I need some opinions. I just ran another dedicated 15 amp line for my theatre... using 3 wire, 12 gauge romex.

I have a friend that says I should use 14 gauge instead of 12 gauge? I don't grasp that idea so can anyone please explain it to me?

------------------
Play it LoUd!!

[This message has been edited by SpOoNmAn (edited March 03, 2003).]

Does your friend sell 14 gauge (and not 12 gauge) wire?

I would go with the 12 gauge over the 14 gauge, all else being equal.

Paul

------------------
the 1derful1

The NFPA is the standards body that writes and maintains the national electrical codes that serve as a basis for most state electrical codes. In the NFPA code book 14 gauge wire is generally rated to carry up to 15 amps without overheating. Keep in mind the circuit breaker is there to protect the wire - not much else. So if you use 12 gauge on a 15 amp CB you're probably wasting a minuscule amount of money and copper, plus 12 gauge is stiffer and not as easy to work with. You could possibly use a 20 amp breaker and a 20 amp receptacle(s) an get a bit more ampacity for very little more money. I would recommend you get computer (data) or medical (hospital) grade receptacles though, as the $0.17 specials are pretty much garbage. Actually you can get a decent receptacle without even going that far, but watch out for the really cheap ones. Most 20 amp that I've seen were pretty good - the really cheapo ones are generally the 15 amp 'for someone elses house' type.

I'd strongly recommend you at least consult with a local electrician as local ordinances vary, and this could effect your safety and fire coverage.

Thanks Charlie...

I was holding 4 different receptacles...ranging from $.33 up to $3.70

I got the most expensive one, just because it was much more solid It is far better then anything I currently have/use in my house so as far as that goes, I believe I'm in good shape.

And it sounds Like I was correct...14 gauge is the minimum for a 15, while 12 guage surely can't hurt.

I can get a 20amp breaker, but can i still use the 15amp receptacle?

------------------
Play it LoUd!!

A 20 amp recepticle is made to accept both 15 and 20 amp plugs. Just get the 20 amp recepticle if you get the bigger breaker. It's still a good idea to call a local electrician first.

Code in my city calls for 12 gauge on all lines..thanks for the advice. For once, I did something right

------------------
Play it LoUd!!

The electrical codes specify wire size and current load based on HEATING the wire.

With big power amps that have large storage capacitance (High powered class A amps, for example), the current pulse when the rectified voltage forward biases the rectifier diodes and charges the filter capacitors can be huge. The AVERAGE current value can still be low so that wire heating (or fuse/breaker tripping) is not an issue but the peak current value will result in a peak voltage drop through the AC line conductors that can be several volts. A larger conductor (12 gauge instead of 14 gauge, for example) will lower this voltage drop and allow more AC line voltage to get to the supply of the audio product, where it is needed.

Paul

------------------
the 1derful1

Thats what I thought...I won't even bother telling this to my electrician friend..he will get all pissy with me, LOL

------------------
Play it LoUd!!

Well, FWIW I was a licensed journeyman electrician at one point in my past, but local codes almost always have some variation from the NFPA.