Preparing for Midwest winter storm. Generator question

[W31Olds]

I've used my Generators ( I have 2) on separate occasions many times and never have had a problem. I don't ground them at all. Millions of them out there used to power about anything you can think of, and only a small percentage are probably grounded.

 

[mfinn]

With all the safety questions being asked maybe I'm the wrong person to be trying to answer them.
All I can say is in the 35-40 years around them, from using them at work ( in the rain) and having a half dozen models over 35- 40 years at home for fish tank and home use, I have never, ever had a issue with getting shocked or even heard of issues of others being shocked, being a issue to be considered when using them.
I guess following directions helps. Use grounded 3 wire cords.

 

[Ryan - Serious Reefs]

Lack of GFCI. I hope that 95% figure is rapidly falling. Recent events on this forum have caused us all to take another look at electrical safety.

Oh, I agree. I’ve certainly had some close calls and it is great council.

I was just curious if there’s something specific about generators that I’m unaware of.

Now I’m also curious how many reefers actually know how to install a GFCI or feel comfortable doing it. An inexperienced person messing with electrical work is a whole other risk. Hiring an electrician is probably the right move, but cost is always another barrier.

One of my concerns has always been the rat’s nest under most tanks. No drip loops, power bricks lying face up on the bottom of the cabinet, cords everywhere. A friend once told me that clean is synonymous with safe. That’s not perfectly true, but there’s definitely some merit to it.

I've been to peoples homes where their tank legit looks like this.

 

[jonelder68]

Oh, I agree. I’ve certainly had some close calls and it is great council.

I was just curious if there’s something specific about generators that I’m unaware of.

Now I’m also curious how many reefers actually know how to install a GFCI or feel comfortable doing it. An inexperienced person messing with electrical work is a whole other risk. Hiring an electrician is probably the right move, but cost is always another barrier.

One of my concerns has always been the rat’s nest under most tanks. No drip loops, power bricks lying face up on the bottom of the cabinet, cords everywhere. A friend once told me that clean is synonymous with safe. That’s not perfectly true, but there’s definitely some merit to it.

I've been to peoples homes where their tank legit looks like this.

I’m not great at explaining things people can understand or writing in general . There’s risk involved in this hobby for sure! Mixing electricity with water. It’s the perfect combination for bad things to happen. Let’s see if @BeanAnimal cares to join the conversation. We’ll have to bribe him with Bacon I’m sure . He has a strong appetite for it!

If he cares to join could you explain generators and battery back up safety about floating/bonded neutrals etc. and the risk/safety involved. I linked your reply from the electrical safety post but maybe could you break it down better? People aren’t understanding it seems.

Side note Ryan with your following this would be a great article to educate reefers on. The cost of a GFCI outlet is nothing compared to the “reef tax” we all pay. A GFCI having installed is less than a skimmer, lighting, etc. Really no excuse not for it. It should honestly be step 1 of any new tank set up!

 

[JP Reef]

I never actually thought about the neutral ground on the generator being a safety risk. Learn something new.

I will caution about plugging all your tank's equipment into a gfci outlet. As smart as that sounds it will inevitably cause you to crash your tank. Having everything go through one gfci outlet will put you at risk of one fault taking down the entire tank. I built a electrical outlet station that plugged into my home's non gfci outlet. It was several series of outlets that were gfci protected on about 6-8 different circuits controlled by a switched powerstrip. This way if something tripped the gfci it would only trip maybe a couple of items. My heaters, return pumps and other vital equipment were on different circuits. In-line gfci are another item you can get to do this function.

 

[bob88884]

This is new to me. Is there something specific about portable generators that makes them more dangerous, or is it mostly the lack of GFCI protection?

If I had to guess, I’d wager that 95% of reefers are running their tanks on standard outlets without GFCI simply because that’s what was there when they plugged everything in.

I use a plug-in GFI. I put the GFI between my drop cord and power strip, so that everything plugged into the strip is GFI-protected. My house doesn't have a GFI near my tank, so I use one there as well. I bought two, because I am lazy and didn't want to move them when using the generator. Amazon, be sure to get the auto reset. REPEAT GET AUTO RESET.

 

[bob88884]

Never, ever been a issue.
I can't explain it, but I'll bet countless others using a generator for their tanks, just power on the generator, plug in the tanks power needs and go.
Otherwise there would be huge warnings all over R2R about electrocution using a generator.

I agree, nothing is a problem until it is. For the small cost to use GFI of some type, it is worth it. I did a quick survey. Girlfriend said to use the GFI. EX-Wives said don't use one, no problem.

 

[jakerupe]

Lots of great info here. Persoanlly while using my generator I don't think I'll be doing any mainteneace anyway, at least now I know to keep my hands out of my tank!

Wiht that said I have been looking into the Jackerys or Eco techs for a seemless back up that would automatically fire off when this happens. After reading this info does installing one of these Jackery type backups inline between the pumps and GFI switch make the GFI useless?

 

[jonelder68]

Lots of great info here. Persoanlly while using my generator I don't think I'll be doing any mainteneace anyway, at least now I know to keep my hands out of my tank!

Wiht that said I have been looking into the Jackerys or Eco techs for a seemless back up that would automatically fire off when this happens. After reading this info does installing one of these Jackery type backups inline between the pumps and GFI switch make the GFI useless?

My battery back up can’t be installed on a GFCI. But I’m powering a DC return pump with it/low voltage. So there’s that. If DC powered/low voltage the risk is minimal.