2. misc-audio
  3. 151896-65954

15 amps vs 20 amps

Firstly, let me state that I’m no electrician so forgive my ignorance about all this....

My wife and I have just moved to a new house.  We’re very happy, but there’s something unusual about the house! The great news is that it’s almost completely Ethernet wired and came with a kick-ass networking system. Fabulous wireless and Ethernet performance everywhere.

After a few days unboxing and settling in, I thought I’d rig up my system.  This is where the apologies start - I hadn’t actually noticed that most of the house is supplied by a 20 amp circuit, until I tried plugging in my Audioquest Storm power cable, which is meant to connect to my15amp Niagara power supply, and then to my components. No harm done, but the plug was clearly not fitting easily into the outlet. I didn’t force it and stopped  my installation. 
It looks like setting up my system is going to be a project.  Firstly, can anyone tell me if it’s ok using 15 amp audio components through 20 amp outlets? Do I need to change anything like fuses, plugs, outlets? Will 20 amps be good/bad/same for performance? Safety concerns?

As you can tell, I know very little about this and would prefer not to make a costly mistake.

thanks for any advice.




janehamble

Showing 2 responses by lak

lak's avatar
lak
4,724 posts
 
I totally agree with builder3. If you read any of the Forums that talk about running dedicated lines and circuit breakers they are talking about 12 or 10 gauge wire and one or more 20 amp circuit breakers and that’s a good thing. Although you didn’t ask and giving you some settle in time and get use to the new house I’d recommend the installation of an upgraded AC outlet. Here is one for example that is listed on Audiogon. There are many more available which are more costly.https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9aj5e-porter-port-porter-port-outlets-cryo-various-colors-ac-di...
Notice the above picture in ad is for a 20 amp outlet which you see the T that Erik was referring to in his post. This outlet can be used with a 15 or 20 amp circuit breaker.

lak's avatar
lak
4,724 posts
 
OP; buy a 20 amp outlet, such as the one in the link I posted above.
It's a very good outlet that has been cryogenically treated the correct way.
I believe that outlet will sound better than the identical outlet that was not cryogenically treated. The only exception to what I just said would be if you wanted to purchase a different audiophile-grade outlet that costs significantly more.
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