power bar
 

I just purchased a couple power bars from walmart.They are made of metal with a circuit braker built in it.I/m hoping these are the answer to a safer hobby.

You will still need to have them on a GFI to be safe. Breakers are to protect the equipment not humans.

Power
 

Just wondering what gfi stands for

GFI = Ground Fault Interrupter

Ground fault interuptor. Any electricians out their that can explain them better than myself.

Basic info on GFI's. http://home.howstuffworks.com/question117.htm

A GFCI monitors the amount of current going from hot to neutral. If there is any imbalance, it trips the circuit.

i recently installed one, and the other day water dripped into my powerbar and the switch immediately killed the power. definately get one

Maybe a little off track but sort of related...


I wanted to add a UPS to my system, we're out in the country and our power "flickers" a lot. I was hoping the ups would eliminate this flicker as far as the tanks inhabitants are concerned (no more real quick stop-start on the powerheads, lights, etc.) However, if I plug the UPS into my GFI outlet, and the GFI trips would the UPS not negate any safety benefits by interpreting the GFI tripping as a power outage and providing the power anyways? Is there a way for me to have reliable power AND safety?

Easy, just put the UPS before the GFCI outlet(s). You'll probably have to rig up some sort of breakout box but it can be done.