Can I get away with running a bigger amp breaker?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Can I get away with running a bigger amp breaker?
I am building a home theater room. Should I have more than one breakers for my home theater room? Or, can I get away with changing the amperage on the breaker? My only concern is that the electrical cable may not be rated for the higher amps.
#2
For general-purpose lighting and receptacle circuits (which it sounds like you have), you can use a 15A breaker on #14 gauge cable or a 20A breaker on #12 gauge cable. No other options are allowed.
The number and size of circuits depends on how much load you intend to use. A good rule-of-thumb is to design a circuit such that the continuous use (more than 3 hours) does not exceed 80% of the capacity. That means a 15A circuit should max out around 1200 watts and a 20A circuit should max out around 2000 watts for continuous use loads. For intermittent loads, you can go to the full capacity of the circuit 1850W for a 15A circuit or 2400W for a 20A circuit.
Unless you have an ear shattering audio system, most home theater installations will easily fit on one circuit. Sometime large bass amplifiers need their own circuit, but we're talking much bigger than most people put in their homes.
The number and size of circuits depends on how much load you intend to use. A good rule-of-thumb is to design a circuit such that the continuous use (more than 3 hours) does not exceed 80% of the capacity. That means a 15A circuit should max out around 1200 watts and a 20A circuit should max out around 2000 watts for continuous use loads. For intermittent loads, you can go to the full capacity of the circuit 1850W for a 15A circuit or 2400W for a 20A circuit.
Unless you have an ear shattering audio system, most home theater installations will easily fit on one circuit. Sometime large bass amplifiers need their own circuit, but we're talking much bigger than most people put in their homes.
#3
Group Moderator
What you will need will depend on what you do. How much amperage will your room require?
For my home theater the subwoofer is on a dedicated 20 amp circuit and the amp for the main speakers is also on it's own 20 amp circuit. Then I have a 15 amp circuit for the receiver, TV and DVD player and then the usual circuits for room lights and outlets. If you don't want true THX level sound then you can get away with a lot less but again how much amperage you will need depends on what you are installing.
For my home theater the subwoofer is on a dedicated 20 amp circuit and the amp for the main speakers is also on it's own 20 amp circuit. Then I have a 15 amp circuit for the receiver, TV and DVD player and then the usual circuits for room lights and outlets. If you don't want true THX level sound then you can get away with a lot less but again how much amperage you will need depends on what you are installing.
#4
Member
Thread Starter
Thanks, Dane! Yes, I am aiming for 7.1 surround sound and also thinking about future of 11 channels with Atmos speakers. That is why I am starting to plan it out.
Thank you all for the input.
Thank you all for the input.
#5
Member
Thread Starter
If I have to install new breakers for the additional usage, will this 12/2 romex cable work for running in-wall installation?
#6
Yes....that 12-2 NM-b cable is what you need.
I would run two pieces of that from your panel to your equipment location. No need to connect to panel until needed.
I would run two pieces of that from your panel to your equipment location. No need to connect to panel until needed.