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[mcarroll]

If you have a "triac" circuit in a controller, it will apparently put a surge out when low-voltage devices cycle on/off.

Your DC pump's transformer/controller is probably just trying to maintain steady output in the face of an unsteady input.

Happens to my LEDs (on my Reefkeeper) when my ATO (not on my Reefkeeper, but on the same circuit) cycles.

I'm told that, aside from annoyances, it's not to be worried about. Some folks have luck isolating the device(s) in question on its own high-quality surge suppresser.

$0.02

 

[KingTriton]

Im thinking about wiring a non gfci outlet above my tanks lights in order to run them. My fixtures trip all of my outlets each time them come on. Id have the light fixture heavily secured up top, but wanted to see your thoughts on having a grounding probe in the tank? Would this be an extra safety net just in case? My flooring consisted of 3/4'' rubber horse mats "not sure if this has any benefit". Thanks

 

[Turbo's Aquatics]

Are you using a heavy-duty (20A) GFCI or a 15A one?

 

[mcarroll]

A grounding probe is definitely not a substitute for a GFCI.

Perhaps an AFCI would be suitable and NOT trip all the time?

 

[KingTriton]

Are you using a heavy-duty (20A) GFCI or a 15A one?

Heavy duty 20A.

 

[KingTriton]

Perhaps an AFCI would be suitable and NOT trip all the time?

I actually have a few unused GFI breakers in place and available. Is a GFI breaker going to be less sensitive and more reliable compared to the GFI outlet?

 

[KingTriton]

Edited:

Would AFCI pretect you against electrical shock?

 

[Irsug1]

Question: I have an external GFCI purchased from HD. I have a powerhead and heater plugged into this for my saltwater mixing station.
Every time the power goes out the GFCI trips. Is this normal or could the outlet be wired incorrectly?
Thanks in advance

 

[aslmx]

Edited:

Would AFCI pretect you against electrical shock?

No!!

 

[aslmx]

Question: I have an external GFCI purchased from HD. I have a powerhead and heater plugged into this for my saltwater mixing station.
Every time the power goes out the GFCI trips. Is this normal or could the outlet be wired incorrectly?
Thanks in advance

Yes mine does this and if it's tripped off when the power is on it will come on if a surge happens. Burned up a mag 5 using the test button for a switch because it came on when my can was empty.

 

[aslmx]

I actually have a few unused GFI breakers in place and available. Is a GFI breaker going to be less sensitive and more reliable compared to the GFI outlet?

Yes. Imo

 

[Paul B]

Im thinking about wiring a non gfci outlet above my tanks lights in order to run them. My fixtures trip all of my outlets each time them come on. Id have the light fixture heavily secured up top, but wanted to see your thoughts on having a grounding probe in the tank? Would this be an extra safety net just in case? My flooring consisted of 3/4'' rubber horse mats "not sure if this has any benefit". Thanks

I have my lights on a non GFCI outlet also because on some devices, especially with ballasts, drivers etc, the GFCI will trip even though there is no threat. Most people will advise against it but it is what it is and if you want to use your lights as they are, that is what you can do. I would always use a ground probe no matter if you have this problem or not. Also, being that your lights will not be on a GFCI, don't touch the lights and stick your hand in the water at the same time. "Of course" it is safer to use a GFCI for everything.
(Master Electrician 40 years in Manhattan, retired)

 

[KingTriton]

I have my lights on a non GFCI outlet also because on some devices, especially with ballasts, drivers etc, the GFCI will trip even though there is no threat. Most people will advise against it but it is what it is and if you want to use your lights as they are, that is what you can do. I would always use a ground probe no matter if you have this problem or not. Also, being that your lights will not be on a GFCI, don't touch the lights and stick your hand in the water at the same time. "Of course" it is safer to use a GFCI for everything.
(Master Electrician 40 years in Manhattan, retired)

Thanks Paul

 

[Irsug1]

Yes mine does this and if it's tripped off when the power is on it will come on if a surge happens. Burned up a mag 5 using the test button for a switch because it came on when my can was empty.

Interesting . Thanks for your input.

 

[glb]

This is a great thread! I'm doing a 40g build and have two outlets with two plugs in each to work with. I planned on changing each outlet to gfi. Here's the equipment I need to run:

Skimmer
Heater
Return pump
Power heads (1-2)
Ato pump
Lights
Gfo reactor
Maybe an apex later

The outlets are on side walls to the left and right of the tank, which sits in a cubby. I had planned on running one surge protector with everything plugged into it since there's not too much equipment. Since I have four plugs to work with between the two outlets, would it be better to distribute the load more evenly among them? I could get more than one surge protector. What is the most efficient way to set this up?

 

[glb]

Also, is there any equipment that shouldn't run through a gfi?

 

[aslmx]

This is a great thread! I'm doing a 40g build and have two outlets with two plugs in each to work with. I planned on changing each outlet to gfi. Here's the equipment I need to run:

Skimmer
Heater
Return pump
Power heads (1-2)
Ato pump
Lights
Gfo reactor
Maybe an apex later

The outlets are on side walls to the left and right of the tank, which sits in a cubby. I had planned on running one surge protector with everything plugged into it since there's not too much equipment. Since I have four plugs to work with between the two outlets, would it be better to distribute the load more evenly among them? I could get more than one surge protector. What is the most efficient way to set this up?

I'd get a heavy duty strip with the gfi built in. What size breaker is it on?

 

[glb]

I'd get a heavy duty strip with the gfi built in. What size breaker is it on?

I'm not sure but I can find out. I'm thinking a surge protector on each outlet on each side of the tank.

 

[aslmx]

I'm not sure but I can find out. I'm thinking a surge protector on each outlet on each side of the tank.

Surge protectors just protect the equipment they won't help with getting you shocked.

 

[glb]

Surge protectors just protect the equipment they won't help with getting you shocked.

Oh I know. I'll put gfi outlets in the wall too.