GFI circuit tripped Apex

[dwest]

Hey. I’m hoping to get some help. Last night, the GFI circuit to my Apex tripped. Nothing (no heaters etc.) turned on just before this tripped. I have backup flow in the tank so everything is OK (Just a little cool at 74F). But I‘m concerned this will happen when I travel. That would be real bad!

Heres what I did:
1. Reset the circuit. The GFI is in the receptacle where my Apex is plugged in. When I reset it, it tripped again.
2. I unplugged the Apex this time, reset the GFI, plugged the Apex back in. It tripped.
3. Plugged the Apex into another circuit without GFI. It worked fine. I unplugged the Apex.
4. I unplugged all devices from the EB 8 bar and plugged the Apex back into the GFI receptacle. I plugged each device back in, one at a time. I was hoping the pinpoint which item tripped the GFI. The GFI never tripped. The system works fine now.

I am at a loss for what to do next so that this doesn’t happen again. I’m very open to suggestions. Does anyone know of a way to check pieces of equipment for electrical problems that would cause this? Anything else to check or troubleshoot? Thanks!

 

[Ron Reefman]

Can you set up the Apex on a none GFI circuit and then use a GFI extension cord between the Apex and the EB8?

I have to admit, this is one of the reasons I sold my Apex. Most of my hardware have there own controllers and I can plug them into different circuits so one GFI trip doesn't take down the entire system. I guess that makes me a bit 'old school', but it works.

 

[dwest]

Can you set up the Apex on a none GFI circuit and then use a GFI extension cord between the Apex and the EB8?

I have to admit, this is one of the reasons I sold my Apex. Most of my hardware have there own controllers and I can plug them into different circuits so one GFI trip doesn't take down the entire system. I guess that makes me a bit 'old school', but it works.

Thanks Ron. Yes, I can run a GFI extension Cord. I might do that.

I have been reefing for a long time without an Apex, but started using one last year. Everything is great until something like this happens.

 

[siggy]

I would look real hard at the oldest and cheapest equipment first I would also replace the gfci, a good quality 20a will be about 20$. good luck.

 

[dwest]

I would look real hard at the oldest and cheapest equipment first I would also replace the gfci, a good quality 20a will be about 20$. good luck.

Good advice. Thanks.

 

[dwest]

Can you set up the Apex on a none GFI circuit and then use a GFI extension cord between the Apex and the EB8?

I have to admit, this is one of the reasons I sold my Apex. Most of my hardware have there own controllers and I can plug them into different circuits so one GFI trip doesn't take down the entire system. I guess that makes me a bit 'old school', but it works.

Ron, how do you control your heaters?

 

[mike550]

Probably worth swapping out the GFCI outlet for a new one. Of course you could always just swap it for a regular grounded outlet ... that never invites controversy on this forum. Hahaha

 

[Ross Petersen]

Hey - any update on your experience with GFCI’s tripping the apex unit? This happened to me yesterday out of the blue. All equipment is in pretty darn good shape/clean so I’m not sure what’s going on.

Going to email Neptune today and will get back to everyone.

 

[dwest]

Hey - any update on your experience with GFCI’s tripping the apex unit? This happened to me yesterday out of the blue. All equipment is in pretty darn good shape/clean so I’m not sure what’s going on.

Going to email Neptune today and will get back to everyone.

I replaced the GFCI outlet. It appears that was the problem. Since then, I’ve also had separate issues with my EB832. I resolved that by switching to an EB8.

 

[Ross Petersen]

I replaced the GFCI outlet. It appears that was the problem. Since then, I’ve also had separate issues with my EB832. I resolved that by switching to an EB8.

Good to know - many thanks