dedicated power supply for my 2 channel and HT

tonyr1
tonyr1 Posts: 103
edited May 2010 in DIY, Mods & Tweaks
I live in an older house and when we turn something on such as a hair dryer or vacuum the lights dim for a moment. There are some empty slots in the power panel downstairs so I would like to run a new line for my stereo and TV. I have a 15 amp breaker, a 20 amp, and a 40 amp. Does anyone have any advice for me? Would using the 20 or 40 have any advantages over the 15 amp? need some advice please! :)
Post edited by tonyr1 on

Comments

  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited April 2010
    A 20a breaker would allow you to run a 20a amplifier if you ever purchased one, and more current capability is not a bad thing no matter the requirements of your gear. With your electrical system in your house, it sounds like you might greatly benefit from a dedicated line to your audio equipment.
  • jrgoswick
    jrgoswick Posts: 159
    edited April 2010
    15a-14/2 w/ground minimum-recommended 12/2 w/ground
    20a-12/2 w/ground minimum-recommended 10/2 w/ground
    40a-no smaller than a #8, I'd run a #6 w/#8 ground

    Use the 20. I'd also consider driving a ground rod as close as possible to this recep and tie that to the house ground.
    Onkyo TX-SR705 AVR
    Onkyo M-501-Given to my father.
    Onkyo DX-C730 CD Changer
    Onkyo DV-BD507 Blu Ray player
    Onkyo CP-1036A turntable with Grado, Audio Technique, and Azden cartridges(GOT CARTRIDGE??)
    Polk Monitor 12's with RDO's and XO's
    Polk CS300 Center
    Polk Monitor Series 4 rears

    EBAY is like cocaine. At first you only look, next thing you know, your house is full of crap you have no idea why you own.:eek:
  • tonyr1
    tonyr1 Posts: 103
    edited April 2010
  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited April 2010
    Just be careful. You kind of need a masters to do anything to a breaker box... you can do whatever you want to the house...just make sure if you mess with your breaker box you have a masters in that area or at least a certification otherwise...it can cause a lot of problems...at least that's how it is in Maine.
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
  • jrgoswick
    jrgoswick Posts: 159
    edited May 2010
    Just be careful. You kind of need a masters to do anything to a breaker box... you can do whatever you want to the house...just make sure if you mess with your breaker box you have a masters in that area or at least a certification otherwise...it can cause a lot of problems...at least that's how it is in Maine.

    If you can wire it up to code, it'll work. The ONLY thing you need a master license for is the write off for your home owners insurance, in case something happens. It IS PREFERABLE to have a qualified and licensed individual do it though.
    Onkyo TX-SR705 AVR
    Onkyo M-501-Given to my father.
    Onkyo DX-C730 CD Changer
    Onkyo DV-BD507 Blu Ray player
    Onkyo CP-1036A turntable with Grado, Audio Technique, and Azden cartridges(GOT CARTRIDGE??)
    Polk Monitor 12's with RDO's and XO's
    Polk CS300 Center
    Polk Monitor Series 4 rears

    EBAY is like cocaine. At first you only look, next thing you know, your house is full of crap you have no idea why you own.:eek:
  • tonyr1
    tonyr1 Posts: 103
    edited May 2010
    my son is going to do it next week when he visits from Calgary. he put a few breakers in at my old house last year and it has'nt burned down yet......so it should be ok!;)
  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    Yeah, my dad does stuff like that...he wired up my whole house...but state of Maine told him he could not touch the breaker box otherwise we could get a hefty fine.
    Best of luck though. I hope it works out. I'd be really down if I couldn't use my stereo ya know?
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D