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Arrange circuit breakers in panel

Hello
           I've been following the discussions on this forum for many years, first time I've posed a question. I am in the process of adding two more dedicated lines to my rig. I was wondering, has there been a consensus on the best location, within the main service panel, of the placement of the audio/video breakers? I realize load balancing will dictate space used, but I've read that folks will place double pole breakers at the top of panel (in my case Square D QO 200 amp main panel) and some prefer single pole breakers toward the top. Has anyone experimented, come up with a better arrangement of the breakers? As long as I have the panel open, thought I might try to squeak a little more SQ out of the rig. Thanks.
128x128crazyjoe
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ditusa's avatar
ditusa
1,883 posts
 
@crazyjoe,
 PM Jea48. He knows his stuff.

gdnrbob
4,444 posts
 
@ditusa ,
+1. Jea48 is my go to guy/person when it comes to electrical issues.
Second only to the late Almarg.
Bob
crazyjoe's avatar
crazyjoe OP
2 posts
 
Hi       Just got in. Thanks for all the responses. Yeah, I've pretty much got the initial dedicated lines tweaked out,10 gauge wire, audio circuits on same leg, noise producing breakers on opposite leg, added ground rods all bonded to main. Like I said, I was just kinda curious if anybody had played around with breaker position in the panel. Was hoping the great and powerful Jea48 would have kicked in an idea. Maybe on the flip.


Thanks again
erik_squires
16,057 posts
 
The back plane on modern breaker panels is ENORMOUS. You will never measure a voltage or noise difference between the first and last breaker on a leg.

IMHO, If you want the absolute best, lowest sagging lowest noise solution run a 220V line to your listening room with balanced step down transformers.

You can run 8 gauge or bigger cables with the lowest possible current, while the transformer in the room will provide the best noise filtering and ensure DC cannot get to your gear from the pole all the way to your equipment.
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