1. Home
  2. cables
  3. 1412124584

Got big amp-help with 20A line and receptacle

So, I just purchased a Krell FPB 400cx, which I'm told requires a dedicated 20 amp line. Yes, I have read some Agon threads on running dedicated lines, as well as 20 amp receptacles. But they are mostly several years old and I am interested in some current basic recommendations.

I am not looking for the most expensive or esoteric setup, but do want to do it as best I can. The receptacle location is in the family room, which I estimate will require about 50-60 feet of cable from the breaker box in the garage.

So, at first all I knew was that I would be running a new line from the breaker box and that it would be grounded there. But some posters here and elsewhere stated that I should have an isolated ground installed outside the house and at least 6 feet from the existing ground. There were also suggestions around exactly which location IN the breaker box to place the new line and breaker.

We do have three refrigerators here, one in the kitchen, one in the utility room, and another in the garage. Of course, we we have all the other typical appliances in the house. One good thing is that, in my current setup with no dedicated lines, I don't hear any noise through the speakers unless I use the dimmer in the family room. So, maybe the power in the house is pretty decent.

With regard to receptacles, I've read various comments about the different brands, as well as the various effects of gold, rhodium, or other plating. To start with, I would like to try the most neutral sound I can get.

I did speak with two electricians today, and neither seemed to have much familiarity with the considerations for audio quality that I mentioned to them. Therefore, I would like some input on what to ask of them. If I am making this too complicated and harder than it needs to be, I'd like to know that as well. I would really appreciate any tips and input!
mtrot
jea48
2,944 posts
 
Audiolabyrinth,

Were you told by a Tech at Krell over the phone or through an email? Just guessing it was over the phone. See if the guy will send you an Email stating "Krell" recommends you use a 30 breaker to feed a 20 amp rated receptacle. Tell him you want to post it here on Agon.

As I said in my previous post the current carrying guts of a 20 amp breaker are the same as a 30 amp breaker, exactly the same.In fact they are the same as 40 amp breaker. Only the thermal and magnetic trip settings are different. And of course the number printed on the breaker handle.

As for the FLA rating of the Amp IF the amp is UL/CSA Listed the most continuous power the amp can draw is 16 amps, 80% of 20 amps. If it is over 16 amps the manufacture would then have to use a 30 plug mated to a 30 amp receptacle connected to a 30 amp branch circuit to get the UL/CSA Listing.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,483 posts
 
Jea, My amp can be accomidated to run 220!, it's their at the krell factory now!, I do not understand what you are saying, your facts are based in general, not my particular amp!, I know my amp very well, and I know what I am doing, I did all my electrical here, works with no issues at all, I will give my impressions when I am done with what I will do, read and learn what is possible from a Krell 700cx or 750mcx amplifier, I am sorry to come across so direct, when having the factory and many users tell me what i am doing is correct, it feels right for me to do what is said, cheers.
csmgolf
479 posts
 
To the op and others considering doing this, please follow the advice of Jea48 and make sure that you follow electrical code in your area. Re read all of his posts and read the links. Great info. You seem to be doing the correct investigating before beginning.
It would be wise to be very leery of the advice from a person telling you to do it this way because I said so and it is how I did it. Heck, he still has breakers tripping and is not sure why. Think Tim "the tool man" Taylor from the show Home Improvement. More power! Woof, woof, woof. You know how that normally turned out for him.
Good luck with your project.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,483 posts
 
whatever!, I am doing electrical code!, nothing more or different!, I trust krell to accomidate my amp to code and to run smoother, many, many, users have revealed the same, really?, I care less what you want to dispute!, I am a builder!, over 30 years exsperience!, what may work for one given componet may not work for the next!
csmgolf
479 posts
 
As any farmer will tell you, "You need to be able to separate the wheat from the chaff." I am sure that Krell can be trusted to tell any end user what their local electrical code says (sarcasm intended). LOL! You can't really be that goofy, can you? How in the world can they be able to do that? Keep going, maybe you can fit both feet in your mouth. I stand by the assertion that Jea48 has got it right. BTW, capitalization, punctuation, and sentence structure are your friends.
More to discover