HOUSE power

bobman1235

I have a question - has anyone on this forum had any problems with not having enough power on the circuit that their home theater is wired to?

I currently have the system listed below. i'm just out of college, and living with a family member in a basement "apartment" which was not designed for the technologically advanced society we have become. In other words, the entire thing (bedroom, living room, kitchen) is on one 15A breaker. This includes two computers, a couple lights, my home theater (w/ TV, obviously), a couple of fans in teh summer, etc etc. A lot of stuff. Even with my CURRENT setup, I've blown a fuse trying to use the toaster while playing music. So for some time now I've been trying to upgrade my receiver to something better, but just realized the power implications - the Pioneer I have draws 250W MAX... the H/K I'm buying draws 150 resting, 1150 or something max. So obviously I'm going to have power issues. So questions are :

1) Has anyone run into a similar problem? What kind of circuits are those of you who use high-power equipment on? I mean, there are people here who have two or three amplifiers in their systems... how could these survive on a 10 or 15A circuit?

2) Has anyone ever wired a new breaker into a box before, and if so, how hard is it? I know a thing or two (BS in Electrical / Computer engineering) so I'm not particularly afraid to do it myself, but... any resources (IE howto websites) or words of wisdom would be helpful.

Thanks a lot!

PolkWannabie

It's the heating and cooling elements that put big time draws on current ... i.e. toasters, refrigerators, microwaves, air conditioners etc ... Kitchens usually have a good deal more than 15 amps going to them and for good reason. I still sometimes pop the kitchen breakers when one too many heating elements are in play.

As far as wiring a new breaker goes, at the very least I'd make sure you check into the local code requirements etc.

HBombToo

Its not that hard but I would suggest getting an electrician down there to take a peak.

HBomb

PolknPepsi

Installing a new circuit to your existing box is only for the experienced (hands on experience). Those panels look harmless enough but they pack a big bite. Hate to see you fry yourself.

.............:eek: ..........Pat

Tour2ma

That's why God created main breakers... ... but you are right, older homes may not have them so the meter must be pulled, and for that an electrician is a smart move.

Once the box is "dead" it's not rocket science to run a new circuit. Especially if there is panel and buss space available in the existing box. Yes, there are codes to adhere to, but decent help at your local HD< Lowes, or ACE hardware will know what you need.

Several members have run (or have had run) one or more dedicated 20 amp circuits for their rigs, be they HT or 2 ch or both.