ups systems be aware

[robsmith32]

Be aware that some ups doesn't have an internal gfci protected outlets.
therefore, the gfci outlet that you have the ups plugged into will trip cutting power, then ups as designed will kick in and supply power back. Well if you didnt' fix that fault and your hands are still in the tank.. bzzzt is all i can say...
Please if you're using a automatic backup solution, you also place a gfci between that solution and anything wet.
I really don't want to read about Electrocuted corals or fish, let alone fellow hobbyists.

[Loverotties]

Thanks!

[Caoineag]

Hmm..yes that was something that I thought about recently myself. I just put GFCI's on all my equipment and realized my UPS backup plan that I originally contemplated needed some revising due to battery backup overriding GFCI.

However, as my system goes down for cleaning two hours per week with no ill effects, I assume that if I have the UPS available but not hooked up I can just use it in cases of true emergencies. That and I will check to see if any of the UPS backups I contemplated actually have GFCI's but I doubt that. Sort of defeats the purpose...

[robsmith32]

some ups actually do gfci the outlets, most if i recall do not.
like said, its cheap to go to lowes and pick up a plug in one, they even make strips that are gfci now.

[Caoineag]

I have seen built in circuit breakers but the ones I looked at didn't have gfci built in( I was under the impression that the gfci are faster than the breaker route). Obviously I am buying outlet and extension cord GFCI's if I just backed up everything but my problem with the UPS thing is that I plug it into the wall and then plug in the strip to that. The other way around becomes outrageous very quickly at the price I have been paying for them.

However, having a power supply sitting nearby would be equally effective for my system since it does not rely on mechanics for survival very heavily.

The GFCI strips would be handy though for current outlet use so I may look into it, it might tidy things up a bit. By the way, I don't every plug a strip into a strip because that it asking for trouble.