220 or 110 for new circuit?

[Moffetts]

Hey peeps. I have wimpy wiring in my computer room and enough of a load on it already to justify a new circuit just for my computer. I'm debating between a standard 110v 20 amp circuit (NEMA 5-20 I think) or a NEMA 6-15/6-20 220v circuit. I wont be pulling more power than the 20 amp 110v circuit can provide. It's my understanding that power supplies work slightly more efficiently at 220, but it's not anything to get excited about. That said, assuming that I can get either install done for about the same price, which should I go for? I know one of the major downsides for the 220v option is that I would either have to have a surge protector hardwired into the circuit or use a line conditioner, which is a couple hundred bucks (Tripp Lite LR2000.)

What would you guys do?

[krokodil]

I would not put 2 different voltage systems into one room or building.
Reason is you would need 2 different plug systems too to avoid accidental mismatch of a 110V device into a 220V outlet.

[Moffetts]

I would not put 2 different voltage systems into one room or building.
Reason is you would need 2 different plug systems too to avoid accidental mismatch of a 110V device into a 220V outlet.

110v devices wouldn't fit even if I tried.

15 amp:

http://i.imgur.com/0EWyE.jpg

20 amp:

http://i.imgur.com/1uzlE.jpg

[krokodil]

So that basically proves what I said: you need (and have) 2 different and incompatible plugsystems :)

Ok, if you already have 2 incompatible plugsystems there is no reason not to use 220V. But beware: it bites you badly if you are not careful :)

[kayson]

For convenience I'd say go with the 110v. The efficiency difference is negligible especially if you're going to pay $200 for a surge protector

[Moffetts]

Yeah, I think I'm going to go with 110v route. Thanks guys.