[Brankie]

I know this has been asked a gazilion times. And I know I really should have my Barco 1208 on its own circuit...


I'm in the process of finishing off an over the garage unfinshed space into a home theater. The problem is, they only ran a single 15A circuit to the room. It does appear to be on its own circuit though.


There is literally no way to get another wire to the fuse box. The fuse box is in a room with sheetrock all around and a room above.


The question is... do you thing I can squeek by on the one circuit. I'm running 12 40-60 watt recessed lights and a rope light. The equipment will be fairly light with one HTPC and an Onkyo 6.1 system (no array of heavy amps). Also, the Barco 1208. There will be some misc stuff also such as a wireless router.


I have run all 12g wire, but the wire coming from the fuse box is 14g (so Its probably all for not). I'm assuming it isn't a good idea to swap out the 15AMP switch for a 20AMP one.

 

[Patrick C]

Do not switch the 15 amp for a 20 amp. It is against code and dangerous. (I'm not an electrician).


You will have a tough time running your equipment on one 15 amp circuit.


(lights alone =5-6 amps).


Just because you have sheetrock in the room below does not mean new circuits are out of the question. Worse case scenario, you can drop romex into the garage and run conduit over to the room with the fusebox in it. Drills go through sheetrock like butter


I seriously doubt you'd have any major problem bringing a new circuit to your theater.


Buy yourself a fishtape and a long drill bit, and you're in business.

 

[greywolf]

Take a look at the power figures on your equipment tags. If they total 1440 watts including your light total, you are good to go. A 15amp circuit can handle 1440 continuous and 1800 peak.


Check your local codes on adding new lines. Some places don't allow loose romex in the wall.

 

[Mntneer]

You say the room is adjacent to the garage? Where is your drop coming in from the street? Where is your fuse box?

 

[Brankie]

I knew you guys would say that!


OK... the wall that the circuit box is in is under the room I am finishing off. The floor was already put in by the contractor. I can (but don't want to really) cut the floor out where the circuit box is. I'll just have to use a circular saw and set the depth to 3/4"... then saw down the middle of the floor joist so I can put the wood back in place when I am done.


I assume the best plan is to use the existing curcuit for the lights, add a 15A for the equipment and plugs, add a 15A for the dedicated ceiling outlet for the projector. I already have everything wired, however this is an easy change if I can get the the box.


- I've got a wire fish


I am assuming that the existing dedicated 14G wire isn't sufficient to run a subpanel?

 

[greywolf]

14ga handles 15A maximum. I can't imagine you would want a subpanel with one 15A breaker.