2. amps-preamps
  3. 191503-195546

15 amp circuit VS. 20 amp Circuit

Hello,

I’m in a situation where my audio room has one ( three outlets ) 15 amp circuit. It appears to me that the 3 outlets in this room are connected in series , meaning drawing current from one outlet will drain the other two .

For 2 channel audio , I have connected my C12000 pre amp, McD12000 and through MPC1500 conditioner and to one of the 15 amp outlets . This should be okay? However, problem could arise once I connect the McIntosh 1.2k power AMPs to the other 2 outlets.

I would like to know if I need any dedicated circuit for my equipment . It appears I need more power than 1400 watts ( 15 amp circuit can provide ) when I use my home theater Where I will have Four 1000 watt woofers and 3 additional AHB2 amps.

 

 

Question :

howmany dedicated 15 amp or 20 amp circuits do I need to ensure smooth power without dimming the lights around the house / prevent possible fire ?

Please provide your suggestion based on the below equipment .

 

DAC: McIntosh MCD12000

Power Conditioner: MPC15000

preamp : McIntosh C12000

AV Processor : Marantz 7015

power AMP: Two McIntosh 1.2k

power AMP: Three AHB2 , one used in MonoBlock

Streamer : One Streamer

 

 

 

joshziggie2021

Showing 2 responses by bigtwin

bigtwin's avatar
bigtwin
1,338 posts
 

I'm assuming you don't run 5 power amps at the same time.  In reality,  your entire system, when running, probably draws +/- 5 amps.  Your 15 amp breaker can handle a constant draw of 12 amps, and shorts bursts above 15 amps without tripping.  Yes the lights might dim for a second when you fire the amps up, but that's a momentary rush of current.  If running dedicated lines makes you feel good, go ahead.  I doubt you will ever notice a difference in sound.  IMHO

bigtwin's avatar
bigtwin
1,338 posts
 

I feel we often confuse the Watts rating of our equipment with the real world power they use.  I have two Hegel H30 mono amps rated at 1150 watts each.  In theory, I require 19 amps just for these.  I can tell you that they only draw about 5 amps combined when I am running them.  With all the equipment the OP is using, I can see the need for more than one 15 amp breaker.  I could be wrong but I would bet the sub amps are D Class and don't draw anywhere near 8 amps (1000/120).  Your dimming lights suggest another breaker is required but the fact you're not constantly tripping the current 15 amp breaker tells the tale.  

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