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Power line question

I live in an apartment building that's relatively new (built in 1993). There are no visible power lines attached to the building, which leads me to believe the power lines are underground. The building has a dedicated line for air conditioners. I know very little about power outlets, wiring, amperes, etc. All I know it's 115 volts. Here's my question. I will be replacing my tube integrated power amp with tube monoblocks producing at least 150 watts per channel and a tubed preamp. I have seen occasionally discussions about the demand on the power line electronic equipment makes and parameters for dedicated lines and such. Should I worry about blowing fuses or overloading the power line with my new amplification? My gf and I triggered circuit breakers a few times in the past by using hair dryers simultaneously in our respective bathrooms, but once we stopped that practice, no other mishaps occurred. I have a basic power conditioner with 4 outlets, but that's about it. With my less than rudimentary knowledge of power delivery, I wouldn't even know where to start to answer my question so I thought I'd start here. Thank you for any advice.
actusreus
ska_man
55 posts
 
Rogue Audio shows a main fuse value of 5 amps for an M-150.
They don't have the M-180 info available online. I think it would be safe to assume, for calculation purposes, that adding 20% to the value of the fuse will be pretty close to maximum current draw. So, a pair of M-180,s should be close to 12 amps total current draw.
ska_man
55 posts
 
Elizabeth- Is that " i have 210 amps coming into my apt" some sort of typo? If not, how big is that apartment?
gs5556
769 posts
 
I don't think you will have a problem. My guess is that each amp will consume about 300 to 400 watts each, maximum. That means both amps and a preamp in the same outlet will have as much of a power draw as a desktop computer, monitor and printer.

Look at the owner's manual. Unless it specifically calls for a separate outlet, you will have no problems. The UL listing means it is safe for standard 15-amp branch circuits.

The reason that two hair dryers tripped circuit breakers is because both draw over 2400 watts, exceeding the 1800 watt maximum that a 15-amp circuit breaker protects (maybe there are lights on that circuit as well). There is no way your rig will exceed 1800 watts -- unless those hair dryers are used on the same circuit.
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
Average one bedroom. i like the power supply! The main biggie is the electric stove at 80 amps from the panel, 30 more amps for the air conditioner.
So that leaves one hundred for everything else.
Seems normal to me... When they built it they KNEW i was gonna live here.. LOL.
90 units times 210 each, plus halls, add in three laundry rooms.. elevator, and a social gathering room... underground parking with exhaust fans, lighting.. total electrical service for building is around:
======================
20,000 amperes service.
======================
not bad.. not bad at all.
(might be higher if the heat is electric. (not certain?, water in pipes, but heated by gas or electric?)
actusreus OP
733 posts
 
Thanks guys; this helped a lot. I certainly understand much more about circuits and power usage now.

To go back to Elizabeth's advice, my breaker panel actually lists which circuit powers what in the apartment, so they did the job for me. Interestingly, the oven has a twin breaker of 40 amps, the dryer a twin of 30 and the AC a twin of 20 (two switches each but bridged so that operate as one). It appears the lights in the apartment (judging from the list, this includes the power outlets), have a circuit with two separate breakers, each stating 15 on them. Does this mean there are actually two circuits of 15 amps each? Funny how fascinated I am now by the topic. I just might talk an electrician! Thanks everyone.
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