GFCI 20 amp or 15 amp?

[codywylie]

I want to put a gfci outlet for my fish tank.I'm guessing the 20 amp would be a better idea but I'm no electrician..does anyone have any input?

cody wylie lawrenceville

 

[myreefclub0070]

if your looking to replace an existing outlet in the house where your tank is, more than likely it's a 15amp.
the amperage is based on the size of wire, in your case the wire that's already in the walls.
14 gauge wire = 15 amps / 12 gauge = 20amps.

 

[myreefclub0070]

also if you plan on changing it out yourself, save yourself the trouble and just go with one of these, it's just a plug in version.

 

[codywylie]

Cool. That's what I will do

cody wylie lawrenceville

 

[jbdreefs]

How do you guys protect from the risk of a tripped gfci that shuts down the whole tank?

 

[black reef]

I think once it is tripped, there is some bad equipment ( broken or malfunction) in the tank or the circuit is overload. Nothing u can do unless hit the reset button. It is for our safety.

 

[codywylie]

Just ordered this off ebay for 16$

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cody wylie lawrenceville

 

[myreefclub0070]

the gfci isn't there to protect your tank and or your equipment, it's sole function is to save your life and if it did trip it would be for a reason.
although a back up power supply is great for power lost, if the end power in the tank is 120v you would be defeating the reason for the gfci.
which means if you have a ups feeding equipment like a DC power head or a low voltage DC return pump, you would be fine.

 

[rdnelson]

I agree with Marlon. The best safe guard is to regularly test it by pushing the test button.

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