Electrical circuit needs

[stevec]

I am setting up my HT for the first time. To ensure that I have clean power I added a new 15 amp circuit breaker, 12/2 wire, and outlet to the wall where my equipment will be. My question is should I go with 20 amps. After reading a bunch of material on the web I am worried about overloading the circuit. So I am thinking I should just change out the breaker with a 20 amp, buy a 20 amp outlet and surge protector. Everything will be behind wall (w\ access panel) so I want to get this right the first time. What are your all electrical configurations.

Thanks
steve c

The system i have in boxes that I can't wait to finish installation of:
Panasonic TH-50PZ800U
Onkyo TX 806 Receiver
Denon 1600 (Yes is an oldy, but a goody) DVD Player
Ascend Sierra Mains
Ascend Sierra Center
Ascend 340 SE Side Surround
Ascend 340 SE Back Surround
Rythmik 15SE Subwoofer
ATT UVERSE Receiver

Yet To Acquire:
Blue Ray,
Turn Table
CD Player
Pre Amp

[DaveHo]

Well, you already ran the 12/2 so you can use a 20A breaker with no problem. However, I think a 15A breaker would be fine with your listed equipment. If you plan on adding an amp some day, then use the 20A.

-Dave

[curtis]

If you are worried about overloading the circuit with all that equipment, can you easily add a second circuit? Put the power hogs on separate circuits.

[stevec]

Dave, Thanks for the tip.. I am leaning to replacing the 15 amp breaker with a 20 amp just to finish the job and heopefully forget about power needs. I can then set the 15 as a spare.
steve

[stevec]

Curtis, Thanks for the tip. Unless it's absolutely necessary I want to refrain from putting another circuit in.. That would mean another wire run. I am thinking that the 5 extra amps will give me all the "buffer" I need.
Steve

[TooManyHobbies]

This is a late edition, I know, but I believe a 20-amp circuit requires 10-gauge wire, not 12. I've done some browsing through homes under construction, and all the 20-amp circuits were wired with 10-gauge and the 15-amp circuits with 12. I doubt the builders used larger wire than was required.

Bill

[stevec]

Bill, thanks for the info. Yup.. A bit Late.. My wiring was in place about 6 weeks ago.. But that's cool.. It may help someone else out. Anyways.. Here in Florida the code is 14/2 for 15 amp circuits and 12/2 for 20 amp.

Best To Ya,
Steve

[jk121764]

Fifteen amps will probably be sufficient. Most HT amps are fairly efficient. My tube amp, however, consumes 300 watts. You might want to get a power conditioner.