Dedicated 20 amp plugs installed - wire guage and type???

[Olskool]

Hi guys, I am almost afraid of the answer to this next bit of guidance I'm about to ask of you but here goes... I'm having a dedicated 20 amp power source cable and ground installed in my listening area next week. I've heard nothing but good things for the performance improvements that come about from doing this. Here is the question; After asking the electricians to install the largest capacity wire he could and he said it would be 12 gauge wire unless something else was specified. Is there a larger wire cable that should be run or is this ok? Additionally, does it need to be branded like a Cardas or Nordost, etc? (that's the one I dread thinking about because of the possible expense). Finally, what about the plug type or manufacturer? I'm looking forward to your input. Thanks

Larry

12 gauge standard copper electrical wire should be fine - it isn't carrying a signal just power. I had my electrician install basic wire. Key is to make sure it is truly dedicated all the way to the circuit and like roads and highways, you may want to get more than one put in while he is there - I even had one done further in my room via surface mount. I have 3 different receptacles - Shunyata zr71, Audience (souped up Hubble) and Synergistic Research Tesla se. Shunyata is smoothest. SR is most detailed sounding. Havent tried audience yet but all their products are best in class. Be ready for dynamics to increase and noise floor to drop. Good move.

[Olskool]

Originally Posted by dpod4

12 gauge standard copper electrical wire should be fine - it isn't carrying a signal just power. I had my electrician install basic wire. Key is to make sure it is truly dedicated all the way to the circuit and like roads and highways, you may want to get more than one put in while he is there - I even had one done further in my room via surface mount. I have 3 different receptacles - Shunyata zr71, Audience (souped up Hubble) and Synergistic Research Tesla se. Shunyata is smoothest. SR is most detailed sounding. Havent tried audience yet but all their products are best in class. Be ready for dynamics to increase and noise floor to drop. Good move.

Thanks dpod4 I'm looking forward to getting it done. The plan is to have two dedicated lines run with two plug in points for each line with separate circuit breakers. The line is dedicated solely for the purpose of audio and is only involved in the rest of the house circuitry by using the circuit breaker box. During a Nordost demo the presenter insisted it should include a dedicated 7' deep copper ground point as well so that is included. Power is coming through Nordost Vishnu, and Nordost Blue Haven power cabes and a QB4 distibution box so the power solution should be complete. Thanks

[chessman]

Larry, some guys specify 10 gauge wire instead of 12. I have never heard anyone specify a brand. As mentioned above, with power and not a signal, it would not matter.

[jdandy]

Larry.......The National Electrical Code specifies #12 gauge copper wire as the minimum wire size for a 20 amp circuit. You can go to a larger wire, like #10 gauge, but unless lenth of the circuit run exceeds 100 feet there is no advantage. If the length of the circuit run exceeds 100 feet I would recommend going to #10 gauge to compensate for any possible voltage drop. Standard NM type romex in-wall cable is satisfactory.

Other thing I had done for low fee was all panel surge protection put into the panel. Protects all circuits and has light showing active. If light is off it means the protectors worked and need to be replaced.

[chessman]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Larry.......The National Electrical Code specifies #12 gauge copper wire as the minimum wire size for a 20 amp circuit. You can go to a larger wire, like #10 gauge, but unless lenth of the circuit run exceeds 100 feet there is no advantage. If the length of the circuit run exceeds 100 feet I would recommend going to #10 gauge to compensate for any possible voltage drop. Standard NM type romex in-wall cable is satisfactory.

Dan, I was hoping the pro would comment here. Thanks!

[Olskool]

Originally Posted by dpod4

Other thing I had done for low fee was all panel surge protection put into the panel. Protects all circuits and has light showing active. If light is off it means the protectors worked and need to be replaced.

Thanks fellas, it is well worth being a part of the Aficionados from the wealth of knowledge and experience available within the group. You guys make it a much more comfortable experience for me to invest time and dollars into my system by your being so gracious in sharing freely. Thank you! : - )

[Loop4fun]

LJ,
I ordered Cardas cable from Dedicated Audio in Scottsdale. It contains 10 gauge high quality copper wiring. About $13 per foot. It's designed for no conduit, but the code here requires it. The cable will fit in a 1/2 inch pipe, but I'm going to use 3/4 to make it easier.

[FranklinLG]

This sounds like fun... Looking forward to my remodel... I will have a dedicated set-up...