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Please advise re dedicated circuit

Considering doing this. I mean, having an electrician or myself install a new circuit with one or two outlets for the audio system. When I finished my basement last year I did all my own wiring after consulting with a helpful chap at Home Depot so I could maybe handle it myself.

First, is it always an improvement? Some of the threads here talk about it being less than desirable if using stock PCs, which I will be doing only for my CD source - a Sony C555ES which I like very much for its changer capability and the sound is pretty good too. I might consider switching out the captive cord and getting a plug installed but I'd rather not risk the warranty loss - 5 years with ES products.

Anyway, should I use 10 gauge? And, if getting an electrician to do the job, what kind of cost should I expect? I know, it depends, but looking for a *range* here... about 70 feet or less of pretty much straight run, suspended ceiling to work through, so it should not be too complicated.

Would like to hear your experiences!
kck

Showing 1 response by sean

sean
6,229 posts
 
KCK: At 70 feet, you should be running 10 gauge at the minimum. Don't know the size of your amp or current draw, but the longer the run, the more voltage drop you'll have under load. Since it only costs a bit more for the 10 gauge versus the 12 gauge, use the heavier stuff right off the bat and be done with it. Even if you don't pull that much juice from the wall, you'll have peace of mind knowing that you are well covered, even for future use.

Marty: The "little" two channel Sunfire amp ( 300 @ 8 / 600 @ 4 ) can pop a 15 amp breaker if your standing on the volume with a 2 ohm load. As such, trying to drive SEVEN channels with a big amp and inefficient, low impedance speakers could be a real handful for anything less than an ideal AC circuit. Sean
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