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20A vs 15A Power Conditioners and can I even use a 20A one?

Hello all,

I am interested in adding a dedicated power conditioner for my power amplifier + subwoofer alone and have setled on either the Furman IT Reference 15i (15a) or the 20i (20a)

First of all, I know the outlet I use is a 15a outlet, but it does run back to a 20a breaker. I could swap this out to a proper 20a outlet, but I have heard if you are installing a 20a outlet, there should be no other devices running on this circuit and it should be dedicated. (This won't be the case) Also that there is a chance the wiring which runs to the 15a outlets (even though they go back to a 20a breaker) could be not equipped to handle 20a and could be a safety issue. Can anyone elaborate on this?

Will there be any sound quality difference, especially in regards to dynamics with the 20a vs the 15i version? I have seen many power conditioners with poor handling of dynamics. I will be running a 200WPC amplifer and a 370W powered subwoofer on the conditioner.
nemesis1218
jea48
2,944 posts
 
First of all, I know the outlet I use is a 15a outlet, but it does run back to a 20a breaker. I could swap this out to a proper 20a outlet, but I have heard if you are installing a 20a outlet, there should be no other devices running on this circuit and it should be dedicated. First of all, I know the outlet I use is a 15a outlet, but it does run back to a 20a breaker. I could swap this out to a proper 20a outlet, but I have heard if you are installing a 20a outlet, there should be no other devices running on this circuit and it should be dedicated.
First the in wall branch circuit wiring should be at least #12 gauge for the circuit to be 20 amp. And it may very well be #12. Two or more 15 amp receptacles can be installed on a 20 amp branch.

20 amp receptacles can only be installed on a 20 amp branch circuit. You can mix 15 amp and 20 amp receptacles on a 20 amp circuit.

but I have heard if you are installing a 20a outlet, there should be no other devices running on this circuit and it should be dedicated.
Not true. In a commercial building or industrial facility you can install up to 13 (20 amp duplex receptacles on a 20 amp branch circuit. In a residential dwelling unit there is no limit on how many 20 amp duplex receptacles you can install on a 20 amp branch circuit.
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nemesis1218 OP
34 posts
 
dlcockrum,

What other power conditioners would you reccomend I take a look at again? Again, I need something just for the amp/sub. The other gear is running off of a PS Audio Power Plant Premier, which while good, I find significantly reduces the dynamics of the power amplifier.

Thanks.
dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,105 posts
 
Synergistic Research Powercell 8UEF SE, 10UEF/FEQ, or 12UEF
Audioquest Niagara 5000
Core Power Technologies Equi=Core 1800
Shunyata Denali D2000T
Torus Power

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