[jlombardi29]

is it safe to use power strips if it's pluged into a gfi and the outlets are on dedicated circits?? I want my fish room as safe as possible

[unclejed]

Perfectly safe although to be extra safe get a strip with a fuse in it.

[ljv]

The GFCI is a must. It will kick off power if even a few millamps of current goes somewhere that it doesn't belong (like into you).

I try to minimize the use of power strips, but I do use them. Don't skimp on what you buy. A $5 strip can have lowsy contacts in the receptacles. If you have a high current device (lighting) getting its current through a marginal contact (very small contact area), it can arc and/or generate extreme heat at the contact point. Since the current is still going where it belongs, the GFCI may not kick out. This could create a serious fire hazard.

The same thing can occur in a faulty wall receptacles also, so it is also important to inspect them as well. Your wall outlets are of a much higher quality than the $5 Walmart special power strip so they rarely cause a problem.

You should be able to tell a good strip by picking it up and looking at it. If you can, try plugging something into it at the store and see how the connection feels.

O.K. I've rambled on long enough. Can you tell that I'm an electrical engineer?

[ILoveMyTank]

I've caught three on fire. Two cheap and one good quality. All stupid errors by me while playing. I now have three very good 10 outlet surges and hang them of the foor at an angle backwords so that if splashed water hit it then it will drain off without going into a socket. And if you are thinking it...No I don't use all thirty plugs. I use about 19. three is made to be able to shut down partas of the tank for lighting, cleaning and one to stay on always.

[spanko]

I use this.

American DJ PC-100A 8-Switch ON/OFF Power Center and more Lighting Controllers at GuitarCenter.com.

[ljv]

Wow. I never thought of using something like that. Great Idea. You can even label what device is plugged into each outlet. Only $29 too. Mounting will take some work but I like the individual on/off switches. Thanks for the tip.

[unclejed]

Here check these out; Power Strip With Timer - Home & Garden - Compare Prices, Reviews and Buy at NexTag - Price - Review I use the Coralife. You can find similar ones at Lowes.

[jlombardi29]

the room will have all new wiring, the only resone for the power strips would be for my timers so i don't have to run so many seperate outlets