2. misc-audio
  3. 151896-65954

15 amps vs 20 amps

Firstly, let me state that I’m no electrician so forgive my ignorance about all this....

My wife and I have just moved to a new house.  We’re very happy, but there’s something unusual about the house! The great news is that it’s almost completely Ethernet wired and came with a kick-ass networking system. Fabulous wireless and Ethernet performance everywhere.

After a few days unboxing and settling in, I thought I’d rig up my system.  This is where the apologies start - I hadn’t actually noticed that most of the house is supplied by a 20 amp circuit, until I tried plugging in my Audioquest Storm power cable, which is meant to connect to my15amp Niagara power supply, and then to my components. No harm done, but the plug was clearly not fitting easily into the outlet. I didn’t force it and stopped  my installation. 
It looks like setting up my system is going to be a project.  Firstly, can anyone tell me if it’s ok using 15 amp audio components through 20 amp outlets? Do I need to change anything like fuses, plugs, outlets? Will 20 amps be good/bad/same for performance? Safety concerns?

As you can tell, I know very little about this and would prefer not to make a costly mistake.

thanks for any advice.




janehamble
builder3
766 posts
 
Your home is actually wired better than most average homes today. Not only is it not an issue, but consider it an upgrade.
This is assuming that those 20A circuits are actually wired with 12 gauge wire. Contrary to what Erik says above, it’s a definite step up. Most homes today use 14 gauge wire and 15 amp breakers everywhere that they can, it’s cheaper. There are a few dedicated circuits that are required by code to be 20A, and all of the lighting, and most of the outlets are usually 15A.
Your plugs should fit in the outlets fine. If they're 20A outlets, they're stiffer.
If anything you see concerns you, call an electrician to have a look, you’ll be out the cost of a service call.


lak's avatar
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lak
4,680 posts
 
I totally agree with builder3. If you read any of the Forums that talk about running dedicated lines and circuit breakers they are talking about 12 or 10 gauge wire and one or more 20 amp circuit breakers and that’s a good thing. Although you didn’t ask and giving you some settle in time and get use to the new house I’d recommend the installation of an upgraded AC outlet. Here is one for example that is listed on Audiogon. There are many more available which are more costly.https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9aj5e-porter-port-porter-port-outlets-cryo-various-colors-ac-di...
Notice the above picture in ad is for a 20 amp outlet which you see the T that Erik was referring to in his post. This outlet can be used with a 15 or 20 amp circuit breaker.

delkal
110 posts
 
A properly functioning electrical component will only draw what it needs. That is why you can plug in a 7 watt nightlight (that only draws about 65 milliamps)  into a 15-20-or even higher amp plug.


You only get in trouble when you start to plug in too much and it draws more amps than the supply lines / breaker can supply. That's when the fuse blows.

20 amp lines are always better than 15.
janehamble OP
123 posts
 
Thanks to everyone who’s posted.  Seems like I’ve got a nice, unexpected bonus in terms of power supply.  I’m unable to get my Audioquest Storm plugs to fit into to outlet but I’ve also got a Blizzard which seems to squeeze in ok.  Everything sounding very good. I might think about upgrading the outlet - should I put another 20 amp type or a 15 amp?  Many thanks for tips. 
jea48
4,493 posts
 
My wife and I have just moved to a new house
As in a brand new constructed house?

First the 20 amp outlets may be spec grade. As a rule spec grade outlets will have beefier contacts than cheapo residential grade outlets. The spec grade contacts holding contact pressure will be greater requiring more effort in pushing the plug in and pulling it out of the outlet than the cheapo residential grade.

Second there is a good chance the outlet is a TR (Tamper Resistant) type outlet. Some can be a pain in the you know what to plug anything into. TR outlets have shutters that cover the hot and neutral contacts to help prevent young children from sticking metal objects into the hot contact of the outlet. If the outlet is a TR outlet you need to make sure you push the plug blades in as perpendicular to the contact shutters as possible. Both plug blades pushing evenly against the shutters at the same time.


Example of a 20 amp TR duplex receptacle outlet.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-20-Amp-Commercial-Grade-Tamper-Resistant-Backwired-Self-Groundin...

Note the shutters.

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