Not sure if this belongs here but..... I am in the middle of a gut remodel. I have all kinds of 5e and RG going everywhere. My intended use is to distribute A/V from a single closet. I plan to have 2-3 satellite boxes, DVR (poss. same unit as sat. receiver), dvd/blu-ray, gaming, stereo receiver, ipod dock.....blah,blah,blah. I am doing my own electrical and wondering how many separate circuits I need for the closet? I don't imagine putting in a bunch of receptacles on a single circuit is safe/adequate. 20amp breakers. Suggestions please...:confused:

Thanks!

Not sure if this belongs here but..... I am in the middle of a gut remodel. I have all kinds of 5e and RG going everywhere. My intended use is to distribute A/V from a single closet. I plan to have 2-3 satellite boxes, DVR (poss. same unit as sat. receiver), dvd/blu-ray, gaming, stereo receiver, ipod dock.....blah,blah,blah. I am doing my own electrical and wondering how many separate circuits I need for the closet? I don't imagine putting in a bunch of receptacles on a single circuit is safe/adequate. 20amp breakers. Suggestions please...:confused:

Thanks!


Your number of circuits will depend on the total power usage by the equipment as well as some personal preference. Some like to give certain equipment dedicated circuits.

From strickly the physical aspect, you don't want to load a circuit more than say 70% or so. This is not a scientific number, just good practice.

So next you need to determine what the usage will be. Each component will list in it's manual/specs the power usage, usually in amps. Assuming you are on 120v, to convert watts to amps divide by 120. For example, if you have light bulbs or something else that is typically measured in watts, add them all up and divide by 120. 10 75watt bulbs = 750/120= 6.25 amps. So 6.25 of the 20 amp circuit would be used. Again, don't plan on using 20, keep it lower on each circuit.

Most a/v gear is listed in amps under "power usage". For example, my onkyo 806 - if you go to onkyo website and look at the spec>general for this receiver you will see "power consumption: 7.8 A". I believe the max consumption is typically listed.

Most folks use some sort of power surge strip or better yet a power conditioner. This takes care of the receptical problem since all your components plug into it, and it into the wall.

Hope this helps and if anyone sees any flaws in the logic please post.

yes, that helps. thank you!