want to follow the letter of the law. Any way back to your original question of what you can and can't use for a couple of days. Certainly you will need some type of circulation, either your filter or your powerhead. Then what you might want to do is to plug in your lights during the day and then plug in your heater at night when you leave. I don't think you need your bubble strip at all.
Whatever is not pulgged in, with the exception of the heater, should be taken out of your tank. Inspectors are human, some will look at one thing and others will look at something else so it is best to play it safe. Also you don't want it written that you have a strip that needs to be removed and then not be able to use it at all. If they ask about your heater or light being unplugged, depending on when they do the inspection, you can just say that it is your normal procedure to run the lights during the day and the heater at night.
HTH
Scott

 

[uberlink]

I'd be pretty careful about running it without your heater in place. Although I recognize that the light would provide some heat, I'd be concerned that absent the heater your temperature might fluctuate a few degrees. I think that would be much more detrimental to your fish than being without their light for a bit. I would put the light in the closet for a couple days and try not to worry about it too much.

 

[nomad]

Been there, done that myself--a real pain in the neck!--especially since I had 6 tanks, some SW, some FW in my room.
One thing you could do for the future, if room assignments are stable, is put in a requisition for another plug. You may get it. I had 6 tanks and got extra plugs for them when I was teaching science.

 

[susieq]

That's my concern. I want to comply. I don't want to draw attention to my tank that will force me to take it down because of the electrical supply. I may be in another room next year. For this year, I want to keep a low profile and still keep my fish healthy. I know the days the inspection will take place so I do have forwarning. Thanks to everyone for the responses.

 

[mr_bill]

I know it sounds sneaky, but what if you rigged a small wooden box which would house a small surge protector, painted it the same color as your stand and fasteded it the under side of the enclosure so that it appeared you had only one plug going from the back of the tank to the wall. There are pre-fab tanks that have just one plug but have built in skimmer, powerhead returns, and lights with only one plug.

 

[susieq]

On the surface this may have seemed like a simple question but it really isn't. My tank is sitting on top of built in book shelves. I would have to drill a hole through the bookcase to use any kind of hidden strip. It's a real gamble. If it doesn't work, we will be in noncompliance with the fire laws. The fire inspector is new to our school district and has a reputation for being a stickler. I think I'm going to run the filter and heater. I'll take the light fixtures off and put them away during the inspection. If anyone asks, I'll say the room light is sufficient and extra lighting causes algae problems. Then I'll have until next year to come up with a more viable solution.

 

[scotts]

Sounds good. Just make sure to take out all the stuff that is unplugged, and maybe even take them home. Just to make sure that there can be no questions asked about it. Good idea about the light/algae thing.
Just out of curiosity what size tank is it and what do you have in it?
Kudos to you for being a teacher with a salt water tank in your room. All the kids must want to be in Mrs Q's room, or whatever your last name is. :joy:
Scott

 

[scotts]

Just had to make another post. The one I just did was 1313 on Friday the 13th. Too weird for me being superstitous and all.

 

[susieq]

I have a 55. It's been running for 1-1/2 years now. Right now I'm switching from CC to live sand.(Just like everyone else) I have 1 clown, 1 royal gramma, 1 scooter blenny, 5 pepermint shrimp, 5 scarlet crabs, 1 pencil urchin and 1 purple urchin. I've lost several inverts. That prompted the purchase of the RODI machine from the big auction site and the switch to LS. The students love the tank. The homeroom kids come in and look at it like its a TV. I plan to add 50 lbs of live rock and then add more animals when everything is stable. I also made the mistake of starting with and undergravel filter that I disconnect from the filter. I'm 1/2 way done with the switch. Here's a picture.

 

[scotts]

The kids in your class must love to see that tank. Cool. You can definitely where you have switched and where you have not. I am sure that your kids keep on you about doing water changes and things like that. Last year when my daughters 4th grade teacher got engaged she was all excited because they had 11 pieces of evidence that the teacher was engaged before she told the class.

 

[jeffrat]

I hate to tell you but as a profesional firefighter for with many years experience you are not going to fool anybody buy just unplugging and hiding the cords. Schools fall into the category as assembly buildings so that is why the strengency. I think your best bet is to make sure you are using a heavy duty power strip with built in over load protection. Keep the power cord off the floor so that water can not run down the cord and in the outlet. When the inspector comes in show him what you have, and get his recommendations, and make any corrections as soon as possible. Scotts is correct that the use of permanent extension cords is not permitted in most areas so I suspect that you will have to have your outlet changed to 6 way outlet. I wish you the best because I am sure the kids love the aquarium, and hopefully the inspector will see this and work with you.