I'm trying to decide if I should use an existing, unused 60' 30A 10/2 run from the main breaker box to the attic, or to just run new 12/2 lines.
Option A:
The subpanel would be about:
5' from the projector
10' from the equipment rack (HTPC, PS3, AVR4311, Parasound HCA 2200II, Cable Box)
20' from the networking panel with the cable modem and router
40' from the sub amps (2xEP4000)
Option B:
Alternatively I could run two new 12/2 lines from the main breaker:
(1) for 20' to the sub amps (2xEP4000)
(1) for 50' to the projector, then 15' to the equipment and 15' to the cable modem and router.
Option C:
Run a new line for the sub amps, and use the 30A line for a subpanel in the attic.
(1) 20' 12/2 line to the sub amps
Attic subpanel for the rest.
Option D:
Tap into the 10/2 wire at the subs (it goes right past the subs), and use a single 10/2 run for the entire system. Problem: There are no 30A 120v receptacles that I can find anyway. I'd be worried about burning out the contacts on the plugs that are rated only for 20A on a 30A line.
I already have 250' of 12/2 wire, a subpanel, and plenty of breakers -- so no $$ saved by not using them. I"m looking for the solution that gives the best result for clean power with no ground loop hum.
I'm leaning towards the 30A subpanel and from there run a 20A line back to the subs and a 20A line for the rest of the equipment, to keep everything on a single breaker back at the main breaker box. But I'm concerned that I'll be driving the Behringers pretty hard at 2ohms/ch stereo, so they'll occasionally need all 20A of that line. That leaves only 10A for the rest of the equipment, which is probably fine but it's close.
Any advice is greatly appreciated. I'd like to do this in the next few days.
Option A:
The subpanel would be about:
5' from the projector
10' from the equipment rack (HTPC, PS3, AVR4311, Parasound HCA 2200II, Cable Box)
20' from the networking panel with the cable modem and router
40' from the sub amps (2xEP4000)
Option B:
Alternatively I could run two new 12/2 lines from the main breaker:
(1) for 20' to the sub amps (2xEP4000)
(1) for 50' to the projector, then 15' to the equipment and 15' to the cable modem and router.
Option C:
Run a new line for the sub amps, and use the 30A line for a subpanel in the attic.
(1) 20' 12/2 line to the sub amps
Attic subpanel for the rest.
Option D:
Tap into the 10/2 wire at the subs (it goes right past the subs), and use a single 10/2 run for the entire system. Problem: There are no 30A 120v receptacles that I can find anyway. I'd be worried about burning out the contacts on the plugs that are rated only for 20A on a 30A line.
I already have 250' of 12/2 wire, a subpanel, and plenty of breakers -- so no $$ saved by not using them. I"m looking for the solution that gives the best result for clean power with no ground loop hum.
I'm leaning towards the 30A subpanel and from there run a 20A line back to the subs and a 20A line for the rest of the equipment, to keep everything on a single breaker back at the main breaker box. But I'm concerned that I'll be driving the Behringers pretty hard at 2ohms/ch stereo, so they'll occasionally need all 20A of that line. That leaves only 10A for the rest of the equipment, which is probably fine but it's close.
Any advice is greatly appreciated. I'd like to do this in the next few days.
