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electrical safety

Discussion in 'Aquarium Equipment & Decor' started by cooltow1, Dec 16, 2009.

  1. cooltow1

    cooltow1 Thread Starter Member

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    This morning I walked into my office and it smelled like something was burning. I started to check my tank and then noticed that the 40 gallon that is on top of the book shelf aquaclear 500 filter was dripping water (over flow). I looked down and it had been dripping water on a power strip and the power strip was causing the burning smell.

    Please don't be stupid like me and check everyones in a while where your power strips and outlets are located at. I know that my power strips shouldn't be left out where water can get on them, but with tank maintenance and everything else, sometimes they get moved and I forget to check on them to make sure they are where they need to be.

    I would add that to be on the safe side you should use a power strip that has ground fault protection. Costs a little more, but it really is needed where water and electricity mix. I'm sure the State of Florida would not appreciate if I burned their building



    Rick
     
    cooltow1, Dec 16, 2009
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  2. LemonDiscus

    LemonDiscus Active Member

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    Also create a drip loop on your cords... make sure that all the cords sag below wherever you mount the power strip...
     
    LemonDiscus, Dec 16, 2009
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  3. Cay

    Cay New Member

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    ummm ya... i forget to place the powercords at safe place sometimes.... and even worse when during water change, dealing with hundred gallons of water every week, its bound to have a flash flood some time xD and power cords in the path of water.... and even even worse , i just reach in and place it where it is less wet while it is wet ._. ummm... well, im alive . happy ending xD

    *now the powercords r all mounted up high : )
     
    Cay, Feb 16, 2010
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  4. WhiteGloveAquatics

    WhiteGloveAquatics New Member

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    spend the 10 bucks and get a GFCI outlet for that wall, this will save you alot of money and from being homeless.
     
    WhiteGloveAquatics, Feb 16, 2010
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  5. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    I always try to attach the power strips underneath the stand and keep drip loops on every cable. GFCIs are definately a safe addition.
     
    James0816, Feb 17, 2010
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  6. BobV

    BobV Member

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    I agree with the GFC outlets.
     
    BobV, Feb 17, 2010
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