Our native mobile app has a new name: Fora Communities. Learn more.

Enough power?

1362 Views 11 Replies 6 Participants Last post by timmy_mpls, Jan 19, 2007

uncming

Discussion Starter · Jan 16, 2007

1 week left before I install my new HT and I just thought of a potential problem:

Do I have enough power?

I have a Panasonic 42PX60U and Onkyo SR604 with the Polk 6750

I'm a little concerned when sometimes I run the space heater and the vaccum cleaner in the same room, the breaker trips.

I just don't want to run into the situation where I can't watch TV and heat the room up at the same time...

Any thoughts?

Save

1 - 12 of 12 Posts

Buknakyd

· #2 · Jan 16, 2007

its better performance wise, to run a dedicated line for your home theater equipment only.

I have a similar situation, and my breaker trips so we have to be careful what gets plugged into certain outlets when the tv and amps and subs are all on.

So now i'm going to run a dedicated 20amp line from my breaker box just to power my theater.

Save

misterkit

· #3 · Jan 16, 2007

Buknakyd is on the right track. A lot of people run dedicated 20 amp circuits to their home theater equipment. I've also seen instances where they will run (2) 20 amp circuits, depending on the equipment (and placement).

Save

MauneyM

· #4 · Jan 17, 2007

Quote:
Originally Posted by misterkit /forum/post/0

Buknakyd is on the right track. A lot of people run dedicated 20 amp circuits to their home theater equipment. I've also seen instances where they will run (2) 20 amp circuits, depending on the equipment (and placement).

I actually have three 20A and one 15A

(2) 20A for the two subs,

(1) 20A for the equipment rack,

(1) 15A for the projector.

It's almost overkill, but this way I can expand to whatever gear I want without fear of having problems with anything else in the house.

See less See more

Save

karrman

· #5 · Jan 17, 2007

I finished installing my power just yesterday.

For my sub, I ran a 15 amp circuit--alone. For the rest of the equipment, it gets a dedicated 20 amp circuit.

I also just purchased a UPS unit to connect to the projector. In case of a power failure, the bulb will still be able to cool down.

Save

uncming

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jan 17, 2007

Thanks for the responses...can I just get by for now with a 15 amp circuit?

Save

MauneyM

· #7 · Jan 17, 2007

Quote:
Originally Posted by uncming /forum/post/0

Thanks for the responses...can I just get by for now with a 15 amp circuit?

If you're running a new circuit, there is almost no cost difference between 15A/14 ga and 20A/12 ga. Given that you're already having problems with tripping the breaker, I think I'd go with the 20A.

You might also think about a dedicated outlet for the space heater. This is probably the main culprit.

Save

uncming

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jan 17, 2007

Hi MauneyM

We're not planning to run any new circuits (15 amp circuit it what we have in that room) to that room, though it might be something to think about in the future.

For now, I'll probably have to run the space heater out of another outlet

Thanks everyone

Save

misterkit

· #9 · Jan 18, 2007

Try to find another outlet thats on a different circuit....

See less See more

Save

timmy_mpls

· #10 · Jan 19, 2007

Quote:
Originally Posted by MauneyM /forum/post/0

... there is almost no cost difference between 15A/14 ga and 20A/12 ga.

Actually there is about 20-30% difference in price just for the wire.

Save

MauneyM

· #11 · Jan 19, 2007

Quote:
Originally Posted by timmy_mpls /forum/post/0

Actually there is about 20-30% difference in price just for the wire.

Sure, but compared to the price of the labor, breaker, etc., the difference in wire cost becomes a very small percentage of the total. If, for example, you're looking at a $40K basement project, adding a couple of 20A circuits will probably be the least expensive 'upgrade' you will consider.

Save

timmy_mpls

· #12 · Jan 19, 2007

But thats not the situation of your previously quoted post.

Regardless, 2 20A circuits for equipment and heat/vacuum purposes and a 20A for lighting will be sufficient in my "room". I got a great deal on my supplies so it will end up being very cheap to wire it up!

Save

1 - 12 of 12 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month