Vacations,surge protection and gfci...

[Mike in CT]

Hi everyone, yesterday when I plugging some things in and out of my tanks surge protectors/gfci strips
the gfci tripped (I think because I accidentally turned one of my pumps on and off multiple times in few seconds because
the plug was not in all the way) and turned everything off. That is what it is supposed to do, but what if your on vacation
and power goes wonky for a few seconds and throws your surge protector or gfci and your equipment does not come back on?
I have seen it recommended that fridges should not be on gfci outlets for this reason. I was wondering if someone was going
away for a time if it would be wise to not use such devices while away to take away the risk of a few second power fluctuation
shutting down your whole system. Something I was also thinking was would it be wise for someone who was away form
their tank a lot and is running a sump, to have some kind of HOB filter and one heater in the DT so if something goes wrong in
the sump system you still have some filtration, water movent and heat.

I guess the 3 feet of snow outside has me thinking about warmer days and vacation!

Thanks!
Mike

 

[Trex]

JMO, I would have the main pump plugged into a different circuit -- a non GFI one -- while you are gone. Perhaps a heater too, depending on the time of year.

 

[AZDesertRat]

Using non GFCI circuits around an aquarium can be deadly!

Using two separate circuits and splitting your equipment up is wise as long as BOTH are on GFCI's.

I installed a dedicated 20A GFCI circuit for most of my reef equipment but still keep a circulation pump and heater on an old 15A GFCI circuit just in case. Chances of losing both is pretty slim.