[Elecraft] How far can the KPA1500 amp be from the PS?

[Jim Brown]

On 4/28/2018 11:08 AM, Dauer, Edward wrote:
> I might bring it overhead (between the finished ceiling of the lower level and the floor of the next level up) but then to get it down to a usable level in the "shack" would require a conduit running down the inside wall surface.  That may be what I will have to do . . .

Hi Ted,

This sounds reasonable, but by all means, let your electrician advise 
you about how to run the line -- that's part of what good electricians 
are good at. :)

I will add this, which I consider very important. Have him pull in at 
least one 120V circuit with #10 conductors and the 240V circuit. Inside 
the shack, install two 240V/20A outlets and multiple 120V/20A outlets. 
These outlets are for station equipment only. It is critical that their 
green wires be bonded together IN THE SHACK. An easy way to do this is 
to put the wiring inside the shack in steel conduit (EMT) and use 
off-the-shelf steel backboxes. Let your electrician tell you local code 
requirements for wiring back to the panel.

20A breakers are no more expensive than 15A breakers, #10 wire DOES cost 
more, but it minimizes IR drop, improving voltage regulation. The 
advantage of using 20A breakers is that you can use 20A outlets, which 
are downward compatible with 15A plugs. Do NOT use appliance-style 
outlets for the 240V circuit -- instead use the same style of outlet 
used for 120V circuits, but with the pin configuration for 240V/20A. 
This is what I did in my shack, except that I have two duplex 240V 20A 
outlets in a quad box and four quad boxes with 120V outlets. All the 
120V outlets are on a single circuit.

FWIW, a single 20A 120V circuit is more than enough to handle all the 
radio (and computer) gear in an SO2R ham station, even with two 500W 
amps (as long as they don't transmit at the same time).

While what Clay Autrey has advised is certainly not wrong, it may be 
overkill (and more expensive). Let your electrician advise you on this 
-- depending on the difficulties associated with the cable run, one or 
the other may have a cost advantage.

73, Jim K9YC