Electrical – Breaker Tripping – Need advice on upgrade

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I am in the processes of consolidating all of my home audio / networking equipment into a server rack I picked up recently. This will give me some flexibility of keeping it all together and make repairs / upgrades easier.

In this process, I have had to reset my 15amp breaker twice now (it tripped) due to the load the equipment is putting on it I am assuming.

These devices range from a home audio controller, amp, sub amps, Backup Power Supply, PC, etc.

Some rough numbers I came up with:

Switch 2.5 amp
Sub .118 amp x 4 = .472 amp
Amp 8.36 amp
PSU 2.72 amp
Total 14.052 amp

With just those few devices, I seem to be at 93% of the suggested 80% load.

While I am not quite done getting everything moved into the rack, its already pretty clear that I will need to run some dedicated circuits for this rack.

What recommendations would you have for this? Should I run two 15amp circuits just for this equipment and put the audio stuff on one and lower stuff on the other?

I will probably end up getting an electrician out to do it but wanting to get some feedback to know what to ask for.

Update:

This is everything I could find on this current circuit that had some type of power rating label:

Device Power

  • Switch 100-240 v 2.5 amp
  • Sub Amp 120v 13w consumption
  • Sub Amp 120v 13w consumption
  • Sub Amp 120v 13w consumption
  • Controller 120v 70w consumption
  • Amp 120v 920w consumption
  • NVR 100v-240v
  • PSU 300 watts
  • Fan 110v
  • Fan 110v
  • Fan 110v
  • Fan 110v
  • Dell Tower 3.3 amp
  • Apple Airplay Express 0.2 amp
  • Modem .75 amp
  • Router 2.5 amp
  • POE Injector 2.5 amp
  • Cat Switch 1.5 amp
  • Monitor 1.2 amp
  • Monitor 1.2 amp
  • Monitor 1.2 amp
  • Monitor .7a
  • TV 83 w consumption
  • Gramofon 1amp
  • Henge Dock (MacBook Pro) 127W 100-240V Power Supply
  • Scentsy Candle Warmer 25 watts
  • Digital Radio
  • Alarm System Panel
  • Lights
  • Outlets

Best Answer

I would suggest the high-end audio be on a separate circuit than power supplies. I would run 2 20 amp circuits to this location. By separating the audio equipment from the power supplys you may avoid some electrical noise caused by harmonics that most powersupplys generate. Just my 2cents worth...

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