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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
actusreus OP
733 posts
 
Jea,
I think I do. Here's the breakdown:
40 amps (bridged twin) for the oven
30 amps (bridged twin) for the washer/dryer
20 amps (bridged twin) for the AC
15 amps for the living room heater
15 amps (twin, not bridged - still confused what this means) for "lights." This one probably controls all of the outlets, but cannot test in now unless I want to incur my gf's wrath.
20 amps (twin, not bridged) for small appliances (fridge and kitchen outlets above the counter)
20 amps (twin, not bridged) for the dishwasher
20 amps (bridged twin) for the bedroom heaters

Not sure which one controls the bathroom outlets, however.
ska_man
55 posts
 
Actusreus,
Jea48 has more knowledge on this subject than I do. So, if
I say or recommend anything that differs from him, please follow his advice. That said....the bridged breakers are for 240 volt branch circuits. The twin (not bridged) breakers are for 2 independant 120 volt branch circuits.

The wall outlet that you want to plug the stereo into, will be fed by one of the 20 amp (non bridged) breakers.
With a 20 circuit you shouldn't have any problems running your stereo. To make sure, as I mentioned earlier, turn off the breaker that powers that particular outlet and check to see what else is on the same circuit. While doing so remember that each 20 amp breaker lever controls one circuit. Don't turn 2 off at at time, it will skew your results.
jea48
2,944 posts
 
Nice to know that some folks have esp and can tell from some other location what is or isn't somewhere else they have never been.
03-07-11: Elizabeth

I only went by what you posted Elizabeth.....

(The meter breaker is a pair of 60amp each breakers)
03-07-11: Elizabeth

And they also know i must be wrong even though I AM here and looked at the box and can read. Sounds like you bought the "teleportation tweak" and think it applies to your brain.

Who said you were wrong!

(The meter breaker is a pair of 60amp each breakers)
03-07-11: Elizabeth
If you have ONE TWO POLE 60 amp breaker at the meter for your apartment then you have a 60 amp service.

Do YOU only have ONE TWO POLE 60 amp breaker feeding your apartment? OR did I read your post wrong....
jea48
2,944 posts
 
Actusreus,

Thanks for the additional information....
Jim
ngjockey
1,042 posts
 
Considering that both the M120's and the 250W Apollo's also have 5A fuses, I wouldn't consider that an accurate draw.

Do you really need a dishwasher? Ever considered a portable dishwasher? Frees up a dedicated 20A circuit... More cupboard space... You can sell that.
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