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Questions on Dedicated 20 amp home wiring

Hello, I live in a home that is 45 years old.  I have purchased a lot of equipment recently and would like to add a dedicated outlet.  I need some help and was wondering if someone has a contact for someone to consult with.  I have the following questions:

1. what gauge wire should be used

2. Any specific Fuse that should be used

3. Any specific outlet that should be used

4. I have 11 sources, 2 solid state amps, 1 tube amp, 1 pre, 1 phono stage, 2 turntables, 1 tuner, 1 cd transport, 1 DAC, 1 streamer.  Can I use a single outlet or is it better to run two?

5. I'm using two Decware ZLC power conditioners each with 6 outlets, wondering if I can plug each into a single outlet plug and call it good after the home wiring has been completed?

 

Thank You

 

128x128muaythai
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cleeds
5,653 posts
 
carlsbad2

Your first question is the most important.  12 awg solid copper wire. 

That cannot be stated with certainty without knowing:

1. The length of the run from service panel to rececptacle

2. Whether the run is in a conduit.

3. Whether there are any relevant local codes that may apply.

Notwithstanding the answers to those questions, 12 awg copper would be the minimum size that would be allowed. There can be good reasons to derate the circuit by using a larger gauge wire. It minimizes voltage drop and helps provide a lower impedance path to ground.

bigtwin's avatar
bigtwin
1,126 posts
 

How open are the walls currently and is it easy to run the new line?  If yes, I might suggest running two dedicated 12 AWG wires off two 20 amp breakers.  This would give you a dedicated line to each of your power conditioners.  Overkill?  Probably, but you never know where you are gong to go in the future and if the lines are easy to run now.......   One last thought.  You might run a 10 AWG wire.  This is not required for a 20 amp breaker but, it would give you the option in the future if you decide to install a 240 volt outlet off a duplex 30 amp breaker.   Building over spec today has no real disadvantage and gives you options in the future that might otherwise not be available to you.   

ghdprentice
6,389 posts
 

I would go 10 gauge. I think std breakers are 15. You need not go 20amp. Typically one would have dedicated lines for amp(s)… and a dedicated line for power conditioner (s). If you’re doing it, I would do a total of 4 dedicated lines. The cost will not be hugely different and more flexibility. 
 

 

fastfreight
677 posts
 

I agree with @ghdprentice :

Use 10 gauge regardless of length.  Sounds better I am told so why not?

At least 2 dedicated runs but I did two and then did two more!!!  So do four and be set.

I did not spend a ton and used PS Audio outlets.  They grip great.  Many opinions about more expensive outlets, I did not go there.

I used some special silver grease in the install of my breaker, supposed to enhance conductivity and not expensive.

 

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,502 posts
 

Fuse?  You in UK?

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