The NEC is the National Electrical Code in the U.S. Covers every state. Personally, I’d run 12 wire for 20amps, rather than 14, there’s virtually no difference in the price of the material, compared to the job as a whole. Beyond that, I’ve no idea about audiophile grade connections, etc. Do your research ahead of time, or let the electrician know your plans/wishes before he’s on site, not after.This all presumes that it’s even possible to install a dedicated circuit in an old building like you describe. You may be downstream of other sub-panels, and the like. Georgehifi, ground clamps on water pipes are frowned upon in the NEC, have been for years, even though thousands still exist. Anything new almost always gets modern 10’ ground rods driven into the earth, and in pairs. Too much old iron plumbing has been replaced in pieces with plastic, disconnecting the electrical grounds. You may already know this, of course. Also, at least in the part of the U.S. that I'm familiar with, electricians don't work on any part of the service upstream of the meter, such as the "drops". Those are done by the local utility district. And as a disclaimer, I’m not an electrician. Good luck.
Going to have a dedicated line installed- What should i know to ask for?
Im going to have my electrician install a dedicated line or two.
He is a very experienced professional electrician, but not necessarily very familiar with the Audiophile world.
What should i know to ask in advance so i can save money later?
As a note- My main draw is a pair of Joule-Electra VZN-100 OTL's that draw about 800w together.
Rest of m system is pretty Avarage:
Merlin BAM(Fixed eq box for Merlin speakers)
Tube pre
DAC
CD Player
Miscellaneous low power devices.
Thanks!
He is a very experienced professional electrician, but not necessarily very familiar with the Audiophile world.
What should i know to ask in advance so i can save money later?
As a note- My main draw is a pair of Joule-Electra VZN-100 OTL's that draw about 800w together.
Rest of m system is pretty Avarage:
Merlin BAM(Fixed eq box for Merlin speakers)
Tube pre
DAC
CD Player
Miscellaneous low power devices.
Thanks!
- ...
- 21 posts total
dumbeat OPJust a guess, the electrician will not pull an electrical permit? $300 for each dedicated circuit would cover the material. His labor must be free. Though the NEC is the electrical code book, States, counties, and cities, use across the US they do not have to fully adopt it in its’ present form. They can amend it as they see fit. NY is no exception. Your electrician will know what is required for your city. Electrical code as a rule is bare minimum. Nothing prevents you from exceeding bare minimum standards. I would assume the new circuit/s will have to be installed in a metallic raceway. No Romex.... More than likely because it’s an old building surface mounted raceway and boxes. Just a guess the electrician will recommend Wiremold raceway and boxes.Example of: https://www.platt.com/CutSheets/Wiremold/500%20and%20700.pdf As a rule for audio applications: No multiwire branch circuits. There in, no shared neutrals. Do not share a common raceway with other branch circuits. Each dedicated circuit should have it’s own raceway. To prevent the chance of ground loop hum the hot and neutral conductors should be slightly twisted together and the safety equipment ground wire pulled in along side the twisted pair. (Size raceway accordingly) Read pages 30 through 36. https://centralindianaaes.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/indy-aes-2012-seminar-w-notes-v1-0.pdf All dedicated circuits that will feed audio equipment that are connected together by wire interconnects should be fed from the same Line, Leg, from the electrical panel. Line 1 or Line 2. Not from both. 20 amp circuit/s only. Why waste your money on a 15 amp circuit/s to save a few bucks. Also..... Most after market audio grade duplex receptacles come in 20 amp only. Per NEC and AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) a 20 amp duplex receptacle cannot be installed on a 15 amp branch circuit. On the other hand 2 ore more 15 amp receptacles can be installed on a 20 amp branch circuit. A duplex is two. Jim |
I want a newer circuit breaker box but I wonder if I'm just spinning my wheels. It's not the money, and the box is ancient, but OTOH before I call the electrician is this really worthwhile? I already have a dedicated line to the stereo...and the hospital outlets, and a bunch of cumbersome wire, also. Oh, and Also the power company wants to install a surge protection device to fit under my meter outside. The air-conditioner company says this is a good thing to protect my investment. Which is pretty substantial. |
- 21 posts total