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What type of wire for dedicated 20A AC lines?

I’m about to have two 20A dedicated lines installed. What type of wire should I use? I know there are differences of opinion on whether to use 10 AWG or 12 AWG, however the link below makes a great case for using even 8 AWG solid core copper on longer runs like mine will be (50 ft), to ensure a lower resistance, lower voltage drop over the long run, and therefore more access to instantaneous current for my Gryphon Diablo 300. The wire would need to be stepped down to 10 AWG to connect with the receptacle. The article actually states that the thickness of the wire is more important than the fact that it is dedicated…

Assuming I want to follow this advice, which again makes sense to me, where would I find such wire to give to my electrician?

 

nyev
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cleeds
5,711 posts
 
 
 
 
 
 
andybflo

8AWG will give you no more current than 12AWG of the amp doesn’t need it

Not necessarily. If you have voltage drop (because of the length of the run, or heat build-up in a conduit), the 8 gauge will be able to deliver more current.

Nothing sold 120v in the US exceeds 15A draw.

Completely false. Further, a 20A line is advantageous if you are using it for multiple components.

nyev OP
1,026 posts
 

So funny how contentious certain unexpected areas can be with our hobby! I’ve seen more than a few smart people all with strong points (at least to a layman like me) pointing to why lower gauge is better, or not. And, it’s amusing how ridiculous each side thinks the other is being!

In my case it doesn’t really matter as my electrician will install 10AWG no problem. Again, a no brainer for the few extra bucks.

Also, you are not quite right on amplifiers not drawing more than 15A, when talking about instantaneous, or sometimes referred to as “peak” current.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/understanding-peak-current-in-amplifiers-and-ac-power-distributors

pwayland
82 posts
 

@Nyev my 2 cents would be... if you are going to the trouble to provide low impedance AC mains, please rethink any "power conditioner". The power supply of your sweet amp will absolutely have all the power conditioning it requires... I run my sources with conditioning, and earth grounded. I use a bridge rectifier circuit ( N. Pass circuit)  for earth grounding on my amps which only activates on short. I would consult Gryphon on grounding scheme. 

bpoletti
1,533 posts
 

Don't worry about an isolated circuit.  Just listen to the music, that's all that counts.  

carlsbad's avatar
carlsbad
1,551 posts
 

Lots of advice here from people who don't understand dynamic loads.  If you size your circuit based on your amps nameplate watts, you could run 18 gauge.

 

I ran 10 ga to my dedicated circuits.  8 gauge will not fit in most outlets requiring a joint.

Jerry

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