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Dedicated Circuits/Isolated Grounds

I’m getting ready to run dedicated lines for a combination Home Theater/2channel setup. The question is how many. I know to run at least two, one for analog equipment and one for digital equipment. However some additional advice for my particular set-up would be greatly appreciated. My equipment presently consists of:

1. Samsumg DLP TV
2. Yamaha RXV1 Receiver for HT processing and rear channel amplification (I may get a processor and a separate amp for the rears in the future)
3. Plinius 9100 Integrated amp for 2 channel and HT fronts
4. Direct TV receiver
5. Sony 9000DVP for DVD and CD (I will be adding a dedicated CDP down the road)
6. Bel Canto DAC 2
7. Velodyne DD12 sub
8. Totem Model Ones (front) and Mites (rear). I probably will not run a center channel.

My current plan is to run three 20 amp 120 volt circuits with 12 guage wire and one 15 amp 220 volt circuit (for the Plinius) with 10 gauge wire. Each amp/sub on a dedicated line, all digital on a dedicated line, the receiver on a dedicated line, and the TV on a dedicated line. What do you think? Over kill, not enough?

Also I’ve heard talk about isolated grounds. Can someone clarify this? Does this mean burying a rod somewhere in your yard separate from the electrical box? Or is it sufficient to ground each circuit back to the box?
jaffeassc

Showing 3 responses by jaffeassc

jaffeassc OP
166 posts
 
Thanks everyone. Nerspellsner, I am a little confused by the last sentence of your comments. I intend to use romex and hospital grade Hubbell outlets. It's my understanding that the Hubbells have an isolated ground. I also have wood studs and intend to run the ground on each outlet back to the box. Is that correct?
jaffeassc OP
166 posts
 
JD thanks very much for your input. I thought that I was on the right track but I think I may have confused the issue by bringing up the isolated grounds. One more question though. I was initially going to run 10 gauge wires for the 120 volt circuits, but an "electrician buddy" told me that 10 gauge was too heavy to connect to the 120 outlets. Now you’re suggesting 8 gauge. Is there a specific outlet that you can recommend for 8 gauge wire? My understanding was that the hospital grade Hubbell’s are designed for the heavier wire. Will the Hubbell's work with 8 guage, and/or do I need to find a “real” electrician.
jaffeassc OP
166 posts
 
Thanks again everyone. I think I've learned more about wiring than I ever intended to know. I'm in the process of researching outlets now (never thought I'd say that either)and it looks like I'll be using the hospital grade Hubbell #'s 8300 (125v) & 8400 (250v). JD, I think I'll pass on the 8 guage (hopefully I won't be sorry) but your right, I already made 2 electricians laugh when I told them I wanted to use 10 gauage. Happy Holidays to all.
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