dedicated power supply for my 2 channel and HT

[tonyr1]

I live in an older house and when we turn something on such as a hair dryer or vacuum the lights dim for a moment. There are some empty slots in the power panel downstairs so I would like to run a new line for my stereo and TV. I have a 15 amp breaker, a 20 amp, and a 40 amp. Does anyone have any advice for me? Would using the 20 or 40 have any advantages over the 15 amp? need some advice please! :)

[zingo]

A 20a breaker would allow you to run a 20a amplifier if you ever purchased one, and more current capability is not a bad thing no matter the requirements of your gear. With your electrical system in your house, it sounds like you might greatly benefit from a dedicated line to your audio equipment.

[jrgoswick]

15a-14/2 w/ground minimum-recommended 12/2 w/ground
20a-12/2 w/ground minimum-recommended 10/2 w/ground
40a-no smaller than a #8, I'd run a #6 w/#8 ground

Use the 20. I'd also consider driving a ground rod as close as possible to this recep and tie that to the house ground.

[tonyr1]

thanks guys!

[PerfectCreature]

Just be careful. You kind of need a masters to do anything to a breaker box... you can do whatever you want to the house...just make sure if you mess with your breaker box you have a masters in that area or at least a certification otherwise...it can cause a lot of problems...at least that's how it is in Maine.

[jrgoswick]

Just be careful. You kind of need a masters to do anything to a breaker box... you can do whatever you want to the house...just make sure if you mess with your breaker box you have a masters in that area or at least a certification otherwise...it can cause a lot of problems...at least that's how it is in Maine.

If you can wire it up to code, it'll work. The ONLY thing you need a master license for is the write off for your home owners insurance, in case something happens. It IS PREFERABLE to have a qualified and licensed individual do it though.

[tonyr1]

my son is going to do it next week when he visits from Calgary. he put a few breakers in at my old house last year and it has'nt burned down yet......so it should be ok!;)

[PerfectCreature]

Yeah, my dad does stuff like that...he wired up my whole house...but state of Maine told him he could not touch the breaker box otherwise we could get a hefty fine.
Best of luck though. I hope it works out. I'd be really down if I couldn't use my stereo ya know?