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Electrical Power Outlet advice

I moved my system to the basement. It's listed under the systems as "mewsickbuff's unfinished basement system." There’s only one electrical outlet presently. I’ve made an appointment with an electrician to have 2 more outlets installed. I’ve requested each outlet be wired separately and not piggy backed. Since it’s in the basement the outlets will need to be GFCI. I’ve read a little about Furutech and Hubbell outlets. Are there others? I’d like to know what I need to ask and expect out of the electrician. Thanks.

mewsickbuff
nutty
2,661 posts
 

Check with Chris at VH Audio. He carries Furutech, Oyaide. 

carlsbad's avatar
carlsbad
1,551 posts
 

The GFCI outlet protects the entire circuit.  So you can put a GFCI outlet in a triple box and then put 2 hospital grade outlets beside it.  Use the hospital grade for your stereo equipment.

Jerry

erik_squires
15,669 posts
 

You can put a combined CAFCI/GFCI breaker in the panel. That eliminates the need to use a GFCI outlet in the basement. Since almost all branch circuits must be CAFCI protected (NEC 2020 I think), upgrading it to also have GFCI to it adds like $5 to the cost which is a lot less than the upcharge for a GFCI outlet ($20 or more).  It's less convenient though, but how often do you trip a GFCI outlet really?. While he’s in there consider adding a whole house surge suppressor as well. Again, only required for new construction but recommended.

You are also probably required to use tamper resistant (TR) outlets in homes. Lots of boutique outlets do not meet this need, but there are several hospital grade TR outlets as well as Commercial grade/Residential (not just residential) with TR features. Here is a Hospital grade and TR outlet, below:

 

erik_squires
15,669 posts
 

Sorry, to be more clear:

 

Commercial outlets don't; have TR

Residential outlets do but they're flimsy

Commercial/Residential outlets have TR. These are what I use in most places.  Combined with a hospital grade plug they are plenty tight.

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,498 posts
 

"Raised" 2 generations w/o TR. Boo to the nanny state.

You are stuck with your local code.

I use panel breakers Never tripped except for during tests.

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