zygote2k July 11, 2012 Share July 11, 2012 I've just been to another aquarium fire that could have easily been prevented I see so many instances where powers strips are daisy chained together and dangling over water I've been shocked on many occasions by stray voltage too. I see people using dj switch panels over or near water but they are made for dry electronics. I'll be putting together a waterproof electrical enclosure on the next few builds and will document the process Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icecool2 July 11, 2012 Share July 11, 2012 I think a lot of people think that as long as there is an air gap, you're safe. People don't think about humidity and salt creep. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LCDRDATA July 11, 2012 Share July 11, 2012 I think a lot of people think that as long as there is an air gap, you're safe. People don't think about humidity and salt creep. +1 Also, I can't see NOT having your equipment plugged into a GFI (ground-fault interrupt) circuit/outlet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MBVette July 11, 2012 Share July 11, 2012 In my case I have 4 outlets up high not on a gfci; and had nothing there until a few months ago when I added cooling fans up by my lights. I also did not put them on a surge protector; so I went from a good setup to one with 2 $5 fans plugged straight into a wall. So use GFCI's and surge protectors on everything Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad July 11, 2012 Share July 11, 2012 I think a lot of people think that as long as there is an air gap, you're safe. People don't think about humidity and salt creep. +2 I am a huge proponent of a standalone dry cabinet for electronics. Sump cabinets and outlets can cause problems (though there are a few really clean sumps that work out well, but it adds maintenance requirements). Although, even a dry cabinet can have problems if potential sources of water infiltration are not addressed... remember my problem last winter? Thanks for bringing this up, Rob. I am looking forward to seeing how you go about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Origami July 11, 2012 Share July 11, 2012 In my case I have 4 outlets up high not on a gfci; and had nothing there until a few months ago when I added cooling fans up by my lights. I also did not put them on a surge protector; so I went from a good setup to one with 2 $5 fans plugged straight into a wall. So use GFCI's and surge protectors on everything Though implied, you forgot to mention the fire here from those $5 fans that were plugged into non-GFCI outlets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul b July 11, 2012 Share July 11, 2012 I keep my powerstrips inside my tank so I don't have that problem. The water keeps them from going on fire and eventually they make great live rock but due to the shape, they are used for base rock only. The wire is hard to conceal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coral Hind July 11, 2012 Share July 11, 2012 If you are worried about fire then you should be installing AFCI breakers or outlets. Having an AFCI in conjunction with a GFCI is the ultimate protection. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MBVette July 11, 2012 Share July 11, 2012 In my case I have 4 outlets up high not on a gfci; and had nothing there until a few months ago when I added cooling fans up by my lights. I also did not put them on a surge protector; so I went from a good setup to one with 2 $5 fans plugged straight into a wall. So use GFCI's and surge protectors on everything Though implied, you forgot to mention the fire here from those $5 fans that were plugged into non-GFCI outlets. Yes the darn $5 fans have caused $350k in damage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davelin315 July 11, 2012 Share July 11, 2012 If you are worried about fire then you should be installing AFCI breakers or outlets. Having an AFCI in conjunction with a GFCI is the ultimate protection. I agree, my tank is wired into its own circuit that has all Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters and then each plug is an individual GFCI. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Origami July 11, 2012 Share July 11, 2012 Great idea. AFCI's run about $30 or so these days, and are installed in your breaker panel (replacing the old breaker). Here's something from Home Depot about how to install them if interested. http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/catalog/servlet/ContentView?pn=KH_PG_EL_Installing_ARC_Fault_Circuit_Breaker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coral Hind July 11, 2012 Share July 11, 2012 If installing the breaker type make sure it is a "combination" labeled AFCI. The combo means it is UL listed to protect code wired as well as plug connected items. If it isn't labeled for protecting plugged loads it is only designed for protecting the wiring from the breaker to the outlet. There are also AFCI outlets that look similar to the standard GFCI outlet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott711 July 11, 2012 Share July 11, 2012 (edited) There are also these: waterproof powerstrip Edited July 11, 2012 by scott711 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad July 11, 2012 Share July 11, 2012 ^Those must be what Paul is using Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now