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?
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.
what do I need? 20amp or 30amp circuit breaker? Thanks.
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- 33 posts total
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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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. |
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. |
hifiman5 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 boxNo, a 20A receptacle (device) does not have the same configuration as a 30A receptacle, just as the 20A receptacle differs from the 15A version. This is intended to prevent a 30 appliance from being plugged into a 20A line, which could result in overheating and fire. Here is a pic of a 20A receptacle Here is a 30A receptacle. Another difference is that a device rated for 30A should be capable of safely conducting 30A of current. There is no assurance that a 20A device can safely conduct 30A of current. If you use a 20A receptacle, it should be connected to no more than a 20A breaker. |
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