Electrical question

[abraha]

I am installing a new 20amp circuit to power my new build. My question is: Should the outlet be GFCI?
Thank you!

 

[Florida Sunshine]

I would say yes, but that is partially because I am not good at the whole understanding electricity thing and safety is always a concern around me.

 

[Smo]

I did for mine dedicated circuit on a small 70 G sys. In the last two years it has inexplicably tripped at least once that I can recall. I also use a titanium grounding rod for safety. Fortunately I was home for this event.
I’ve heard others use individual GFCIs for major pieces of equipment and not on the main supply circuit itself. That way if something causes a fault you don’t lose everything. For a large tank I would seriously consider this.

 

[Scotty Buttons]

Typically GFCIs are installed on any circuit that has the potential to come in contact with water. Usually kitchens and bathrooms. So I would recommend it.

 

[redfishbluefish]

@Brew12 , this one has your name written all over it!

 

[abraha]

I did for mine dedicated circuit on a small 70 G sys. In the last two years it has inexplicably tripped at least once that I can recall. I also use a titanium grounding rod for safety. Fortunately I was home for this event.
I’ve heard others use individual GFCIs for major pieces of equipment and not on the main supply circuit itself. That way if something causes a fault you don’t lose everything. For a large tank I would seriously consider this.

I agree with you Smo. That is my main concern: having the gfci trip when I am away and have the whole system off. The tank is 160 gallons.

 

[Brew12]

I agree with you Smo. That is my main concern: having the gfci trip when I am away and have the whole system off. The tank is 160 gallons.

I consider a GFCI very important, but not necessarily at the wall. I would run a regular outlet so you could have GFCI and Non-GFCI protected loads. I would then make up some new GFCI outlets to mount under my tank near the sump so all my wet loads could be GFCI protected. I showed one way to do it here.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/diy-gfci-installation.342874/

 

[abraha]

That looks nice and clean! Just to make sure I understand: your DIY works the same way as a plug-in GFCI to a regular (non-GFCI) outlet, right?

 

[Brew12]

That looks nice and clean! Just to make sure I understand: your DIY works the same way as a plug-in GFCI to a regular (non-GFCI) outlet, right?

That is exactly how it works. And that would be another way of doing it. I've just found the outlet version to be more reliable than the portable versions.

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

The new circuit should have multiple GFCI outlets, and you should also find some nearby outlets on a separate circuit and switch those to GFCI as well. Then you can have things split across two circuits so if a breaker fuse or GFCI trips you have remaining equipment still running on the other circuit.

 

[alton]

Just FYI adding a circuit requires an Arc Fault breaker, unless your tank is in a garage or unfinished basement. I like the idea of using multiple GFCI receptacles, with your return pump on its own.

 

[abraha]

The new circuit should have multiple GFCI outlets, and you should also find some nearby outlets on a separate circuit and switch those to GFCI as well. Then you can have things split across two circuits so if a breaker fuse or GFCI trips you have remaining equipment still running on the other circuit.

That is a smart idea. There is an existing outlet I can use for the return pump and heater. I’ll definitely split things across two circuits.