wiring receptacles into existing panel in basement studio

[theshizon]

hi guys

been reading up on some electrical issues here. (searched but couldn't find my specific query)

I need to know if im ok adding 15 amp circuits to an existing panel for my basement studio

the basement is unfinished and the lights are already wired and functional so lights are not an issue.

im in alberta canada and the electrical code is 12 items per circuit

so far for gear i have an Imac, a BAE 1073MP, Focal CMS65 monitors, Digi003 rack, nady 1800watt power conditioner
and some mics, guitars and amps etc. very small setup

now im planning on running this gear on separate circuits
I read in here to try to keep your computer separate from your speakers and those separate from your outboard to prevent unwanted interference

also I am planning on adding and upgrading my equipment with
a mac pro
a protools HD system
a desk, most likely a Toft 8 or 16 channel and if successful id love a boutique console (api1608 or neve custom75) when i can afford it
various outboard gear
and mics with an external powersupply

running my current setup i haven't yet noticed any noise or interference so im assuming i have a good ground (my panel is already using 15 amp circuits)

so what do i need to do to properly wire my studio up for gear.
What wire gauge? regular or isolated ground receptacles?
I have 7 empty slots in my electrical panel

I was planning for 4 circuits in the control room (1 for computer 1 for monitors and 2 for outboard and desk)
the 2 gear circuits would have 2 receptacles each meaning 24 pieces of gear? (is that right?)

and another circuit or 2 running plugs into the live room for amps, mics, headphone amps etc
heres a rough sketchup

studioplanArevised3D.jpg

any advice would be appreciated

thanks again you guys rock!

shaun

[Speedskater]

Let's slow down a bit.
First: im in alberta canada and the electrical code is 12 items per circuit
Not having your code book, is "items" outlets, receptacles or devices?
As each word has a different meaning. In the US in a residence you can have as many receptacles on one circuit as you like.

Second: The connection between your Safety Grounds (EGC,PE) and Mother Earth has almost nothing to do with audio system noise.

Third: The code book has rules for minimum size wire. For 15 Amps it's 14AWG and 20 Amps it's 12AWG, but bigger is always better.

Forth: Isolated Grounds are only needed if your wires are in metal conduit's and then only is the conduit's might come in contact with other grounded items like water pipes, the building's metal frame or other (non audio) electrical circuits.

First thing is read the following white papers, they total about 150 pages but it's easy reading, then re-thing your plans.

The Bill Whitlock of Jensen Transformers Seminar paper
http://www.jensen-transformers.com/an/g ... eminar.pdf

The Jim Brown of Audio Systems Group white paper
"Power and Grounding for Audio and Audio/Video Systems"
http://www.audiosystemsgroup.com/SurgeXPowerGround.pdf

"Power White Paper" from Middle Atlantic.com
http://www.middleatlantic.com/power.htm

or a different version of the same paper

"The TRUTH" from ExactPower of Middle Atlantic Products
http://www.exactpower.com/elite/wpapers.aspx