I asked SVS a while back if dual PC13 Ultras (1000 watts each) would be ok on one 15 amp circuit and heres the response they gave me. May help others.
Subwoofer amps are transient load devices (unlike steady draw devices like vacuum cleaners, space heaters, hair dryers, etc.). The steady draw devices are what typically will trip a circuit breaker, not audio equipment.
Using our most powerful model as an example (our others will be proportionately lower based on RMS rating), the 16-Ultra has a 1500W amp. But it won't pull that much power from the outlet except at the max playback level and only for brief periods. While the below are estimates, you can expect the subwoofer to pull about the following power levels under various conditions:
• standby = <0.5W
• on at idle with no signal = 22W
• low to moderate volumes = 50W-200W
• loud to very loud volumes = 300W-1500W
Power = Voltage x Amperage. Peak amperage draw for a 120V source would be 1500W = 120V x Amps = 12.5A, but that would only be for a very brief period. The average amperage draw would be much lower of course, typically 1-3 amps at most playback levels. A circuit breaker will pass much more current than its rated capacity – but only for brief periods of time – it’s the steady state devices mentioned above which are problematic. Typically, even dual 16-Ultras on a single 15A breaker will be just fine.
Hope that helps!
Jack Gilvey
Customer Service Manager
SVS | Specialty Technologies
877.626.5623 [customer service]
custservice@svsound.com
jackg@svsound.com
www.svsound.com