Circuit Status


I was looking to install dedicated circuits - one each to two, duplex receptacles that are located just behind my components (the components are positioned along a solid shelf that is built onto the wall that the duplexes are located on; the duplexes being right behind the components). To that I checked out the current status of the circuit . . . .

I have identified that these two receptacles are the only objects on a circuit running from a subpanel located below and approximately 15 ft from the receptacles. The cable feeding the receptacles is 14/2 Trendex. The cable feeding the subpanel is 8/3 Trendex; the subpanel located approximately 60 ft from the main panel and point of delivery of service into the residence. I replaced the receptacles a few years back with 8200HICN series Hubble. I don't remember offhand how the receptacles were wired, but the electrician did use plastic wire connectors to feed off separate wires to the first receptacle, extending another set of wires off the connectors to the second receptacle. I wired the same. Plastic receptacle boxes at each. Solid copper ground wire from receptacle to connector.

Not knowing all the answers to this, I leave the actual work of wiring to electricians. But I would like to know just what should be upgraded in this circuit. My guesses with limited knowledge: 12 or 10 ga cable to the receptacles, perhaps better receptacles, optimal placement of receptacle cable at subpanel (although it is positioned with nothing opposite it). Am also wondering if indeed dedicated circuits to each is any better than having both (but just the two receptacles) on a single circuit.

Sounds naive is is somewhat naive. Never thought much about AC supply until recently. Poured through searches and came across quite a bit. But I suspect that to a degree, the existing circuit is close to what should be.

thanks
terra3

Showing 3 responses by terra3

There are other circuits off of the subpanel. The house was built pretty much on one level, but long ranch style, so the subpanel serves the central and west end of the residence. The circuits include lighting, electrical outlets, water boiler (hot water heating), central vac, wash/dryer, fire alarm and jacuzzi. Objects on the same bus (think I have this right?) as the component outlets include lighting, receptacles, washer dryer, fire alarm and the boiler.
The cable is noted as "Trendex" . . "NMD-7"; manufactured by Canada Wire. The main breaker does indeed have a 40A breaker.

Main panel is preferential to a sub regardless of the connection between main and sub?

I'm not all that up on the particulars of this, but 9f indeed a subpanel connection is o.k., is the idea on the subpanel connection to have minimal and/or low current circuits sharing the same bus as the audio circuit? If so, washer/dryer aside, the other circuits (including the boiler - gas boiler with electrical only for 'spark' and temperature sensor) should be relatively low draw? Or is it the total draw on the subpanel? Of note is that my central vac also shares this same bus.

many thanks for suggestions/direction and getting me thinking along . . . . .
Having to bring up this thread again as I'm now at the point of having an electrician come in to install. I live off the beaten path, so choice is limited; more so the experience or knowledge of electricians regarding this type of work. The one I'm going with at least has an appreciation of the idea of dedicated circuits, albeit on a different scale.

He is wondering whether a new, heavier gauge line extending from the main to a 2nd subpanel located in close (5 m) proximity to the audio receptacles would be good. Taking that further, if indeed good, he is thinking that from that subpanel, he would 1) use but upgrade the existing 1 + 1 pigtailed duplex line, and 2) install two new dedicated lines - each to one duplex (I have two existing duplex outlets nearby that would be ideal if they aren't tied into much of a circuit as is).

Advice/opinion? If indeed suitable, what gauge best for the main line to the new subpanel. As well, with this array, is there some obvious grounding issue? Any other particulars?

Many thanks. I understand music and groundwater. Not detailed electricity circuitry setup.