jharmon wrote:I would like to add channels to my Hauptwerk project. Currently I have three stereo amps powering three stereo channels. How do I determine how much wattage I can power off the typical 15 amp circuit breaker knowing that that the amps are not consuming a continuous amount of power? I would like to get to the 10-14 channel range. Thanks for any input.
John
The current consumption of an amplifier is not directly related to the audio output power.
The easiest way to check is by looking at the rating plate of all the amplifiers for either current in Amps or power consumption in Watts.
If it's given in Watts, just divide the figure by the supply voltage to obtain the current in Amps.
Add all the current (Amps) figures together to obtain the final load.
It's worth remembering that often when first switched on, devices exhibit a 'surge' in current and it may be better (if code allows) to have a delayed circuit breaker if you are getting close to the maximum 15Amps.