Aquarium and electrical safety

[jonelder68]

Do we need two grounding probes, one for the tank and one for the sump ? I currently only have one in the sump, plugged directly into a GFCI outlet.

If the return is off and you loose water flow connecting sump to DT then the path is broken. So they become separate. I don’t ever access DT with return pump off so I’m not too worried about it. I do water changes from the basement sump. But normal people doing water changes from DT would be good to have a ground probe in DT or add one before sticking hands into the tank.

 

[jonelder68]

To add to that I have ordered one to install incase I ever need to. I’ll plug it in and install in DT before ever reaching into it. I also have external power heads so no electrical current inside of DT. But a light could somehow drop in while working on the tank so a grounding probe would still be nice.

 

[Dr. D]

So… I only have three graduate degrees, and none is in electrical engineering. Here’s my understanding of the three options from a “normal” person’s viewpoint:

1. Plug your stuff into a power strip with GFCI capabilities. Apparently plastic isn’t good; there are metal commercial models that are better, correct?

2. Better yet is a GFCI outlet. I think most of us understand what those are, but in my experience they fail if you look at them cross-eyed, leading many not to trust them. Correct?

3. Best is a GFCI circuit breaker at the electrical panel, best installed by an electrician. The gold standard, correct?

I’m happy to be wrong on any of the above. Just trying to understand.

 

[Idech]

To add to that I have ordered one to install incase I ever need to. I’ll plug it in and install in DT before ever reaching into it.

I just bought an extra one (grounding probe) too. Thanks !

 

[Paul B]

So… I only have three graduate degrees, and none is in electrical engineering. Here’s my understanding of the three options from a “normal” person’s viewpoint:

1. Plug your stuff into a power strip with GFCI capabilities. Apparently plastic isn’t good; there are metal commercial models that are better, correct?

2. Better yet is a GFCI outlet. I think most of us understand what those are, but in my experience they fail if you look at them cross-eyed, leading many not to trust them. Correct?

3. Best is a GFCI circuit breaker at the electrical panel, best installed by an electrician. The gold standard, correct?

I’m happy to be wrong on any of the above. Just trying to understand.

i made it a point not to get any graduate degrees, but i am an electrician so i had to go to about 7 years of electrical schooling and 7 years of on the job apprenticeship in Manhattan.

i wanted to be a doctor but i had no patience.

Not sure if i am the gold standard because i normally got paid in cash.

just use a gfci and a gounding probe of your choice and you will be fine and free to pursue more graduate degrees with no worries.

 

[Freenow54]

I paid $24 for one on amazon, then paid $74 for one from Digikey. I am glad I listened to my own advice , well worth the extra money

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Do we need two grounding probes, one for the tank and one for the sump? I currently only have one in the sump, plugged directly into a GFCI outlet.

I do, because if the return pump stops on my system, there is no connection between them. Same for different parts of my sump system.

 

[BeanAnimal]

Do we need two grounding probes, one for the tank and one for the sump? I currently only have one in the sump, plugged directly into a GFCI outlet.

While saltwater is a good conductor of electricity, I would not count on the sump to display connection through the plumbing.

Grounding probes enhance the safety of the GFCI by giving it a chance to trip BEFORE you become the ground path. The use of the GFCI protection is the most important part.

A probe for each would be needed if there is no reliable electrical path between them, even one for your mixing bin. If you are using all low voltage DC equipment in the display and/or mixing bins, then this is less of an issue but still something to consider.

Ideally, all of the probes would be tied together and terminate at the same point. In some instances (basement sump) this is not possible. The recurring theme here is also, if you don't understand, seek guidance from a local licensed electrician.

 

[DJF]

If you run from battery will an inline gfci suffice?

 

[Paul B]

While saltwater is a good conductor of electricity, I would not count on the sump to display connection through the plumbing.

Bean, what if i just build my tank and sump out of copper sheet and plumb them together using copper pipe?

 

[BZOFIQ]

Bean, what if i just build my tank and sump out of copper sheet and plumb them together using copper pipe?

Pretty sure the ICP is going to come back high for copper.

 

[Idech]

Ideally, all of the probes would be tied together and terminate at the same point. In some instances (basement sump) this is not possible. The recurring theme here is also, if you don't understand, seek guidance from a local licensed electrician.

Thank you. I will have an electrician eventually, but meanwhile is it okay to have a second probe in the display tank and plugged into a different outlet ? Or would it do more harm ?

My probes have 3 prongs and are made to be plugged into an outlet. All my outlets are GFCI and have been installed by an electrician in the last 2-3 years. I bought the recommended tool and tested them all yesterday too.

 

[BeanAnimal]

Bean, what if i just build my tank and sump out of copper sheet and plumb them together using copper pipe?

If you do that before sending a my copper fish, I will be truly hurt.

 

[BeanAnimal]

Thank you. I will have an electrician eventually, but meanwhile is it okay to have a second probe in the display tank and plugged into a different outlet ? Or would it do more harm ?

My probes have 3 prongs and are made to be plugged into an outlet. All my outlets are GFCI and have been installed by an electrician in the last 2-3 years. I bought the recommended tool and tested them all yesterday too.

I don't see that being an issue. If you have conductivity or pH probes you may see interference, or you may not.

Ground loops can do odd things with low voltage signals.

 

[RobertK]

I don't see that being an issue.

OK thanks, but to clarify - if there is a faulty piece of equipment leaking electricity into the water, does the ground probe need to be plugged into the same GFCI and the same circuit in order to be helpful? Can the ground probe be plugged into any grounded outlet regardless of where all the other equipment is plugged in?

 

[Idech]

OK thanks, but to clarify - if there is a faulty piece of equipment leaking electricity into the water, does the ground probe need to be plugged into the same GFCI and the same circuit in order to be helpful? Can the ground probe be plugged into any grounded outlet regardless of where all the other equipment is plugged in?

Excellent question ! I’m wondering too.

 

[UncommonSense]

OK thanks, but to clarify - if there is a faulty piece of equipment leaking electricity into the water, does the ground probe need to be plugged into the same GFCI and the same circuit in order to be helpful? Can the ground probe be plugged into any grounded outlet regardless of where all the other equipment is plugged in?

Bean answered this one to clarify my earlier statement, actually!

For clarity here. The ground probe can be plugged into any grounded receptacle. Ideally the GFCI or power strip, but the equipment grounding conductors throughout the home are bonded.

The language used is of a technical origin, so it can be a confusing read…

— Basically, all electrical receptacles in one’s home SHOULD be interconnected by ground wiring! (Assuming the home was wired by a professional)

— this means that the ground probe can plug into any outlet that has an actual ground prong (third hole) and it will function as intended!

— plugging the ground probe into the GFCI outlet (aka receptacle) running the tank, or a power strip which is itself plugged into that GFCI outlet is the ideal situation, however!

 

[KStatefan]

The GFCI does not care about the ground all it looks at it the difference between the hot and neutral. If there is more than a 5 mA difference it will trip.

 

[BeanAnimal]

If you run from battery will an inline gfci suffice?

Short answer, no the GFCI will not work as intended in many cases on the output side of consumer UPS, inverter systems, or portable generators, as many have a floating neutral output. The conversation is somewhat beyond what I am comfortable having here because there are so many variables, as well as a lot of theory. The shock hazard from a floating source is still present, but the fault paths and scenarios are different.

It would be my advice (I know I sound like a broken record) to consult a local licensed electrician. They can speak to you about how to safely use portable power sources.

OK thanks, but to clarify - if there is a faulty piece of equipment leaking electricity into the water, does the ground probe need to be plugged into the same GFCI and the same circuit in order to be helpful? Can the ground probe be plugged into any grounded outlet regardless of where all the other equipment is plugged in?

Generally, the ground probe will work as intended if plugged into any properly grounded receptacle connected to the home's electrical system.

 

[Paul B]

Can the ground probe be plugged into any grounded outlet regardless of where all the other equipment is plugged in?

to understand about ground probes or anything grounded, "ground" means earth, so your ground probe is also connected to everything on earth that is connected to ground. so the guy in Tunisia, the Himalayas, coos bay Oregon or my tank are all connected together. So you could theoretically run a wire from your tank to Antarctica, stick it in the ground. or ice, and the tank will be grounded just the same as if it is in the gfci next to your tank.

outside your house there is a metal stake stuck in the ground (or to a metal pipe) that connects your house to every other house on earth. all the ground wires in your panel go to that stake.

so you can add one, two or 500 ground probes and they will all do the same thing, but one should be enough.