Front wall A/C recepticals and their enclosures

MaxCast · « **on:** 11 Jun 2008, 12:08 am »

How would you wire yours?
I am thinking two for amps (mono's some day) one for digital/source and one for video.
I can go 15 or 20 amp.

Also, any advise on a hard wire for computer/server wire type?

Big Red Machine · « **Reply #1 on:** 11 Jun 2008, 12:22 am »

Is the rack in the center? I'd put 3 20A boxes across the front and use some Cat 5 for the network. One thing I wish I had done is set up for a display to show the Squeezecenter on while I listen. Yooper does this in his living room and it sounds cool.

MaxCast · « **Reply #2 on:** 11 Jun 2008, 01:06 am »

Low profile rack scheduled for the equipment.
How would I wire for this type display?
Can I use double duplexes on these 20 amp lines or is that an audiophile no no.

JLM · « **Reply #3 on:** 13 Jun 2008, 11:31 am »

I have three 20 amp cryo'd hospital grade Hubbell duplex receptacles across the front of my mancave. Each on their own 12 gauge/20 amp circuit and all tied to an independent ground. CAT5 also hardwired up front. Use an Ikea nightstand for a very small equipment rack.

MaxCast · « **Reply #4 on:** 13 Jun 2008, 12:18 pm »

Thanks guys. I think I am going with the following. I am going to make them double duplexes.
- 20amp, amp
- 20amp, video
- 20amp, digital
- 20amp, amp

-15amp for lights
-15amp for other duplexes around the room.

-cable RG59
-cat 5 for the hell of it. I may run this to the back of the room where the desk will be. Should I run one back to the front of the room? I really don't know why, I just figured the walls are open and I may as well run something for hard wire applications??

Big Red Machine · « **Reply #5 on:** 13 Jun 2008, 12:43 pm »

Rich, the thing that got me was my planned front wall became my side wall after the acoustics nightmare. So now I have 3 dedicated circuits to the side. Wouldn't hurt to put a 20 amp box on either side wall as well just in case you have to mod the room someday.

Wayner · « **Reply #6 on:** 13 Jun 2008, 01:56 pm »

Sounds like a little over-kill to me. A single 15 amp on 4 duplexes would be enough for digital and video. 2 15 amp dedicated circuits for amp(s) would be more than enough for the amplifiers. You probably want all of this on the same ground or you will invite a ground loop.

My advice (FWIW)

3 15 amp dedicated circuits with common ground (at box).

Wayner

bpape · « **Reply #7 on:** 13 Jun 2008, 02:04 pm »

I'd recommend RG6 and maybe 2 runs of Cat 5/6. Make sure to run a large conduit as you never know when they're going to change video standard connectors. I can't tell you how many guys cursed and ripped stuff out when they came out with DVI.

Also, if you want to really future proof it, I'd also run a large conduit from your rack to a potential front projector location just in case you ever decide to do front PJ. Obviously you'd need an outlet up there too.

Bryan

TheChairGuy · « **Reply #8 on:** 13 Jun 2008, 02:15 pm »

MaxieRich - is this the first time you are using higher quality receptacles (with or without independent/dedicated lines for one or each)?

If so, you and your system are in for a real treat, my man...I can't wait to hear you gush afterwards. It's such a seriously good 'tweek' I am still stunned...each time after the 3rd now.

Your gonna' shriek with happiness, fella'

Now, when are you gonna' get that TT? aa

L8r, John

MaxCast · « **Reply #9 on:** 13 Jun 2008, 06:23 pm »

Whew! after figuring out the un-squareness of the room we finally got our first wall up.

Pete, I thought about that. Actually running a 20amp to the rear of the room in case I ever flip the room. I doubt I would have the system to the side...I hope

Wayner, I am having a sub panel put in. All new wiring will be run to this panel then to the main panel. All grounds to the new panel then to the main panel ground. Is this correct?

Bryan, RG6 it is. Where would you recommend the two cat5 cables terminate?
How large is large on the conduit? I guess I better get that in before I put up the side wall.

I'll be running a cable or two for subs side and rear too.

bpape · « **Reply #10 on:** 13 Jun 2008, 06:30 pm »

For a potential video feed - 3". For the rest, you can just use 1" smurf tub if it's only for things like a sub interconnect or a speaker cable.

Cat 5 has a thousand uses - just depends on what you might use it for

- IR Repeater eye
- Network
- Phone
- Future???? Who knows.
- PC control for lighting?
- Wireless access point for wireless laptop at seat to run SqueezeCenter

I'd want a Cat 5 to my rack (or 2 - maybe 1 for PC and one for SB?). Maybe one to the listening position for a laptop though that might be better to just do wireless. One for a wireless access point to do the laptop (could go anywhere in the room or even outside)

Bryan

Wayner · « **Reply #11 on:** 13 Jun 2008, 06:35 pm »

Now you've got it.

Good suggestion by Pete, too.

Another thought....I get my cable tv through my telephone company. Maybe you should put a couple of lines in. How about some good old RG-59 for FM and Hi-Def TV?

Wayner

MaxCast · « **Reply #12 on:** 14 Jun 2008, 12:18 am »

Yikes, my front wall is going to have 7 wall plates on it

Ok, (some may be over kill but it is better to have it than not)

- 20amp, amp
- 20amp, video
- 20amp, digital
- 20amp, amp
all the above double duplexes.

One phone (front or room) to phone access point.
One phone (rear of room) to access point.

One cat 5 from front to back of room for direct connect to computer and future squeeze box.
(optional) One cat 5 to another room - access point.

One RG6 to front
One RG6 to Back

ONe sub to side power from
ONe sub to back power from

Optional power and conduit to the ceiling.

My framing is going to look like swiss cheese.

Big Red Machine · « **Reply #13 on:** 14 Jun 2008, 12:24 am »

You'll need power for the subs.

I think double outlets may be overkill if you use any sort of AC conditioning or surge.

MaxCast · « **Reply #14 on:** 14 Jun 2008, 12:34 am »

Chair Dude, I have been trying very very hard to stay away from a TT. No more tempting, although it seems easier to set up than a squeeze box right now. This will be my first full system on dedicated circuits. Yes, I am looking forward to room, ac, and treatments done right. My dimensions still suck tho.

Double outlets for the amps does seem over kill or useless. But, they're piratically free. Now power to the subs is a different issue. You have mentioned it before but I didn't know what circuit to put them on. Any suggestions?

TheChairGuy · « **Reply #15 on:** 14 Jun 2008, 01:31 am »

John

MaxCast · « **Reply #16 on:** 14 Jun 2008, 11:02 am »

what should I put in Cat5, 5e or 6?

bpape · « **Reply #17 on:** 14 Jun 2008, 11:57 am »

5e will likley be fine for a long time. 6 isn't that much more but you'll likley not get much if any difference in performance with what's going on today. Again, run in conduit. In the next few years though, I'm betting that fiber will start to show up so it'd be nice to be able to move to that if/when necessary.

Bryan

richidoo · « **Reply #18 on:** 14 Jun 2008, 12:05 pm »

Lately I have been using just one 15A outlet on a shared circuit for my whole system - nothing special. I plug an Equitech balanced transformer (Q model) into it and everything else into the Equitech. It is VASTLY better than my previous dedicated 20A circuit. Much quieter, and plenty of power and outlets for everything. Tube amps sound glorious, unlike most "conditioners." Something to consider. Portable solution with the additional benefits using balanced power.
Rich

jtwrace · « **Reply #19 on:** 14 Jun 2008, 12:31 pm »

whose outlet do you recommend? I would just need two 15A ones. don't want to use a 20A hospital grade due to code.

Is there really a difference??

Thanks-