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Dedicated circuit's' ? or one dedicated circuit?

Hello all, I am building a new dedicated sound room and I am trying to figure out if I should run several seperate dedicated circuits or run one dedicated 30 amp circuit to one outlet. Then run a power distribution strip (Furutech, Oyaide) from that single dedicated outlet. I would then plug all my components into the strip. 30 amps should be plenty to supply all of my components. My main goal/idea behind this layout is to keep it simple and to optimize the grounding. I know most people run a bunch of seperate dedicated lines, but I have talked to several very knowledgeable audio folks that say to run all components from one circuit. The problem, I would think, is finding audio grade outlets, plugs, connectors. I suppose the strip would have to have all 30 amp receptacles? and, of course, all of the power cords would have to have 30 amp male plugs? I don't know? Is this possible to do?

Does anyone have any input on this?

Appreciate all responses
128x128keithmundy
albertporter's avatar
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albertporter
4,949 posts
 

A 30 amp circuit will not be overkill if you are doing arc welding or running other heaviy industrial machinery. If you are simply running audio components, its way overkill.

Please visit this web site, then rethink your comment.

http://www.vtl.com/pages/mb750specifications.html

ONE single VTL 750 amp draws 11 amps, A pair (required for stereo) Draws 22 amps. I use four VTL 750's in my system, even a single 30 amp break would not support the amps, much less the rest of my equipment.

There are plenty of audiophiles with more equipment than me, not even touching on their HT system.
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
A 30 amp circuit will not trip until the load is so far up there that your equipment at the other end will be by that time toasted.

What if something is really wrong and you have a defective fuse...one that won't burn out?

Uour strip could fail and start a fire.
jea48
4,484 posts
 
ONE single VTL 750 amp draws 11 amps, A pair (required for stereo) Draws 22 amps. I use four VTL 750's in my system, even a single 30 amp break would not support the amps, much less the rest of my equipment.
Albertporter

But, I am sure VTL recommends that each Amp has it's own separate dedicated 15 or 20 amp circuit.

If the unit draws 1300va then more than likely it came with a NEMA 5-15P or a NEMA 5-20P plug, on the end of the supplied power cord.

Two or more 15 amp receptacles can be fed from a 20 amp breaker, (provided the branch circuit wire is a minimum of #12 awg). A 20 amp receptacle must be fed by a 20 amp breaker minimum and maximum. It can not , I wouldn't, be fed from a 30 amp breaker......

Albert I am sure you did not mean, from your post, that it is ok to feed 15 or 20 amp rated receptacles from a 30 amp breaker. And I am sure that each of your VTL Amps have their own 20 amp dedicated circuit.
albertporter's avatar
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albertporter
4,949 posts
 
But, I am sure VTL recommends that each Amp has it's own separate dedicated 15 or 20 amp circuit.

If the unit draws 1300va then more than likely it came with a NEMA 5-15P or a NEMA 5-20P plug, on the end of the supplied power cord.

Two or more 15 amp receptacles can be fed from a 20 amp breaker, (provided the branch circuit wire is a minimum of #12 awg). A 20 amp receptacle must be fed by a 20 amp breaker minimum and maximum. It can not , I wouldn't, be fed from a 30 amp breaker......

Albert I am sure you did not mean, from your post, that it is ok to feed 15 or 20 amp rated receptacles from a 30 amp breaker. And I am sure that each of your VTL Amps have their own 20 amp dedicated circuit.

Actually I have two circuits designed for 240 volt Euro equipment that are wired with a 50 amp breaker. I did not request this, it's what the electrician provided. I assume it meets code because we got a green tag.

As for the VTL's, the point of my post was to say that even a 30 amp breaker (as wished for by creator of this thread) is inadequate for some systems. Autosports wrote that it was over the top, so I responded.

I have 12 dedicated 20 amp circuits plus the two 50 amp circuits. Even with each of my four VTL 750's on their own 20 amp breaker, if I switch between first and second click (startup sequence), the breaker will trip.

My understanding of electrical code is that the breaker, wire and outlet should be matched.
jea48
4,484 posts
 
Actually I have two circuits designed for 240 volt Euro equipment that are wired with a 50 amp breaker. I did not request this, it's what the electrician provided.
Curiosity killed the cat. Could you give more detail?
Are the VTL Amps 240V?

Two 240V circuits wired with a 50 amp breaker.
Each?
Are these feeding two small sub panels?
>>
Even with each of my four VTL 750's on their own 20 amp breaker.
20 amp breakers fed from sub panels? Two 20 amp breakers for two VTL Amps, each sub panel?

Even with each of my four VTL 750's on their own 20 amp breaker, if I switch between first and second click (startup sequence), the breaker will trip.
Depending on the panel manufacture, Square D for one, make breakers with a longer lag time for inrush current. Ask you electrician to check into it for you.
Jim
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