2. amps-preamps
  3. 191503-195546

15 amp circuit VS. 20 amp Circuit

Hello,

I’m in a situation where my audio room has one ( three outlets ) 15 amp circuit. It appears to me that the 3 outlets in this room are connected in series , meaning drawing current from one outlet will drain the other two .

For 2 channel audio , I have connected my C12000 pre amp, McD12000 and through MPC1500 conditioner and to one of the 15 amp outlets . This should be okay? However, problem could arise once I connect the McIntosh 1.2k power AMPs to the other 2 outlets.

I would like to know if I need any dedicated circuit for my equipment . It appears I need more power than 1400 watts ( 15 amp circuit can provide ) when I use my home theater Where I will have Four 1000 watt woofers and 3 additional AHB2 amps.

 

 

Question :

howmany dedicated 15 amp or 20 amp circuits do I need to ensure smooth power without dimming the lights around the house / prevent possible fire ?

Please provide your suggestion based on the below equipment .

 

DAC: McIntosh MCD12000

Power Conditioner: MPC15000

preamp : McIntosh C12000

AV Processor : Marantz 7015

power AMP: Two McIntosh 1.2k

power AMP: Three AHB2 , one used in MonoBlock

Streamer : One Streamer

 

 

 

128x128joshziggie2021
mark200mph
150 posts
 

I have the same set up my 1.2 and 1.25 love 20 amp line I can only run 2 amps per line at full volumn.i love the 12000 dead silent

gomie
1 posts
 

Why does no one discuss 30 amp single pole runs? They plug nicely into a quality PDU, that’s what I’m running a few of to my audio/theater build right now. 

rubicon15
86 posts
 

Check the wire on the existing circuit. If you have 12 awg, replace the 15 amp breaker with a 20 amp. If you have 14 awg, do not upgrade the breaker. Remember, many homes have 20 amp breakers but use 15 amp receptacles in series. 10 awg wire is usually rated up to 30 amps. However, if you have a long run, you can use 10 awg for the 20 amp circuit. If you’re running a home run for each receptacle, use 20 amp receptacles. Hubbell makes high quality hospital grade receptacles worth consideration. Hope this helps. 

vthokie83
809 posts
 

I'd personally have run 3 dedicated lines in my new listening room, 2 for amps and 1 for signal components; but I am NOT an electrician.....and will only be running one amp at a time.

As others have mentioned, used audiophile receptacles. There are lots of good choices, but I can recommend: Furutech GTX-D (G - Gold), Furutech GTX-D (R - Rhodium), Oyaide R-1 (NOT the SWX series), and for cost conscious Acme Audio Labs Silver cryogenic with CFC coating (Revolution Audio). Check around on pricing, the Furutechs and Oyaide R-1.....prices can vary by about 30% depending on where you buy them.

impaler
16 posts
 

Most responses are correct. The most important factor is to dedicate the power supply run to your audio console; i.e., run a 12/2 cable (with ground) directly from your power entry panel in your home/apt. to a dedicated outlet for your audio gear. Using that outlet to then feed a surge protected and individually filtered multi outlet strip to feed each component.  This will be a "quiet" feed with no influence on that direct circuit, and also reduces/eliminates ground loops within your system. Of course there will be some voltage drops/spikes/noise at the AC panel from refer's, blowers, AC, etc. but that will be somewhat attenuated by the filtering of the strip. If you really want to get into high performance, low noise power distribution there are books describing how to set up home/commercial recording studios, specifically dealing with power distribution. BTW, standard OTS electrical components and wire are fine. Save your money for your audio gear.

 

FYI am an electrical engineer by trade, mostly designing power distribution for mobile and marine applications, but many of the principles' remain constant for home/commercial applications.

More to discover