[8thnerve]

Do any of you have a good resource for installing dedicated lines?  Interests are type of wire and circuit breakers to use, grounding techniques, etc.

[JoshK]

I recommend getting a home depot or black & decker book on wiring.  Then browse the internet checking out NEMA standards and such.  Simple rule of thumb though for wiring breaker

12gauge wiring = 20 amp breaker
14ga wiring = 15amp breaker

You can go thicker in wiring, but not thinner for a given breaker.

There really isn't much to know about grounding cause the only safe & sane option is to do it the right way and use your breaker panel's earthed ground.

The breakers to use are the ones that work with your panel.

[ctviggen]

There are also rules about how long wires have to be before you have to step up to the next higher (eg, smaller numbered) gauge.  You probably won't run into those limitations. Also, you can't hide connections between wires in an inaccessible space, although it's doubtful that you'll do that anyway.  I would do as Josh says and get a book on wiring.   It's relatively simple.  Also, be aware that a select few areas of the country won't let you do your own wiring (while other areas don't have an inspection system).  Ideally, you should apply for a permit and have your work inspected if your area requires such inspections.  Another possible limitation is how many breakers you already have.  I'd have to check my book (the national electrical code, NEC), but I believe there's a limit to how much "over" the panel you can go.  In other words, if you have a 200 amp panel and have 200 amps of breakers, then you add three dedicated 20 amp breakers, would you be over the limit (even assuming you don't really use 60 amps)?  Let me know if that's the situation, and I'll look it up for you.  

One caveat is that most breaker boxes have the grounds and neutrals connected to the same location in the box.  However, some areas of the country are moving to separate grounds and neutrals that are then connected together at one location.  Take the cover off your breaker box and it'll be easy to find out what type you have.  Also, the wires have to be supported every 4 feet or so, but any book you buy should explain that.

[JoshK]

Hey Bob,

I am running into that problem myself, with pushing the upper limit of my breaker box.  Mine is 200amp, just like your example.  I am in NJ.  I'd appreciate it if you could look that up.  

My grounds and neutrals are tied together in the box just like you mentioned.

[JLM]

Just wrapping up building a new house, so I haven't tried out the dedicated listening room yet.  (Can't wait.   )  Everything in the house is 20 amp circuits with 12 gauge wiring.  It's a 200 amp service off a dedicated service that serves just our house with it's own transformer (400 foot underground run, out in the country).  So it seems to me that the power should be clean.  (I've only experienced dirty power in older cities.)


Got the following advice:

1.  Provide a separate grounding rod for all the electrical convenience receptacles to be used in the audio system.  (I did three.)

2.  Use plastic boxes.

3.  Pick the circuit breakers closest to the top of the panel to get the cleanest power.

4.  Use hospital grade receptacles (they're designed and tested to grip the tightest).

5.  I went with cryo'd 20 amp Hubbell hospital grade receptacles (sorry can't remember the site) and paid $100 for all three.

[_scotty_]

JLM

I have an all battery system and would like to add a buffer that keeps me off the AC grid. A passive tube buffer would be even better.

 
Could you tell us more about your off grid setup? How much did it cost and
how many watts or amps can it supply? Was it difficult to impliment?         Also, how has it impacted your listening experience?
Scotty