Florescent current leakage

[MeCasa]

I have installed some temporary lighting that consists of a double 48" T12 shop light with two good quality tubes over a 6' aquarium. This light is hung off of chains and is hanging right at 3" above the water with no glass lid to maximize light.

I wired all the circuits of my aquarium to a ground fault breaker and this fixture is nuisance tripping. I had originally installed my old aquarium fixture but one of the magnetic ballasts burned out and this cheap Lowe's fixture cost a lot less and was easier to get than a ballast. I covered the fixture with foil to increase reflection (probably means nothing)

I googled the problem and it seems florescent fixtures are famous for current leakage. Can I take the fixture apart and add rubber between the ballast and case or perhaps ground the case itself.

I currently have bypassed the ground fault but I don't like a 4' fixture hanging 3" above a 6' water tank without some safety.

Thanks

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I am closing this thread, in accordance with the Forum rules. This Forum is intended to assist professional electricians, inspectors, engineers, and other members of the electrical industry in the performance of their job-related tasks. However, if you are not an electrician or an electrical contractor, then we are not permitted to help you perform your own electrical installation work.


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