1. Home
  2. tech-talk
  3. 1299373347

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
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.
almarg's avatar
almarg
8,673 posts
 
Jim & Elizabeth -- I think you are miscommunicating :-)

A two-pole 60 amp main breaker is referred to as "60 amp service," but means that 120 amps would be available if all of it were used at 120V, or that 60 amps would be available if all of it were used at 240V.

Best regards,
-- Al
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
I apologize and was completely wrong about the panel and what two brakers of 60 amps each means, indeed it is a 60 amp limit. I am likened to a tiger. I look pretty, but if annoyed (rightly OR wrongly) I leap with fangs and claws bared. Sorry!
Jim was 100% correct, and i am ashamed i did not investigate the issue more carefully before leaping.
Again I was wrong, I realized i was wrong as soon as I posted. i hope folks will fogive me. And I hope Jim will continue to try to help people understand stuff.
jea48
2,944 posts
 
Elizabeth,

No need to apologize we all have our days.....

Al pretty much summed it up in his post.

I should have added in my post to you that indeed from each hot leg to neutral, (120V), there is an availability of up to 60 amps minus any 240V connected load/s. I guess in my mind it was a given we both understood that and we were in agreement.
Jim
actusreus OP
733 posts
 
Do you really need a dishwasher? Ever considered a portable dishwasher? Frees up a dedicated 20A circuit... More cupboard space... You can sell that.

Ha, ha, indeed, I do not need one! In fact, it has never been used since we moved in. However, my dedicated listening room is the farthest room from the kitchen. It's not a big apartment, but I cannot run an extension cord from the kitchen to the listening room; my gf would never allow it and it would look ridiculous as the cord would have to be run through the living room. Re-wiring is not an option as it's a rental.
More to discover