I tried using nice new Leviton AFCI/GFCI outlets, but they have tripped multiple times now for no reason. They’ve tripped all three at once, even though they’re on separate circuits. A few times just one of them has tripped. I’m about to head out of town too. Lucky I caught these incidents. Most of the time I was home working in the office where my tank is. It’s a eerie thing to hear the pumps cut out and the returns back siphon without your triggering it.
AFCI/GFCI combo outlets
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redfishbluefish
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I don't use them just for this reason....but I'm weird.....I like being shocked. 
I'm thinking @Brew12 might have something to say about this.
I'm thinking @Brew12 might have something to say about this.
I have combo afci breakers on the aquarium circuits, never had an issue. I have had one bad one in like 30 that I've replaced. Maybe try switching to a breaker instead of outlets? Could be anything on the circuit though, like not the tank, as afci measures the difference between current down the hot and neutral. And depending on how the other outlets are wired (series VS parallel) could be the cause. The right way to do outlets is pigtails and parallel, but most electricians won't spend the time to do that.
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wangspeed
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I’m going to try GFCI pigtails. Also going to use my multimeter to check if there’s the slightest amount of stray voltage, although that is doubtful since my salinity probe is rock solid around 35.
Well, any outlets on the circuit would also trigger the afci. Gfci is pretty reliable in comparison to afci. Gfci measures any voltage on ground, afci measures the difference between hot and neutral aka arcs. I just wanted to point out other outlets may also play into the picture. See what else is on the circuit like lights appliances etc...
Awesome Dennis
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How were they wired? Did they use single 12/2 or 14/2 wires or did they use a 3 wire to feed them?
tgp4274
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wangspeed
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He means that the outlet itself should not be used as a pass through to the next outlet in the circuit. I do have one more outlet down the circuit, but it is unused. I put it in for as hoc purposes.
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wangspeed
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It means wiring the pass through and the outlet wires to a common wire nut for each line. The line for the outlet then runs to the outlet. Commonly, and technically up to code, you will find that the next outlet in the circuit is just tied directly to the outlet, meaning the outlet itself has to pass that load as well. This shouldn’t be a deal breaker, but who knows.
Yeah, if there's nothing else on the circuit, it's not an issue as long as there are no sparks (unlikely).
Since the circuit is dedicated to the tank, have you considered just putting an afci breaker on it, instead of the outlets? In fact, by code all new breakers should be, but it depends on whether your state has accepted the latest code.
I rewired my entire house and have them on the tank (pretty sure!), and haven't had an issue. I've never used point source afci outlets. Otherwise switch to gfci outlets, which are still to code in some districts. I may be using gfci outlets though for the tank, in series off the first outlet, then pigtailed for the rest. I would have to check (long story). All the electricians I've talked to hate the afci breakers, but they've saved my butt more than once accidentally cutting into the lines.
Since the circuit is dedicated to the tank, have you considered just putting an afci breaker on it, instead of the outlets? In fact, by code all new breakers should be, but it depends on whether your state has accepted the latest code.
I rewired my entire house and have them on the tank (pretty sure!), and haven't had an issue. I've never used point source afci outlets. Otherwise switch to gfci outlets, which are still to code in some districts. I may be using gfci outlets though for the tank, in series off the first outlet, then pigtailed for the rest. I would have to check (long story). All the electricians I've talked to hate the afci breakers, but they've saved my butt more than once accidentally cutting into the lines.
BigJohnny
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I use afci gfci combos, never had them cut once in 12 months. Not sure on the brand though. I was concerned about this and my electrician said it was a problem with the old ones and mainly with things with motors like vacuum cleaners or something. Said new ones no issue, maybe it's the brand. I can check mine if you want.
