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Post by mbunting on Nov 13, 2018 9:46:46 GMT -5
Greetings all! I have the electrician here right now...installing 4x20A dedicated circuits to a sub-panel (also being installed). Since I'm going to have my equipment rack located in my unfinished Utility Room (right next to my media room) - they need to be of the GFI variety. My plan was this: 20A circuit #1: XPA-3 (L/C/R) 20A circuit #2: XPA-7 (Surrounds x6) 20A circuit #3; XPA-7 (Atmos Heights x6) 20A circuit #4: Rest of my gear I'm worried that the amps *might* trip the GFI's? Is this a valid concern? Electrician tells me that I should be good
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KeithL
Administrator
Posts: 9,901
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Post by KeithL on Nov 13, 2018 9:56:31 GMT -5
There's no reason why a properly functioning piece of equipment should trip a GFI circuit protector. It's only supposed to trip if there is improper, and potentially dangerous, leakage between the circuit and ground.
As with any protection device, GFI outlets can trip occasionally when they shouldn't, or just plain go bad someday (there's more in them than in a regular outlet). However, you shouldn't have any problems under normal circumstances.
Greetings all! I have the electrician here right now...installing 4x20A dedicated circuits to a sub-panel (also being installed). Since I'm going to have my equipment rack located in my unfinished Utility Room (right next to my media room) - they need to be of the GFI variety. My plan was this: 20A circuit #1: XPA-3 (L/C/R) 20A circuit #2: XPA-7 (Surrounds x6) 20A circuit #3; XPA-7 (Atmos Heights x6) 20A circuit #4: Rest of my gear I'm worried that the amps *might* trip the GFI's? Is this a valid concern? Electrician tells me that I should be good
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Post by mbunting on Nov 13, 2018 10:00:32 GMT -5
Thanks for the quick help/info KeithL! I'll leave my electrician alone now
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Post by AudioHTIT on Nov 13, 2018 10:38:36 GMT -5
You have way more capacity than you’ll ever use (you could likely run all that on a single 20A circuit), but no harm. My only comment is that when you use multiple circuits you increase the possibility of ground loops, if all of your circuits will have the same common ground at the sub-Panel you should be ok. If he’s installing 240 divided into two 120 phases, I’d be inclined to use the same phase for all your gear.
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Post by 405x5 on Nov 13, 2018 10:50:59 GMT -5
Greetings all! I have the electrician here right now...installing 4x20A dedicated circuits to a sub-panel (also being installed). Since I'm going to have my equipment rack located in my unfinished Utility Room (right next to my media room) - they need to be of the GFI variety. My plan was this: 20A circuit #1: XPA-3 (L/C/R) 20A circuit #2: XPA-7 (Surrounds x6) 20A circuit #3; XPA-7 (Atmos Heights x6) 20A circuit #4: Rest of my gear I'm worried that the amps *might* trip the GFI's? Is this a valid concern? Electrician tells me that I should be good My system has a 2000 watt multi channel amplifier, and a 1250/3000 watt peak classD, split between 2 15amp. Breakers along with everything else. No water in the room and no outside environment = no GFI. Bill
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Post by donh50 on Nov 13, 2018 14:54:25 GMT -5
Turn-on surges will not trip a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) unless there is a problem with the safety ground.
Where I have seen problems is when they install the new arc-sensing breakers (AFCI = Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter). They are required in our area for bedrooms but not elsewhere so hopefully not in your case. After going through three of them with my electrician I finally installed an old-style GFI myself and moved on... Our treadmill was tripping the durn thing.
HTH - Don
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Post by leonski on Nov 13, 2018 15:58:24 GMT -5
Over capacity is NOT an issue. You'll be fine and are set for Any Future upgrades.
GFI won't be a problem though they DO wear out over time and multiple 'trips'. My wife's hair dryer will sometimes cause a trip.
As for Bill, above? Your 'duty cycle' controls your need. A 15 amp circuit is 'rated' to 1800 watts, but LONG TERM derate is 20%. You do the math.
Running 'normal music' you are far BELOW your 'peak' ratings. So not worry. Music might have a minimum 10db 'crest factor', so if you're cruising along at 10 watts, you're dealing with 100 watt peaks. You might be able to wrangle 2kw from a 20 amp service but never from a 15. At least not 'continuous'. A/B amps are only so-good at turning electricity into power output, so you might only get 50% OUT vs what you put IN. The Rest will be HEAT.
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