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15A or 20A dedicated circuit

Hello 'goners:
Would love to learn about members experiences with hiring an electrician to install a dedicated line off the panel, either 15A or 20A. 
In my case the outlet supplying power to the entire HT rig is shared by a few other outlets, one being a treadmill; often, when the treadmill is started (belt moving) the in-rush must be enough to trip the 15A breaker. The proper way to fix this is either route the treadmill to another outlet (not very easy and not aesthetic) or run a new independent line to the HT, which is my preference.

In the basement we, thankfully, have used drop ceiling and the run to the panel pretty clean. 
Any tips I should pay attention to or things to avoid?

Did anyone notice an improvement with a dedicated line?

Thanks!



128x128dpac996

Showing 2 responses by jea48

jea48
4,268 posts
 
The treadmill should have it’s own dedicated circuit. 15 amp minimum, 20 amp recommended. Not because of the breaker size but rather the branch circuit wire size. Usually only #14awg is used for 15 amp, though bigger can used.
#12awg is the bare minimum size for a 20 amp branch circuit.

As for the HT system, if you are going to pay an electrician to install a dedicated line for the HT, it’s a waste of time and money to install a 15 amp circuit. For only a few more dollars, difference in the cost of the wire, you can have a 20 amp dedicated circuit installed.

I would recommend you have two new dedicated circuits installed. IF conduit must be used DO NOT install the HT dedicated circuit in the same conduit as the treadmill dedicated circuit. If Romex can be used have the electrician keep them separated from one another by at least 12" after he gets out of the electrical panel as soon as practical as he begins their parallel run to the two outlet locations. (24" separation is better yet.) The treadmill more than likely uses a switch mode power supply.

Jim
jea48
4,268 posts
 
@ dpac996,
Hello ’goners:
Would love to learn about members experiences with hiring an electrician to install a dedicated line off the panel, either 15A or 20A.
I assume you are going to hire a licensed electrician to install the electrical wiring and outlets. The electrician will know what meets the electrical safety code for your area.

IGUS Chainflex
https://www.igus.com/product/1094

Is not designed by the manufacture, nor recognized by NEC (National Electrical Code), or the AHJ, (Authority Having Jurisdiction), for the city you live in for use as branch circuit wiring.

I suggest you consult with an electrician before buying any electrical materials.

jea48 Said:

I would recommend you have two new dedicated circuits installed. IF conduit must be used DO NOT install the HT dedicated circuit in the same conduit as the treadmill dedicated circuit. If Romex can be used have the electrician keep them separated from one another by at least 12" after he gets out of the electrical panel as soon as practical as he begins their parallel run to the two outlet locations. (24" separation is better yet.) The treadmill more than likely uses a switch mode power supply.
Informational note:
If the electrician questions why it is recommended dedicated branch circuits should not occupy the same conduit, or if the dedicated branch circuits are installed using NM-B sheathed cable, (Romex is a Trade Name manufacture of NM-B), should be separated from one another when run parallel to other branch circuit wiring, it is to reduce induced voltage transfer, created by the magnetic fields of the Hot and neutral current carrying conductors, onto the conductors of the dedicated branch circuit for the HT audio/video equipment. Especially an induced voltage onto the safety equipment grounding conductor of the branch circuit.

If conduit is required by the AHJ in your area, ask the electrician if MC aluminum armor cable can be used.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Southwire-12-2-x-100-ft-Solid-CU-MC-Metal-Clad-Armorlite-Cable-68580023/...

Jim


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