AC Power Line Upgrade -- For electricians


I had a thought about a way to implement the many suggestions that have been offered about upgrading my AC power line circuits dedicated to my electronic gear. As a threshold matter, I am a believer about the benefit of supplying "good quality" AC power to my electronic components, to the point of upgraded and dedicated power lines from the circuit breaker box to the female end of the IEC cable that plugs into the back end of the separate electronic pieces.

Now, as to dedicated poweer lines, I get an F. I have only ONE (1) dedicated 20 amp line feeding everything. The only good part of the story is that at least the romex circuit is only 15 years old, which means that it is well grounded. I suppose another good fact is that so far, the circuit is being used ONLY by my electronics.

The problem: my wife absolutely will NOT allow me to start chopping up walls or the ceiling in my "man-cave" to run seperate lines.

Possible solution: Is it possible from a Code perspective to make a short run, say 6-12 inches, from the main box to a separate box that has 4-6 separately wired AC sockets? My thought is that I would use separate 20 amp romex runs (4-6) from the main circuit box to the dedicated AC socket box.

The challenge: I still have a 20 foot run to where the equipment is located.

The question: Is it possible under the Code to use separate long extention type power cords that would plug into the dedicated socket box and then run along the floor, perhaps lifted off the floor, that would connect up to the equipment? I could then use all the sexy filters, conditioners, sockets, power cables and so forth, that folks talk about from the "business end" of the extension power cords into the back-end" of the equipment. If this is possible, any special power cords that could do the job?

BTW: the reference to "Code" means relevant National electrical code.
bifwynne
Well, you don't mention the exact location of your panel.

Yes, you can install any number of outlets next to your panel.

Be certain that they are all connected to the same phase.

Since they are for your audio equipment "ONLY", I would consider them to be dedicated use outlets.

Meaning that they are not considered convenience outlets.

Convenience outlets, depending were they are located, may have to be ground fault or arc fault protected.

The extension cords are a gray area, an item that's probably going to be left to interpretation, but I would say that you are connecting cord connected equipment with a cord that provides a means of disconnect at the equipment.

I would use high quality #10 AWG extension cords.

Then there's always Wiremold surface raceway.

When in doubt contact your local authority having jurisdiction. NEC or no NEC, they will have final say.

Without actually seeing the situation, I may have said too much or not enough.
I would suggest you remind your wife of the safety aspect of being properly done and the piece of mind a sound sleep will give. As well, you did say it was "your Mancave" so just do it. If your carefull cutting the drywall out in the time it takes the electrician to install the lines and to have the board up and the taping and first skim coat on, your wife should be just leaving from the afternoon at the Spa being pampered that you paid for in advance.

Cheers
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