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GFCI for Aquariums

2K views 9 replies 8 participants last post by  stickboy1375 
#1 ·
Is there a code requiring GFCIs in a commercial application for an aquarium?
 
#8 ·
Regardless of whether it's required by code, it's a bad idea not to use a GFCI on an aquarium - especially a complex aquarium setup. Ground fault incidents in aquariums happen very frequently. Most aquarium devices have no grounding conductor and cannot be effectively bonded. Any tiny pinhole leak in a wire or casing will electrify the water. Happens all the time.
 
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#9 ·
Regardless of whether it's required by code, it's a bad idea not to use a GFCI on an aquarium
It's also a good idea to put half of the equipment on a separate GFCI, so one popped GFCI won't kill all your fish.
 
#5 ·
There are more locations then just those where GFCIs are required.

Within 6 ft of sinks, indoor wet locations, outdoors, locker rooms w associated showering facilities, and garages and similar areas where electrical hand tools are used (paraphrased). These are from the 2011 NEC.

If the location does not fall in these categories, then GFCI protection is not required, unless modified by a local amendment.
 
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