Quote:
|
My house is fairly new but I took a look at all the wiring before even buying the house, most homes now are wired with 12 gauge solid wire, in the past homes used 14 gauge which these days with all the electrical stuff we use would trip breakers, burn open & even start fires.
|
Just a note to the above post...... 14 gauge wire is no more likely to cause a fire then 12,10, 8 or any other gauge wire if it is fused properly. 14 gauge wire is still used in most residential applications around the US. 14 gauge wire should be fused at no more then 15 amps. When it is fused at 15 amps, it is perfectly safe. Also, remember, just because you are using a GFCI protection device, dosnt mean you are safe. A GFCI circuit can catch fire, just like any standard circuit. Using a GFCI on your tank wiring is not required by the NEC, but is a good practice. As an electrical contractor (for the past 20 years), I do not use GFCI protection on my equiptment, but use a GFCI protected Main breaker on my main distribution panel. In addition to the GFCI main, I use ARC fault breakers on my branch circuits. A ground fault has nothing to do with electrical fires, most electrical fires are caused by an arc, due to a penetrated wire or a touching of conductors to a combustible material.
For several years I have studied the effects of salt water on electrical conductors. In no case, would a ground fault have prevented the fire, but it will lessen the chance of a person being killed from electricity.