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How Dedicated Must a Dedicated Circuit Be?

I am moving into a house that has a room with two circuits which just service that room. Each circuit feeds a string of outlets and ends at a ceiling lamp. There are no refrigerators, computers, motors or other nasties on each circuit - just one or two light bulbs at the end of the line. They are both 15A. I am planning on adding a 20A circuit for the amps and maybe using one of each for digital and non-digital sources.

My Questions:

1) Does the existance of a lightbulb at the end of a circuit make it a lesser "dedicated circuit"?

2) If it qualifies as a decent dedicated circuit, wouldn't it be true that many of us already have dedicated circuits that are just outlet loops with no other "nasties" plugged into them?

Thanks. I'll take my answer off the air. Peter
peter_s
tarsando
578 posts
 
It must be dedicated to the one it loves.
Post removed 
walkelin
52 posts
 
Hi,

I agree with Stenho, don't know about the light being a grunge filer. I have a dedicated listening room with large SS amp, cd player, and N802 speakers. I tried using existing power which was the same as yours 15 amp circuit multiple plugs daisey chained and a ceiling light. I noticed at night that while playing demanding music the light pulsated to the bass. Needless to say it convinced me that I needed a truly dedicated circuit. My electrician recommended a isolated ground mentioned in one of the post and 10 gauge. True you only need 12 gauge for 20 amp but if you are pulling a new circuit the wire will be the cheapest part of the upgrade. I went overboard and pulled stranded 10 gauge copper which I had cryoed along with the new breaker. In a word it raelly made a difference.

Ps: If you are running a dedicated circuit consider using 10/3 that way if you have room on your panel for two new breakers you can split your analog and digital. I ended up with a quad wall plug 20 amps each side.
rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
Sbennett268, a power conditioner won't substitute for a dedicated line with isolated ground. Generally, you'll be better off spending your money on the separate circuit if you're in a position to make a choice between the two.
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goliverjr
102 posts
 
Since my living room lights dimmed when I turned my amp on, I had my electrician neighbor run two Hubble outlets recommended by the Cable Co. down to, I believe one circuit breaker of their own, with regular Romex. The result was a big improvement, and no dimming lights, somewhat of a loss, as turning on the amp always impressed the neighbors. More than made up for by the improvement in sound. Now I dream of 2 circuit breakers and dividing up the amp and the rest of the system. How exactly do you get that lightbulb in before the rest of the system? Now they got those $50 outlets...and I thought $12.50 an outlet was a lot of money.
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