Wiring Lighting

[livebearer_breeder]

Sparky is a close family friend, Father did alot of favours for him, computer wise, so he does lil jobs like that for us for free.

I do know how to wire them up obviously, because i did wire them up, and got them working, and then unwired them because of the advice i was given, however i did wire up my fishrooml, and ill get him to give it the once over.

Cheers everyone

Shae

[Bluetom]

remember where you haven't already, don't screw fittings on because you'll only have to unscrew again

[alanmin4304]

I have wired a complete fishhouse for quarantine with a light over each of 40 tanks and a 12 volt pilot light system, plugs for filters, hot water system and all. I got a sparky in and said what I intended and he left all the correct wiring them came back and connected it up. The inspecter new it had not been done by a sparky because I used more clips and left more wire at the board than a sparky would. The combination of electricity,metal stands, water and the fact that you can't earth an aquarium is not a good one. I would say: Do what you can but get it checked by an expert. Good luck

[mrshanepaul]

As I stated earlier, for lighting (in general terms) this is not always true. Flurorescent lights and discharge lighting in general must be wired correctly for safety reasons.

Then I assume that you would suggest everyone on this board call their local electrician to make sure their household plugs are round the right way, since this is a danger you pointed out earlier?

Or perhaps not...

I respect the fact that you are worried about people screwing things up and this board (or anyone really) being responsible for causing any damage.

However, in my defence, my post did qualify first that I was not an authority and second, if you are unsure get it seen to by a professional.

As we can see, Shae wired it anyway and tested it all out. It is only after advice that he is calling a sparky. One would conclude that this discussion has been helpful on many levels.

Had the discussion been the disclaimer: "We will not give advice because of possible liability problems and do not attempt this at home", what might have been the situation then?

I most definately learned something so this has been very helpful for me at the very least.

PS:

When I bought my new aquarium light from the store I was rather surprised to find no waterproofing. (e.g. silicon) It would appear that one simply suspends what is essentially a live wire in a box above a tank full of water. The fish store guy even told me that I could hook it onto the tank with no glass beneath it. (it came with a plastic cover)

I am and will continue to be somewhat paranoid about my handling of my light (like have a large plate of glass and the cover under it at all times) and would go as far to say that this is far more of a risk than the situations mentioned above.

Also the (small) underwater variety of pumps that feed directly off the mains power and contain all their components inside the pump housing. If the seal broke, this would again be a live wire in a tank of water.

Of course these are acceptable risks because they came out of the box...

The insurance catch is a biggie of course and this would most definitely warrant a sparky to check it over.

[alanmin4304]

It was possible to get your local power authority to check your house for free or at a low cost. I think you could be surprised what they find. I was.

[livebearer_breeder]

All my tanks Are either Completley 'Lidded', have glass braceing, or are far to small for a 5 foot lighting fixture to fall into. Plus all the Lights will be Securely Placed 30 cm above the tanks.

Regards Shae

[alanmin4304]

I think some people are just trying to point out that electricity is dangerous unless you know exactly what you are doing. If it was that easy it wouldn't take 5000 hours to become a sparky.