Electricity close call!

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Scooterman

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 30, 2003
Messages
10,943
Location
Louisiana
Last night I put my GFCI to the test, live with SW, thankfully it worked. I was trying out a new Vortex Diatom filter, one of the hoses popped off while I was trying to prime the thing. Needles to say water everywhere and straight into the surge strip I had it plugged into, instantly the GFCI tripped, I was wet, down to my feet in a puddle of water, thankfully nothing else happened. Just to show you that in a split second things got out of hand so quickly and disaster struck. I think better instructions & connections may of prevented this but I guess anything can happen, otherwise the filter works great.
 
hey Scott we've got a really good thread going on electrical safety when working around water. If you got some time may be given to read it's that some good information on keeping yourself safe, lol

Good to hear all is well.

Mike
 
After last night, I strongly believe in that cheap(actually the best I could get) GFCI outlet, wiring the thing can be tricky, but I've tested it after installing it & last night I really put it to the test, plane and simple it worked.
 
FYI folks: Lowes has some really nice looking compact individual GFCI units for around $9, they are yellow and come in multi outlet as well. I just added one lastweek and have already tripped it twice. So I would say it is well worth the $9 dollars to prevent losses of tank inhabitant and perhaps self. Good to hear you aren't a crispy-scooter.

-Erik
 
Scooterman
Glad to hear that you had a GFIC installed. They are a necessity in this hobby. I also use GFI circuit breakers in applications where I can not easily get to an outlet; such as behind my tank. I also use a diatom filter from time to time to clean detritus off of my L.R and find it especially useful during the initial set up when detritus can accumulate. I have a new one now, but it is the same design that they have been making since what seems like forever. A powerful pump, but awkward at best to use.
 
those who installed GFI,,should fail test once a month,,get gfi tester ,6-8 ma should tripped,,,will save your life and your coral,,,oppss! don't forget the ti-ground probe,,,,
 
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