Need help with gfci and grounding probe

fishmonkey · Feb 8, 2023

So I’m considering getting two of these gfci cords https://www.homedepot.com/p/Tower-M...on-18-in-In-Line-GFCI-Cord-30438018/202510249 and plugging it into two power strips that each control half of my equipment . Would there be any use for a grounding probe if I did that? If so do I plug a grounding probe into each power strip or will any outlet do?

fishmonkey · Feb 8, 2023

Also does anyone have experience plugging a surge protected power strip into a gfci outlet?

BaliReefBox · Feb 8, 2023

there is a resident electrican on the forum. he has put together a how to wire vid. Maybe do a search and reach out to him

KStatefan · Feb 8, 2023

fishmonkey said:
If so do I plug a grounding probe into each power strip or will any outlet do?

Any grounded outlet would be where I would. That way you bypass any possible connection problems in the power strip.

anthonygf · Feb 8, 2023

This is what I am getting from Amazon for $25. I would also use a ground probe for the tank with this.

Fish Styx · Feb 8, 2023

When setting up my 180, I had an electrician run three dedicated 30 amp gfci circuits to support the electrical. Ensure that the power draw of what is plugged into the power strip doesn't exceed what your wiring is capable of and you should be good. Someone mentioned that a resident electrician would weigh in, so I'd wait for him/her to confirm. As for the grounding probe: yes. Always yes. Stray current from a pump or heater is a shocking experience (pun intended). You only need one, and it can be plugged into any outlet.

YOYOYOReefer · Feb 8, 2023

if you are using a probe you absolutely should be using a gfci if you dont use gfci your ground probe makes you tank much more dangerous to you. if you dont have a gcfi do not hook up a grounding probe at all.

ideally you want to ground to a solid fixed hard wired connection to ground. Yes technically can you plug the probe into a power strip yes,, but it is not a way any electrician would ever do it.

as far as the gcfi i would get gcfi circuit breaker and install it at your main panel.. those power strip versions tend to crap out , get salt vapor etc....

and if you have a tank and a sump you should have a ground probe in both places.

Steve Zee · Feb 9, 2023

For your personal protection a GFCI is imperative! Lots of discussion regarding grounding probes. My advice is skipping the grounding probe because it creates a greater hazard for someone with their hands working in the tank. However, some insist that the benefit to the fish is important because it will give a “Stray Voltage” a path to ground. I have not found research to backing this claim.

Back to the GFCI, they can be a real nuisance and I highly recommend paying a few extra bucks for a brand from Hubbell or Leviton. Quality and filtering counts because they are all sensitive. Also consider using multiple. They work by sensing current leakage and the threshold is very low. Every device you plug in will inherently have some leakage, So it helps to split this up. Maybe use something like this: https://a.co/d/9EhClWZ where you can add multiple ones into power strip.

The problem with new GFCI’s like the ones listed is that if you lose power the GFCI’s will need to be manually reset at the unit. This was a new requirement for 2020 in an effort to force people to test GFCI before using it. Don’t know why this supposably helps. Installing a GFCI outlet or one at the breaker panel mitigates this specific issue.

Surge protector should work fine on either side of GFCI.

YOYOYOReefer · Feb 9, 2023

a gcfi monitors the current flowing from hot to neutral
pretending ground and arc faults dont exist is not the solution.
and the idea of the grounding probe is it becomes the path to ground instead of you becoming the path to ground.

anybody whos been at the hobby pre led/ pre dc pumps will know what im talking about.