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Dedicated Lines

I have a question about the optimal way to run a dedicated line. I currently have 3 dedicated circuits for my 2 channel equipment. One thing I noticed after the installation is that they all travel though the same metal conduit to the breaker box. I wonder how "dedicated" they really are if they are in the same conduit. Also, I do not remember what guage and brand of wire was used for the run. What is the "best"? The run is fairly short (30ft would be a guess). Lastly, they all go to a subpanel that has very few things on it (runs the pool and an outdoor fountain). Should it be grounded at the street? Are there some code restrictions on that?
Thanks in advance for your responses.
bflowers

Showing 1 response by jea48

jea48
4,255 posts
 
Bflowers,

True dedicated circuits do not share the same cable or raceway.

RFI/EMI can transfer from conductor to conductor when sharing the same cable or raceway, (conduit). Also induced voltage from one circuit will transfer from one to the other. Small but still happens.....

If you are using decent shielded power cords on the digital equipment I wouldn't worry about it.

By the way if you want to check the capacitive induced voltage just turn on the power amp/s that is connected to one of the three dedicated circuits. Unplug the equipment from the other two dedicated circuits. Turn off the breakers at the panel that feed the two dedicated circuits.

With a multimeter set the meter to AC voltage. Check to make sure the two dedicated circuits are dead at the receptacles.

Next set the meter to the lowest AC voltage scale on the meter. Test for AC voltage again at each receptacle, hot to neutral. The voltage reading is caused by the induced voltage from the live dedicated circuit feeding the power amp.

RFI/EMI would be the biggest concern though.... jmho.

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