Should Subwoofer Be Plugged Into Same Circuit?


I am running electrical lines for my theater myself. Should I make the outlet for the sub on the same circuit as the rest of the AV equipment, or put it on a separate circuit?

i could have sworn I read something that said it needs to be on the same circuit to help prevent ground loops.
craigert
It depends on the total current draw of all your components on a particular circuit. Calculate the total amperage that will be used at one time on the circuit. 
And it's best to use a 20A dedicated line which includes 20A wall receptacle and 20A breaker.

I’m in the USA by the way. I get the feeling MillerCarbon May be in another country since we haven’t used aluminum in decades this side of the pond, and I have never heard of using 10 gauge wire for a regular electric run (either 12 or 14).

Thats a good idea on making a 20 amp dedicated circuit for everything if there is even a chance it could increase chances of a ground loop. 
Don’t worry, I have a home theater and a stereo setup, I’m just working on them both at the same time. 
Also, I didn’t think you were supposed to plug everything into a power conditioner. I’m probably wrong because I have never had one but will most likely buy that Brick thinga-ma-bob.
It should be a law of audiophiles that everything should be plugged into one outlet. That is the best way to eliminate ground loops. And sometimes the only way.
I remember you had a thread asking about power conditioners. Most conditioners limit current and an amp draws the highest current of all your components. That's why typically sources are plugged into the PC and amp is plugged into the wall. With a 20A duplex receptacle, conditioner into one outlet, amp into the other.

Depending on the power of your amp, you may be able to plug everything into the Brickwall. It's supposed to be non-current limiting.



To add to the foregoing comments, I suggest that you read pages 31 through 35 of the following document, the section that begins with "this finally explains what drives 99% of all ground loops." It was written, btw, by Bill Whitlock, a renowned expert on such matters.

https://centralindianaaes.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/indy-aes-2012-seminar-w-notes-v1-0.pdf

As you’ll see, the type of wiring can dramatically affect susceptibility to ground loop issues. Romex (i.e., NM cable) is pretty good in that respect. The worst case in that respect is discrete wires randomly positioned in conduit.

My thanks to member @Jea48, this Forum’s foremost expert when it comes to electrician-type matters, for calling this paper to our attention here a few years ago.

Best regards,
-- Al