2. cables
  3. 124680-2248

Sources for information and/or advice on dedicated AC lines desired

I have relocated, and the new house will allow me to at long last have dedicated AC power lines in the music listening room. Halleluiah! I’ve seen the topic discussed over the years, and have a general idea of what is needed, but can I get recommendations of sources of information about the details of what the optimum power and wiring system is, and exactly what to have done by a professional electrician (in the event that is necessary) to achieve it? And/or personal advice on wiring and power sources (excluding power conditioners---I mean just raw power. I already have Shunyata and Bybee units for conditioning) required for optimum sound quality? For instance:

- How many separate lines from the main panel to the room? Separate lines for sources vs. amps, analog vs. digital? My system sources are LP, analog tape, digital, and FM radio. Three tube pre-amps, a couple of tube and three SS power amps. And ESL speakers and powered subs also needing AC, of course.

- Amperage advisable for each line? 20 Amps?

- What to look for to determine if the already-installed wire is sufficient? And if it is not, the type and gauge of wire to have installed? 10g Romex?

- Grounding---metal rod into the earth?

- Anything else of concern not listed above.

Thanks for any recommendations of sources of information. Personal recommendations and/or advice also welcomed!

128x128bdp24
jea48
4,425 posts
 
whart said:
For clarity, and Jea can correct me here, but I think "separate panel" means separate service from the street.

First, my response on 05-14-2016 8:56am was in response to eichlerera’s post.



eichlerera said:
Question:
I’m about to run two dedicated lines into my stereo room using a dedicated breaker panel.
For grounding should I drive two copper grounding rods into the earth (one for each circuit) or can I connect both lines to one grounding rod?

Dedicated breaker panel? I read that as being an electrical sub panel fed from the main electrical service panel. "Dedicated breaker panel" for his audio equipment.


whart,

As for an answer to your question above, I would have to say no. To me a separate panel does not mean it is fed by a separate service fed from the street.


I think part of this is pure electrical code which is national (and then locally implemented, correct Jea?)

Agree. The AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) has the final say. In the case of an electrical service supplied to a building structure I would add so does the utility power company.

NEC Code adoption state by state.
http://www.jade1.com/jadecc/nec_code_adoption.php



https://www.mikeholt.com/mojonewsarchive/NEC-HTML/HTML/Article230-Services~20020219.htm

whart's avatar
whart
3,037 posts
 
Jea- yes, I wasn't clear - thank you, my point was when folks were saying separate panel they really meant separate service. 
bdp24's avatar
bdp24 OP
9,788 posts
 
I think most people would be considering installing a new sub-panel, being fed from the main panel and dedicated to the system room, not a new, separate service line from the street to a new, second main panel. With the sub-panel, no new grounding need be nor should be installed. A new, second main panel would require it’s own grounding, but I don’t think many are contemplating that, though ghosthouse would like one. I wouldn't mind one myself, but that's not gonna happen!
whart's avatar
whart
3,037 posts
 
Right. Sorry if I appear to have confused, rather than clarified the issue. 

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