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I am confused about 15A and 20A current.

Electrical Expert:

(1) How do I get 20A out of the main power line in my house?

(2) Is it typically setup 15A ?

(3) Is there a conversion unit (15-20) available?

The reason that I ask is that as soon as I turn on the Rotel RB-1090 (rated 380W) the circuit breaker breaks.
Thanks,

-TT
midfi
goinbroke
105 posts
 
Midfi,

Don't return anything just yet. Maybe I'm off base here, but it sounds to me like you are tripping the breaker with inrush current. When you first power on that amp, all the caps inside must charge and do so very quickly. This can cause a perfectly functioning circuit to trip as the initial momentary current exceeds the breaker's rating. However, those same caps discharge slowly unless drained.

I would suggest you try this: Power on the amp (with your pre off). If the breaker trips, turn the amp off then reset the breaker, then turn the amp back on. My guess is that after the breaker trips once (maybe twice), it doesn't trip again...until you turn the amp off for awhile and turn it back on. Instead of turning the amp off, leave it on all the time...it's better for the longevity of your electronics, anyway. Hope that helps and let us all know if that works...
mmrog
101 posts
 
Could the tripping maybe be from a worn out circuit breaker ?

I had a circuit breaker that seemed to trip too easily so I replaced it with a new one of the same vaule. The problem went away.
thsalmon
348 posts
 
I have just completed development on a 15 to 20 amp "current upsampler" with breakthrough, patented, capacitorization technology. Let me kow if you are interested.
wagzel
28 posts
 
Enough has been written about the reasons why one should not change a 15 amp breaker to a 20 amp so I'll just add my 2 cents about a comment on 12-3 for the 20 amp circut. 12-2 is all that's needed. 12-2 has a black and white conductors plus a bare wire for ground. 12-3 has an additional red conductor. Small point sure, just don't want someone to look at their wire and think it's wrong.
midfi OP
8 posts
 
Sorry, I have been spending time work on the yard lately because our house afftected by Isabel. Too many downed tree.

Thanks all for your suggestions. I tried every thing, and the amp still tripping the breaker every time I turn it on.

I check out the spec on Rotel web site, and yes, it consumes 17 Amp input; therefore, it requires 20AMP outlet in order to get the amp function.

Again, thanks all.

-TT
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