Show us, your electrical!!!

[lofty78]

I'm looking for some Ideas to clean up my shameful ball of electrical wires and want to see some ideas for cleaning it all up and making it safe... feel free to post your mess too... maybe you will same yourself into doing something about it :neutral:. My shame pic:

 

[Pappy]

Look into DJ power strips

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

I use those cable organizer Home Depot sells, and DJ power strips with switches for every plug. A label maker helps a ton too. I would move all the electrical away from the side of your tank, it is likely to get splashed.

 

[lofty78]

I have an ADJ rack mount with 8 switches and a Cyber power back up 300 wat that will run my main pump... I also am installing a 20 amp GFI outlet and swapping the breaker out for a 20 amp.... only a 4-6 ft run to the electrical service, so I should not need to pull new wire... I will post pics on my build thread....

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/member-tanks/108953-my-90-gallon-mixed-reef-i.html

 

[lofty78]

I also have lighting timers which connect to my home alarm system to run my light cycle....and a p-TOUCH and a big mess of electrical cord organizers and zip ties. Here is what I have so far... got a list of ticky tac stuff I need from HD, or Frys Electronics.... hopefully HD has everything.

Here is what I have so far :

 

[JSB]

Like it was said before, zip ties and velcro (in rolls from HD), those little square sticky-back things that the tie wraps bind to, and a label maker. Make sure to put a label on everything. Makes life so much easier.

This was before I installed it into my cabinet (where I can't take a picture any more).

 

[Alex27]

those DJ strips are a great product, especially when you only need to turn one thing off.

 

[Isoprene]

Great thread, didnt know DJ power strips existed till now, thanks!

 

[jr999]

lofty78

Check the gauge of your wire you plan to change to 20 amp. A quick search I just did says 12 gauge wire should be used for 20 amp and 14 gauge for a 15 amp circuit.

 

[Curtie44]

Here's mine:

 

[ebushrow]

Here's mine:

Holy cow! That looks awesome....wish I had the kills to do that!

 

[lofty78]

lofty78

Check the gauge of your wire you plan to change to 20 amp. A quick search I just did says 12 gauge wire should be used for 20 amp and 14 gauge for a 15 amp circuit.

I consulted several electricians who informed me because the run (4-6 feet) is so short that 14 ga is fine... its when you have a longer run of 14 gauge is when you get concerned... besides, I don't currently need the 20 amp, just want the availability if needed.

 

[aslmx]

I consulted several electricians who informed me because the run (4-6 feet) is so short that 14 ga is fine... its when you have a longer run of 14 gauge is when you get concerned... besides, I don't currently need the 20 amp, just want the availability if needed.

Im an electrician and I would never use 14 on a 20 amp breaker. I always use 12 on 20 amp breakers unless its over 60' then I would go to 10. If you are not going to use 12 then I would keep it on a 15 amp breaker.

 

[ReeferBob]

I consulted several electricians who informed me because the run (4-6 feet) is so short that 14 ga is fine... its when you have a longer run of 14 gauge is when you get concerned... besides, I don't currently need the 20 amp, just want the availability if needed.

That's a pretty poor electrician and also not code. Your breaker protects the WIRE, nothing else. 12 gauge wire is required for a 20 amp breaker.

 

[fragmatic]

This is an old picture but the electrical hasn't changed much. The wires are mostly stuffed over two boards that reach across the top inside of the stand like rafters.

 

[lofty78]

For some reason several electricians, whom I know and trust had told me that if the run was short then it would be safe, not to code, but safe.... I highly doubt there is a high percentage of people in this hobby who's entire system is up to code. I also Highly doubt that my trusted friends would have advised me to do something that would kill me and my family..... I will however assure you that once I pulled the receptacle and was unsure if the run whet straight to the box, I returned the 20 amp stuff and pick up a 15 amp. Now that the GFCI is in, it is working properly, but the project is on hold until I can contact my security company as they did not p[re activate my sensor and light modules :mad2: ATM I am rigging up the ADJ power rack and trying to figure a way to mount it on the side of my stand.

 

[kschweer]

I also have lighting timers which connect to my home alarm system to run my light cycle....and a p-TOUCH and a big mess of electrical cord organizers and zip ties. Here is what I have so far... got a list of ticky tac stuff I need from HD, or Frys Electronics.... hopefully HD has everything.

Here is what I have so far :

Where did you get the "rack" for the dj strip?

 

[lofty78]

Frys electronics.... but they sell on Amazon too...

Amazon.com: Shaxon FBA04-F, 4U x 19" Hinged Wall Mount Bracket - Black: Computers & Accessories

 

[lofty78]

Here's mine:

I don't have a clue what any of that stuff is... but it sure looks cool!!

 

[Zack]

Too ashamed to post my electrical mess up here Got some good ideas now though!