Electrical Progress

[Reefchef]

Good evening everyone, I know I still haven't made it to the new tank part yet!!! Due to the all of the hours I work and family time, I have to do everything in phases per say. Today on my day off I worked on electrical, I swapped out 4 1in breakers for 4 1/2 in breakers which opened up two additional spots for a whole house surge protector and left me room for two more 1/2 in breakers for my future tank circuits. Next I have to have an electrician come out and rerun my neutrals and grounds properly, I do not feel comfortable doing that little too risky. When they built the house they bundled all the neutrals and grounds together, instead of running them one to one. I feel more comfortable with it done correctly, especially if Im going to add some type of back up generator later. Plus the time out weighs the cost, so cheaper to get it done this time. Once that is complete I will work on running the two dedicated 20 amp circuits for the tank. I also have everything except for the tank, lights, and husbandry needs now also. So Im getting a lot closer, plus the rock is cooking so no rush. Thank all of you for all of your feedback, help, and inspiration so far. Take care and happy reefing!!!

 

[Mom2Many]

Laying the strong foundations in your plan, saves much heartache later. Its a great start!

 

[Adam]

I've done my share of electrical work. I can honestly say I've never seen a breaker box that looks like that. It sure looks like there are whites going into breakers. If so. I have absolutely no idea how that passed inspection and I wouldn't let Rod or Chris near my house.

 

[Reefchef]

Laying the strong foundations in your plan, saves much heartache later. Its a great start!

Thank you, I greatly appreciate it. Im trying to take my time and do it right the first time!

 

[Reefchef]

I've done my share of electrical work. I can honestly say I've never seen a breaker box that looks like that. It sure looks like there are whites going into breakers. If so. I have absolutely no idea how that passed inspection and I wouldn't let Rod or Chris near my house.

It's pretty bad as far as the neutrals and grounds, still not sure how it passed. The whites are only running for the 240 breakers and behind to the neutral bar. Thats why im just going to pay the electrician to fix it, it's such a mess. I didn't mind doing the breakers and surge protector.

 

[Adam]

When you run the 20amp lines make sure you use 12 gauge wire and not 14.

 

[Reefchef]

When you run the 20amp lines make sure you use 12 gauge wire and not 14.

Thank you for your help, I actually had the electrician come out and fix the neutrals and grounds. It looks a lot better!!! I started fishing the wire for the new dedicated circuit, it is a pain in the butt. I will work on it some more later, I'm also using the 14 gauge wire you suggested. When I first started the idea of having a large tank I didn't realize how much work was really involved! Thanks

 

[Adam]

Thank you for your help, I actually had the electrician come out and fix the neutrals and grounds. It looks a lot better!!! I started fishing the wire for the new dedicated circuit, it is a pain in the butt. I will work on it some more later, I'm also using the 14 gauge wire you suggested. When I first started the idea of having a large tank I didn't realize how much work was really involved! Thanks

I hope you meant 12 gauge for 20amp breakers... that's what I recommended. 14 gauge is fine for 15amp breakers.

 

[Reefchef]

Yes your correct, I meant the 12 gauge not 14!!! I was hot and tired when I wrote that, the attic felt even hotter when the sun went down!

 

[Reefchef]

Thank you again so much for your help, it's finally finished. It wasn't hard at all, the hardest part is fishing the wire without making a mess!!! I just have to do a little touch up around the face plate maybe, no ones going to see it anyway! I also tested it with a GFCI outlet tester after I finished. Thanks again so much.