15 amp vs. 20 amp breakers for studio

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Phobos
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15 amp vs. 20 amp breakers for studio

Post by Phobos » Tue Apr 27, 2021 2:14 pm

I'm mostly ITB and don't have a ton of outboard gear, so I figured it's best to run everything off of a single circuit. My electronics knowledge is pretty limited. I have both 15 and 20 amp breakers available in my space. Is there a "better choice," and if so, why?

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Nick Sevilla
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Re: 15 amp vs. 20 amp breakers for studio

Post by Nick Sevilla » Tue Apr 27, 2021 2:29 pm

Do use 20 amps.

But also, do learn what wiring is in your walls.

If the wires themselves are only rated for 15 amps, and you put a 20 amp breaker in there, you may end up with a FIRE.

And that would not be good.

https://www.thespruce.com/matching-wire ... ge-1152865
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digitaldrummer
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Re: 15 amp vs. 20 amp breakers for studio

Post by digitaldrummer » Tue Apr 27, 2021 5:48 pm

Agree with Nick on the safety factor, but if this just should you plug into a 15A vs 20A circuit? Assuming they are wired to code, then It makes no difference unless you are requiring more power than the 15A circuit can deliver (before the breaker pops). if you had a rack full of tube gear or amps, or big power supplies for a console/mixer then you might need to use the 20A or even split it across several circuits. In my studio I'm running most of the gear off one 15A circuit breaker. Only had a problem with an older vacuum cleaner (stopped using it) and these newer breakers that are pretty sensitive. But guitar amps and PA system is usually on a second circuit if we are using it. Lights on another.

oh, and pay attention to power strips. a lot of them are rated for a lot less than 15A so you don't want to overload them either (another fire risk). and don't cascade one strip into another strip... (more fire)
Last edited by digitaldrummer on Thu Apr 29, 2021 6:04 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Scodiddly
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Re: 15 amp vs. 20 amp breakers for studio

Post by Scodiddly » Tue Apr 27, 2021 7:48 pm

In theory all regular wall receptacles should be 15A. Plugs for 20A have one of the pins sideways, but things have gotten weirdly blurred with 15A vs. 20 receptacles. Quite often you'll see a receptacle that can take either type of plug, and with a 20A breaker. There's also something about having a 20A circuit with several 15A receptacles, which really doesn't sound any safer.

14 gauge wire for 15A, 12 gauge wire for 20A.

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digitaldrummer
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Re: 15 amp vs. 20 amp breakers for studio

Post by digitaldrummer » Wed Apr 28, 2021 6:22 am

the 20A receptacle was typically for the refrigerator. :lol:
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Re: 15 amp vs. 20 amp breakers for studio

Post by Nick Sevilla » Wed Apr 28, 2021 9:00 pm

My Allen & Heath GL2800 console yanks up to 10 amps by itself. 32 channels.
The LA2A pulls over 2 amps when in use.

That would leave 3 amps for everyone else.

In my space I have 3 20 amp circuits, plus the lighting on another circuit.

Seems to do ok.
Howling at the neighbors. Hoping they have more mic cables.

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