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High Current Outlet for Amps?

I am told to plug the power amp straight to the outlet rather than the power conditioner. Since I am remodeling my home so  I am going to have electrician to install the outlet, one outlet per amp and each outlet has individual circuit breaker. Then he asks me if I want 20amp or 30amp since I told him high current.

what do I need? 20amp or 30amp circuit breaker? Thanks. 
gr8av4life
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cleeds
5,957 posts
 
hifiman5
The 20 amp receptacle is the same as the 30 amp one!  No difference at all.  You are just running 10 gauge wire connected to a 30 amp breaker in the service versus a 12 gauge wire connected to a 20 amp breaker.
A 20A device on a 30A breaker doesn't meet my local codes and probably isn't consistent with NEC, either. 
ptss
1,964 posts
 
I respect the comments/consideration on high current draw;however,I had a local licensed electrician come to my home and measure current draw to my amp & preamp with my system powered up while i listened to rock and classical orchestral, with my approx 88 db efficiency speakers and 200 watt amp, at levels higher than I care to listen. His measuring device didn't exceed approx 3 amp draw. I used 10 gauge wire and a 20 amp fuse. I did not sense any problem. Is this unusual?
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kijanki
4,428 posts
 
My power amp is plugged into high current outputs of Furman Elite 20PFi conditioner that is able to deliver 55 amperes peak current.  They call it Power Factor Correction.  It is achieved by huge inductor followed by big capacitor that stores energy.  From the mains it appears as resistive load (current spikes are filtered out - averaged).  I don't detect any loss of dynamics.
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hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
cleeds
A 20A device on a 30A breaker doesn't meet my local codes and probably isn't consistent with NEC, either.


Sorry,  but I don't understand.  What is a 20A device?  All I'm trying to convey is that the outlet for a 20A or 30A device is the same.  The difference is in the gauge of the wire running off your electric service and amperage rating of the circuit breaker in your house's electrical service box.

Some audiophiles believe that the higher amperage rated circuit ensures adequate power to your system under even the most demanding of circumstances.  It is somewhat analogous to the thinking involved in having a 7 gauge power cord to a powerful amp rather than a 12 gauge one.
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cleeds
5,957 posts
 
ptss.
.. I had a local licensed electrician come to my home and measure current draw to my amp & preamp with my system powered up while i listened to rock and classical orchestral, with my approx 88 db efficiency speakers and 200 watt amp, at levels higher than I care to listen. His measuring device didn't exceed approx 3 amp draw. I used 10 gauge wire and a 20 amp fuse. I did not sense any problem. Is this unusual?
Frankly, no, this is not especially unusual. A 3A draw does seem a little low, but perhaps your amplifier is especially efficient, such as a Class D design.
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