Gfci

[cranberry]

If I couldn't install the outlet type GFCI, are there any disadvantages to using a Portable GFCI Plug? Are they as "good" as the outlet type? Do they trip more often? Are they as reliable?

 

[sly]

The portable ones work just as good as the ones which are hard wired in provided your wiring is correct. If you are unsure then you could buy a plug in type outlet tester. It will show you if your wiring is wrong.

 

[cranberry]

The wiring is correct... just wasn't brillant enough to install a GFCI before I put water in the thing. It's the first in the chain so I couldn't install a "real" outlet "above" it.
Now to go play the "Which-Outlet-Connects-to-Which-Breaker" game.

 

[fishfreak1242]

I tried the plug in GFCI and it didnt work out. It kept tripping some things overflowed, so I got rid of it and havent had any problems since

 

[cranberry]

Ya, but now you don't have a GFCI. I am definately not going without one. I have my tanks set up a little differently... if the power goes off the water level is such that nothing overflows.

 

[scsinet]

Originally Posted by fishfreak1242
http:///forum/post/2734379
I tried the plug in GFCI and it didnt work out. It kept tripping some things overflowed, so I got rid of it and havent had any problems since
Yes you've got two problems here...
1. Your tank cannot handle a power failure without overflowing (bad).
2. You avoided a tripping GFI problem by removing the GFI, leaving behind the fault condition that was causing it to trip (really bad).
You need to solve the tripping problem. If a GFI is tripping, it is usually doing it because of a problem. Solve the problem, don't ameliorate the symptom.
Install siphon breaks and/or reconfigure your system as necesary so your tank can handle a power failure. A power failure is a certainty at some point... designing the system to handle it and periodically testing that setup should be part of your tank's disaster recovery/mitigation plan.
Cranberry...
GFI receptacles can accept two sets of wires on both the line and load side. If you want to install a receptacle on the first receptacle of a chain, but do not want the "downstream" receptacles to be protected by the GFI, simply wire both sets of wires to the LINE set of the receptacle and leave the LOAD side unconnected.
Or just use a portable... as others have said, they work just as good.

 

[cranberry]

This is the first receptacle in the line. If it was the second or further down I would just install the outlet type infront of it. I have 9 tanks and am fire-proofing all of them but 2 tanks are difficult to get at... the plugs seems like an easy solution. Well, as long as the receptacle is out of view 'cause they are UGLY!

 

[gmann1139]

Originally Posted by fishfreak1242
http:///forum/post/2734379
I tried the plug in GFCI and it didnt work out. It kept tripping some things overflowed, so I got rid of it and havent had any problems since
Are you sure you have a Ground connection?
My upstairs bathroom has a GFCI, but its for looks only, as there's no ground connected. It trips every once in a while if there's a large change in load on the line.

+1 to SCSI

that you're playing with fire (possibly literally) without one. GFCI's are the one piece of safety equipment this hobby demands, and the one area I wouldn't skimp.