Uh oh? The term "Voltage drop" can send shivers down my spine...Assuming this 4G wire couldn't possibly be returned, as it's already cut, it sounds like I can do at least 2 things to minimize the voltage drop:
1) "Pre-cool" the room w/ the A/C before I go in to listen (which is what I normally do anyway due to the noise)as my amps are warming up (about 1/2 hour which should be plenty)
2) Forget about the small refrigerator completely (I shouldn't be promoting liquids in the room anyway!) (or, worst case, have a plastic beach cooler instead).
"...as well as the dynamic demand your audio system's Power Amp/s may present on the feeder. You want the voltage not to fluctuate with load changes as much as possible."
The overall [cable length] distance from main box to sub panel will be about 50' (twice the 25' you had mentioned)...W/ no A/C [or refrigerator running] can I feel pretty confident that I won't have a noticeable drop (if any at all) in power to my system at this distance/scenario? At this stage of the game, if I have to consider $400 of cable (I bought extra extra length to be sure not to have underestimated) a worthless stack of novice blunder...then pay an additional $4-500 for the right stuff (the 2G)...now's the time to do it. I'll bite the bullet if I have to... especially if this is fundamentally critical to the best sound my system can deliver...In the big picture of things, it's like getting stuck with a new I/C or P/C that didn't synergize with your system but simply can't be returned (or ever re-sold!) ouch!! (but I'd really rather not!)
As for the separate ground...I'll ask my electrician (who came highly recommended from a contractor friend of mine)and who claims to be fully licensed...what I will do there. The Hubbell I/G outlets can still be used anyway, yes? Even if they're simply grounded back to the sub panel's standard grounding bar?
Yes, the sub panel will be affixed to 2 sheets of 3/4" plywood attached to the wood walls (I'm using 3 sheets of 5/8 drywall on all the main walls for sound proofing purposes and I need the 2 pieces of 3/4" ply to get the cover of the panel out enough to be about even with the drywall).
Needless to say, I'm anxiously awaiting your advice.
Pensively. Thanks again.
1) "Pre-cool" the room w/ the A/C before I go in to listen (which is what I normally do anyway due to the noise)as my amps are warming up (about 1/2 hour which should be plenty)
2) Forget about the small refrigerator completely (I shouldn't be promoting liquids in the room anyway!) (or, worst case, have a plastic beach cooler instead).
"...as well as the dynamic demand your audio system's Power Amp/s may present on the feeder. You want the voltage not to fluctuate with load changes as much as possible."
The overall [cable length] distance from main box to sub panel will be about 50' (twice the 25' you had mentioned)...W/ no A/C [or refrigerator running] can I feel pretty confident that I won't have a noticeable drop (if any at all) in power to my system at this distance/scenario? At this stage of the game, if I have to consider $400 of cable (I bought extra extra length to be sure not to have underestimated) a worthless stack of novice blunder...then pay an additional $4-500 for the right stuff (the 2G)...now's the time to do it. I'll bite the bullet if I have to... especially if this is fundamentally critical to the best sound my system can deliver...In the big picture of things, it's like getting stuck with a new I/C or P/C that didn't synergize with your system but simply can't be returned (or ever re-sold!) ouch!! (but I'd really rather not!)
As for the separate ground...I'll ask my electrician (who came highly recommended from a contractor friend of mine)and who claims to be fully licensed...what I will do there. The Hubbell I/G outlets can still be used anyway, yes? Even if they're simply grounded back to the sub panel's standard grounding bar?
Yes, the sub panel will be affixed to 2 sheets of 3/4" plywood attached to the wood walls (I'm using 3 sheets of 5/8 drywall on all the main walls for sound proofing purposes and I need the 2 pieces of 3/4" ply to get the cover of the panel out enough to be about even with the drywall).
Needless to say, I'm anxiously awaiting your advice.
Pensively. Thanks again.