Outlet is not GFCI, setting up first reef tank

FishDude25 · Nov 29, 2018

The outlet that I'm planning on plugging my tank equipment into is not a GFCI. What do I need to do in order to protect myself and the tank? Is there something external I can plug into the outlet?

I'm also looking at surge protectors/battery backups and an ApexEL. Would any of those provide the functionality of a GFCI?

My knowledge of wiring/electronics/etc. is pretty limited, so I really appreciate (and need) the advice!

Thanks! [emoji4]

reacclimating 2 the hobby · Nov 29, 2018

It's a cheap swap that I would recommend making.

alton · Nov 29, 2018

They make plug and play GFCI's. Make sure to get the auto reset GFCI's, if not and you lose power and the GFCI will remain off when power is restored. Also keep your return pump on its own GFCI.
https://www.amazon.com/Tower-Manufa...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=MJ829VX5ZK5QP74YSSBZ

FishDude25 · Nov 29, 2018

alton said:
They make plug and play GFCI's. Make sure to get the auto reset GFCI's, if not and you lose power and the GFCI will remain off when power is restored. Also keep your return pump on its own GFCI.
https://www.amazon.com/Tower-Manufa...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=MJ829VX5ZK5QP74YSSBZ

Thanks, I'll check that out!

Barry_Cuda · Nov 29, 2018

A GFCI outlet costs about $10 at the hardware store and is super easy to install. Flip the breaker, unscrew the old outlet and cover, and pull the old outlet out far enough to disconnect the house wiring from the terminals. Attach the wires to the GFCI outlet's terminals, screw it into the wall, and you're done! Only thing I've ever run into was a bit of user error - I didn't realize that the GFCI outlet I'd bought was in a "tripped" state when I installed it and I had to push the reset button farther in than I'd realized to reset it. That cost me about a half hour of flipping breakers on and off and reattaching terminal wires until I realized my mistake.