What is everyone using for dedicated AC lines???

Thanks KT88, I'll paypal you $20.00 right away :^). I've been wanting to come over and here those new speakers by the way.

Sean - The first 200amp main is just a breaker at the meter nothing else.

Budrew:
IMO, the advice you are receiving on this thread is spot on. If you search the forums, you will find lots of threads that are covering this subject, but the link that Albert provided is as concise and pointed in terms of your concerns as any you are going to find. Gotta agree with the others who recommend Alberts ports....they are a terrific quality outlet and offer big bang for the $. You will find some conjecture regarding the number of circuits that are appropriate. Some feel that more than one circuit leads to a higher chance of ground loops. In my experience, overkilling the ground system goes a long way toward solving this problem at the same time as enhancing safety.

Glen is an electrician by profession and IMO is the resident AG master on this subject. If you follow his plan to the letter you will not be missing much. I am a DIY person and have installed circuits in line with Glens recommendations with the exception of not having yet put in a sub-panel. In my experience, quality dedicated circuits have given me the biggest bang for the $ of any change I have made.

I notice that some of you have used #12 THHN stranded, and others #12 gauge solid core twisted. Can someone explain the rationale for choosing either?

Twisted conductors cancel RF. I use them all the time in low voltage control work though normally not for that particular reason.

Solid conductors are prefered in any given situation except for situations where flexibility or repeated stress is of concern. I know of "honest" cable manufacturers that will agree with this statement even though most of their products are of stranded design for reasons of flexibility. Twisting reduces inductance and increases capacitance, which helps lower the noise floor and increase the rejection of RFI. Combining the two offers the most benefits with the least drawbacks of any other approach.

As a side note, use the heaviest gauge wires that you can use within reason. 12 gauge should be considered a minimum for any type of A/V installation. Sean
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