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More Questions about Dedicated Circuits

I had an electrician install a 60 amp subpanel in my garage, which is below my audio room. I am having him install 4 circuits to the audio room, (2)20 amp and (2)15 amp.

I told him that all 4 circuits need to be all on the same phase(leg) of the panel. He seems reluctant to do it, saying that it would put things out of balance and cause problems, etc. I tried to explain to him that I'm told (here on A-Gon) that it is better for the audio system, but I am not able to explain why. There will be no other circuits in the panel.

My first question is, will 4 circuits on one side of the subpanel and no circuits on the other side of the subpanel cause any problems. Does anyone else have it set-up this way?

My second question is, why is it a problem to split the circuits, 2 to each side of the subpanel?

My electrician is coming back to wire this up this Wednesday 4/28. Any assistance is appreciated.

Thanks,
Rick
rcj1231
alnan
12 posts
 
Rick, sounds like you need a new electrician. There is no problem with putting the circuits on one side. There is a "hot" bar your breakers attach to, a set of terminals for the neutral wires, and a set of terminals for the ground wires. The electricity doesn't care what bar you use for your breakers. There are books you can get at any hardware store to learn up on this basic stuff, if you need it.
Good luck.
Al
glen's avatar
glen
714 posts
 
Hi,

Having been an Electrician my whole life and an audiophile at least half of that I would have to agree with your Electrician. Putting everything on one leg throws off the balancing of your panel and taxes the nuetral conductor big time.

It always amazes me when people at this web-site give advise on subjects they no nothing about. Man I've heard some doozies here when it comes to electrical installations.

Some how I just don't think it's worth my house burning down.

And for god sakes leave the ground in tact.

Check my teck talk threads for the right way to do dedicated lines. Sean is another good poster on this subject.

Beware of the shade tree electrician!

PS - This subject has been covered time and time again so don't be afraid to research it in the audiogon archives
jeffcott
143 posts
 
Rick:
I would suggest that you listen VERY carefully to Glen. In my experience in talking with him, he knows exactly what he is talking about.
alrau1's avatar
alrau1
56 posts
 
Amen! Couldn't have said it better. Of course, the real question is: Why do people look for answers here from people (mostly) lacking in credentials and/or credibility, and then take their word as gospel?
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