New Home Theater - Rough Wiring (1 Viewer)

[hford713]

HI,
I'm framing my basement for a new home theater. With the need for 4 plugs (TV, BluRay player, receiver, cd player), I'm wondering how I should rough wire it: Should I install a simple one gang outlet and count on a Monster-type surge protector - or do I install a two-gang and dedicate each plug to an outlet?
Harold (he's no electrician)

 

[JohnRice]

If you're only running from a single circuit, there's really no need to have more than a single gang outlet, since it can then be split up however you want to as many components as you want. Since this is new wiring, and if you can, it's not a bad idea to run two circuits to two outlets. This allows you to split the power demands between two circuits, which can be helpful if you want to upgrade the power to your system later.

 

[sarcasm_kills]

I think it depends on your long-term goals. Do you ever see yourself expanding your theater? Adding a projector? More equipment? Line conditioner? From what you have outlined so far, it is a minimalist setup (not that there is anything wrong with that), which means you would be fine with a single-gang box and some type of surge suppressor. You could install a two-gang box if you want, just to give some room for expansion at that spot. You can make a dedicated run for your theater, using a 20 amp breaker and 12-gauge wire, and you will never use enough wattage to trip a breaker with what you noted. In other words, it won't much matter if you install a one-gang or two-gang box, one way just gives you more options down the road.

 

[Bobofbone]

Run whatever you are going to use for equipment as a separate circuit from the rest of the house. You might not want your washing machine or refrigerator on the same circuit as your amp.