Newsgroups: rec.arts.theatre.stagecraft
Subject: High current power feeds, European way (Re: Electrics Question)
References: <[email protected]>
"Thomas Paterson"  writes:

> Hi All,
> 
> For this events space I'm designing in LA, we need to work out what
> power infrastructure to put in (and indeed, what not to waste money
> on).  We're going to have a medium size feed permanently in the
> building, and a location for an external generator, with cable chases
> and everything to get power cleanly into the building. (Not through
> emergency doors, etc.)
> 
> What is the current standard for wire-in points for the events hire
> people to hook their distribution in?  Straight to bus bars, powerlock,
> camlock?  Another system? 
> Your advice is greatly appreciated.

I think that Camlocks are the most commonly used connectors for highish 
power connections in USA. That's what I have seen most on installations 
I have seen. 

When systems in USA seem to use separate connectors (Camlocks) for 
all of the power wires, the situation in different in Europe. 
High current power connections in Europe generally prefer to 
use CeeForm connectors. Those connectors house the connection 
pins for all wires needed for single phase or theree phase power feed. 
And the ground connection makes the geround connection before other 
pins when connector is inserted and disconnects las when connector 
is removed. Very convient connector and on my point of view safer 
to use than separate connection fo every wire in the connection 
(less room for mistakes). 

CeeForm: CeeForm (CEE 17 7 IEC 309) is the European standard 
for highish-current connectors, available in 16, 32, 63 and 125A single 
and three-phase variants. The CeeForm connectors are widely used in 
Europe for connection of three phase power to theree phase equipment, 
distribution panels and dimmer racks. 

European venues generally have a set of those outputs available 
at the places three phase power is commonly needed. And you can 
see those exactly same connectors in the power contacts on the 
equipment racks. I have often seen 16A three phase connector 
on amplifier racks and very small dimmer systems. Generally 
32A three phase are seen on small touring dimmer racks. 
Bigger connectors are seen on large systems. 

That CeeForm connector system is the same as used for 
temperary electrical supply systems used for example 
in house construction sites. So the entertainment systems can 
use the same cables and power distribution panels in their 
temperature power needs. When you need some more power 
distribution stuff, go to the nearest construction tools/equipment 
rental supply to get few three phase extension cords and 
few sub-panels... or let a specialized company to handle 
all the electricity issues.  

That 125A connector can carry prety much energy to whatever need 
here, because European voltage is 230V/400V (230V from neutral to 
phase, 400V between phases) that 3x125A is prety much energy..

-- 
Tomi Engdahl (http://www.iki.fi/then/)
Take a look at my electronics web links and documents at 
http://www.epanorama.net/