DIY and lighting

Pro_builder · 02-09-2004, 09:52 AM

Here are a few things that I have been asked about when it comes to DIY and Electric. So I thought I would post this for everyone to read.

1: Always use a ground probe- They will save you and your inhabitants at some point, from stray voltage in your tank.

2: Always use Water tight End Caps- This stops corrosion and chance of electical shock from the lights.

3: Keep all wires secured tightly- You don't want wires hanging in the water or loose, this could cause you to catch one, while working in the tank, and dislodge the light and it fall in the water.

4: GFCI Outlets- Always use one or use a GFCI breaker in the elctrical panel, this will help to avoid electrical shock to you and your inhabitants.

5: Always use a 3 Prong Plug in the third prong of the cord is for your ground, this will help also to protect from Shock.

HTH

mwrager · 02-09-2004, 10:44 AM

I might add one, check to make sure your ground is really ground. Some times its not hooked up. I know in my parents home they have 3 prong plug but when I did some checking on them (after they bought the home) I found that the old owner had jut put in 3 prong plugs but it only had 2 wire wiring. So I started to replace the wiring for them.

Scooterman · 02-09-2004, 11:01 AM

Your home centers have this cheap circuit tester, just plug it in & the LED's will show up all green if good. This is a nice little tool to check your outlets for proper grounding.

Oh yea, If your not sure, before plugging it in, Seek help!

02-09-2004, 09:52 AM	#1 (permalink)
Pro_builder DIY Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Oxford, Iowa Posts: 1,746 View Gallery Karma Komment	DIY and lighting Here are a few things that I have been asked about when it comes to DIY and Electric. So I thought I would post this for everyone to read. 1: Always use a ground probe- They will save you and your inhabitants at some point, from stray voltage in your tank. 2: Always use Water tight End Caps- This stops corrosion and chance of electical shock from the lights. 3: Keep all wires secured tightly- You don't want wires hanging in the water or loose, this could cause you to catch one, while working in the tank, and dislodge the light and it fall in the water. 4: GFCI Outlets- Always use one or use a GFCI breaker in the elctrical panel, this will help to avoid electrical shock to you and your inhabitants. 5: Always use a 3 Prong Plug in the third prong of the cord is for your ground, this will help also to protect from Shock. HTH __________________ -Troy 180 gallon Reef, 3- 250 XM 15K MH Electronic ballast, 380 watts VHO Actinics, 2- 5 watt LED Moon lights, 100 gal rubbermaid sump, 75 gallon Fuge, ETSS 600 Skimmer, 4700-5400 gph pump for return, Octopus 3000 controller, Iwaki 40 RL skimmer pump, 2- 65w PC 10K fuge lights, 2 55 gallon barrels, Custom light oak stand and hood, misc pumps, extra 600 gallon rated tank size protein skimmer. Purple tang, yellow tang, pacific blue tang, 2 green chromis, 1 Sand sifting star, snails, hermit crabs, 2 mated perculas, pulsing Xenia, Anenome, mushrooms, ricordia, zoanthids, kenya tree 1 1/2" tall, misc other hitchhiker stuff. DIY is my dream... ...well OK the only way I can afford this Addiction!! Just as the light goes on in my head... ... I break the bulb!!

02-09-2004, 10:44 AM	#2 (permalink)
mwrager Elegance coral Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Gilbert AZ Posts: 1,068 View Gallery Karma Komment	I might add one, check to make sure your ground is really ground. Some times its not hooked up. I know in my parents home they have 3 prong plug but when I did some checking on them (after they bought the home) I found that the old owner had jut put in 3 prong plugs but it only had 2 wire wiring. So I started to replace the wiring for them. __________________ Mark Some days I realy feel old! http://www.reefsanctuary.com/Banners/RS_banner3.gif

02-09-2004, 11:01 AM	#3 (permalink)
Scooterman Elegance coral Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lafayette, Louisiana Posts: 1,179 View Gallery Karma Komment	Your home centers have this cheap circuit tester, just plug it in & the LED's will show up all green if good. This is a nice little tool to check your outlets for proper grounding. Oh yea, If your not sure, before plugging it in, Seek help! __________________ Scott Ardoin (Ard-Dwan)

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