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What to tell my electrician

I am building out a dedicated listening room in a house we just purchased. There is a dedicated 200 amp breaker box for a hot tub we are getting rid of. So, I will have this breaker box deducted for a listening room. Assume i have a rig with mono blocks (ss), multichannel amp (ss) ,pre/pro, universal disc, dac, large led tv, cable box, distributed audio/video controller (control 4). The room is in the basement not very far from the breaker box (running lines would not be a problem). Also, the walls will be opened for the renovation so adding outlets and running wire not an issue.

I have read many of the threads on the subject here and am often confused by conflicting info and partial advice

So, what I would like is for any friends out here to put yourself in my shoes and imagine you are telling the electrician (who from what I have read will typically be amused and a bit confused by the Audiophile focus and perhaps not the best source of advice) what to do. So, would be great if the post is you imagining you are speaking to the electrician and saying. "ok, here is what I want you to do ......"

Assume I want to do it right and legally (so no non code separate grounds).
dangelod
magfan
1,583 posts
 
There are whole-house surge protectors available. I'd install one.
These are not MOV type which have a lifetime, but rather another technology which doesn't wear out.
Cheap insurance.

For short runs, I'm sure that 4x20amp, 12 ga. will suffice.
Small isolation transformer is good for low current stuff. I use one as part of my Panamax power conditioner and it is great. and only a 400va unit.

Buy a 'Kill-a-Watt' power meter so you can measure voltage drop, current used and most importantly, Power Factor. The meter? about 25$ and is quiet the bargain. I use my as a tool, NOT for permanent installation.
Post removed 
magfan
1,583 posts
 
I'd need a stethoscope to hear this tranny. The Panamax is way heavy and silent.
The fan in the bathroom makes more noise at my seating position.....or even the 'fridge in the kitchen.
Know what you mean, though. Late at night, especially, stuff you can't hear during the day becomes quite annoying. But not that iso trans!
tbg
5,263 posts
 
If you are going to put in multiple circuits, make sure that all those connected with interconnects are on the same side of the phase. Balance the load by put everything else on the other side of the phase. You may want to provide him with special wall outlets.
gbryant's avatar
gbryant
83 posts
 
200 amp panel board for a hot tub? WOW! Usually this size panel board can run an entire house.

1. Make sure the 200a PB is fed properly. Minimum #3/0 feeders and neutral. And, most importantly, a MINIMUM of #4 ground back to source where this sub panel is fed.
If, in fact this is a sub panel... I'm guessing it is, the ground and neutral must be isolated from each other. And tell your electrician to check your main bonding and main ground at your source... make sure they are properly installed and have little resistance to ground. If the electrician seems confused... get a different electrician.

2. Most likely, the install will be with #12 romex. If the panel is more than 100' away use #10 for voltage drop. The boxes in residential are usually plastic or fiberglass attached to wood studs. If you are dealing with wood studs and non-metallic boxes... you have no need for isolated grounding.

3. If you are using fluorescent bulbs in your home, do not feed them from this panel! If possible, throw them all in the trash.

4. Isolation transformers are an extreme measure, especially since you already have some isolation with a sub panel. Transformers buzz and vibrate... eventually.

5. You can attach a surge suppressor to the panel.

6. Good quality hospital grade receptacles are adequate. Your electrician can get these for you.

7. Multiple paths to ground are BAD! Make sure the electrician understands this theory. Get the project inspected by the local authorities... talk to the inspector while onsite. Ask the inspector to check grounding. Grounding is the most important item in electrical... along with everything thing else...;)

I am a licenced electrician with 27 years experience, 5 years apprentiship.
I have been Supervision for the last 20... I have overseen Major projects such as Hospitals, Waste Treatment, Manufacturing and now Coal Burning Power House Installations. But, I started in residential.

Most importatantly... a practicing audiophile.

Best of luck with your project,
Greg
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