Outlet Wiring for Entertainment Rooms (install, circuit, best, mount)

[AVTechMan]

I know that the majority of entertainment equipment like big-screen televisions, PS3 consoles, A/V receivers and other gear usually use a good amount of outlet space on a given wall.

What's the best way to install outlets for this type of situation? Using a power strip may seem ideal to many, but often not a great idea because its tempting to plug in too many under one outlet which can risk an overloaded outlet.

Same could apply for those that have computer rooms that often require many outlets (one of the rooms in my home I plan to make to a computer/media room).

[southgeorgia]

i run a multi-wire circuit (quadplex) to the rear of a typical entertainment center, and from there connect surge protectors.

You shouldn't worry too much about a properly protected and sized receptacle being overloaded; its cheap power taps that can get overloaded.

It is typical though to put 15A receptacles on 20A circuits (which is allowed per NEC) and they can be overloaded, but when I do these multi-wire quadplex's, the receptacle always matches the overcurrent device.


If you dont' want break-out surge protectors, the only other good option is multiple surge-protected receptacles, however you may want to go about that.