Electricity for the entertainment technician and electrician by Richard cadena. He does classes as well. I'm a lighting designer and master electrician in live events. @@jeremygonzales5954
Caution about running single phase on a 3-phase wire!! if all three of your wires have the same phase then you also need 3 return white wires to go with them. An electrician could explain this better. all three phases are hitting at the same time and drawing current at the same time so you have three times the load on the single return white wire.
These 3 videos are the first I’ve watched on your channel and will definitely keep watching specifically for the live sound stuff. I have a very similar setup just scaled down slightly and with an M32 instead. I’m an audio Engineering Major so love watching a lot of Live sound channels But great videos especially this power one. Also spotted that Limitless box mod in the first one nice.
This is such a great video!! I'm new to the events space and 10/15 amp single phase & 32amp 3 phase is all new to me!! It's SO IMPORTANT to know this stuff! Thank You 👍👍
I MISSPOKE IN THE VIDEO! ON MY VIDEO I SAID MY 10/5 CABLE PLUGS ARE L6-30s THEY ARE IN FACT L21-30s. THANKS FOR UNDERSTANDING. I WAS TIRED, FORGIVE ME!
John I have a question. Were you running 3 extension cords from 3 edison plugs with 3 different circuits into a L21-30p into your Motion Labs Power Rac Pac ?
John, awesome video. I am a live audio engineer and lighting designer. I just want to let you know that I feel like that you have covered the basics of power for live event productions very well. One thing that I would like to comment on is that plug you are calling a L6-30 is actually an L21-30. An L6-30 connecter is something that you would find mostly on devises that draw quite a bit of power. Such as some amps that I have used require two 30 amp circuits each, these are the types of connectors that are on those amps. I have also seen them on some lighting fixtures, such as a Martin Mac 2k moving head because they draw so much power. Something that you might want to consider working with in the future is running you lighting at 208v, I find this to be very beneficial because as you raise voltage, your amp draw decreases and allows you to have more fixtures, which can be a lot of fun!
Yeah looking back over the video I noticed the same thing. I got it right one time 😂. My Soca dinner is 208! Didn’t explain it in the video because it was already going on 20 mins. If you look at the shot of the back you can tell by the leg configuration. Thanks for watching!
I love this type of stuff... and these types of videos. As I move into more corporate and outdoor events... I quickly get bored with the pissing and moaning most people are talking about ... I want to learn how to string up large events and all i ever see is fluff about the evolve 50... lol ok.. rant over... thanks for the solid content John.. salute.
Great video John, and very informative. You don't hear folks talking about the power requirements much, but it is one of the most important things to consider as you scale. Without power, you have no show, and as you mentioned, definitely do it safely. You are right, you definitely don't want to max out your electrical circuits. Most people don't think about the input power (A/C current/amps) as much as they do the output power. My rule of thumb is don't go over 80% of the circuit rating. If you have a 15 amp circuit multiply by .8 and you would come up with 12 amps or the most you would want to put on the circuit. You can also reverse that going the other way; that is if you have something that pulls 12amps multiply by 125% (1.25), and you will get the minimum circuit size of 15 amps. This is a formula that is used to figure overcurrent protection for some motors in factories. It allows the motor to operate at up to 15 percent above its normal current rating without causing the overcurrent protection to trip. I know we don't use many motors in pro-audio, but we definitely can be prone to power spikes from time to time. Disclaimer: this is not intended as professional advice. Just an example of something that has worked for me. Woo Pig Sooie!
Thanks for making these videos. I graduated in 2001 at the LOS ANGELES WORKSHOP AND Film school. and jumped into live sound as a kid may years before i ever knew their was a school. Its was a good achool but as a kid i was like a sponge and learned from alot of great mentorship ,but your videos touch on subjects i normally dont see that often but great info and your a great explainer!!
I worked for Rhino, We do stadium shows and stuff. Socapex and feeder cable is horribly heavy, we had flying that down to a science. Flying those truss rigs we had to be careful with the newbs. I had to yell stop once he was hooking up the cam-lock power from company switch in the wrong order. My blood went cold and was truly scared especially when the rig had about 50 Clay Paky's and other lights. Great video keep up the great work. I miss working those. I have done Adele, Ozzy Osborne,Marvel Universe live, many Disney Shows, Madonna and Keith Urban just to name a few. I work mainly at the Pepsi Center and Fiddlers Green Amphitheatre in Colorado
Your single phase "break in" is actually unsafe... Sorry to sat that but its is true. This way you share Your neutral conductor across single phase, so if You are using 3x10A of power, neutral pases almost 30A. In multiple phase supply, it works beacouse of phase shift between sine wave of individual phases. Even at high loads on our 125A 3phase connections, when we approach 90A of power consuption when powering amplifiers and lights, we have trouble of separating connections due neutral pins overheating. Other way, very good video!!!
Years ago when I was advancing a show I remember getting a look at the power in some of the old venues. It could be so bad it would scare the s#### out anyone with any brain cells remaining. Cabling from the distro and clamping live directly onto the rails didn’t seem like the way to live a long and happy life. Other guys would work the same venue and say everything was fine, we do it that way all the time. Well at least I’m still around to remember.
Very good info there my brother.. the only thing I would be a little concerned about is on your three gang receptacles. It's ok the way you have it but just be careful on making sure you dont peak out on amperage because I heard you say you are sharing the neutral.. it's a good idea to step up your neutral wire in the event you peak it out..just a thought.. yes I am a journey man electrician... I'm sure your friend told you.. But like always great video... woo.woo..
I know it been awhile since you made this video but I have a question regarding power: what connector do you use if you need to tie into a venues or customers breaker panel and they don’t have cam loc connections and you have cam locks. I have a tie in with cams on one end and raw wire on the other. I would tie in with those pig tails into my regular cam cable. It’s 2/0 wire 5 conductors that feed my distro. Any advice, I’m trying not to have to build a new distro just for this scenario but a lot of customers homes don’t have cam loc
Cam pigtails into a bus bar, if you're needing that much juice in that location then maybe they should install a disconnect with cams. For later duty stuff assuming the equipment capable there's a lot of breakouts for stove and dryer outlets for mini distro's. But you have to have your amp draw under the 30 or 50 amp socket.
I’m very passionate of doing this stuff always have & with God on my side. All things are possible. When I saw ur video’ ohh my gosh’ it’s big stuff . And God took me back to where Jesus preached to thousands on the mountainside without a mic.😊 But He provides everything ( finances & a team) when we ask with faith but this vision that I have is for His glory alone. Thank you for sharing.👍🙌🎼🎶🔥💯💕
Love your videos thank you for sharing. I would like to know how you connect the cables on the break-in cable that you use for your L 21-30 ..the one that had three separate Edison’s going to L21-30. Thank you!
Thank you for information. Where can I buy the long extension cord for the outdoor sound system? What’s the best choice? The name of the brand? Thank you
Nice video John great info I need to make a 3 phase break out wire when u don’t have 3 phase at the venue. Question if u wanted just make it 220v can u just leave a plug not plug in I have 3 phase rack pack and single phase 220 rack pack
It really depends on if you need the neutral. With so much stuff going switch mode power supplies you kinda need the neutral (and sized the same as the other conductors) unless it's only 240 equipment.
that's the problem if you keep on getting your setup bigger and having more crew to help you on those gears, unlike if you just stay on Basic it can be safe and less stress.
Hey John, please make sure you illustrate more of the topics you describe in the video and be specific on connections. I would also advise you to include real world events in the video on power. Thanks keep up the good work...
Man, thanks for this video. You sound like "THE" guy I have been looking for since a while. I have some equipment, smaller than whatever you describe here but maybe you can help me, please if you a bit of time to spare. I have recently acquired to following equipment for private parties: - 8x Alto TS415 - 2500W peak/1250RMS - 2x Alto TS408 - 2000W peak/1000RMS - 4x Vonyx SWP15 - 800W peak/probably half RMS - 2x Alto TS18s- 2500W peak/1250RMS - 2x Mac Mah AS118s - Unsure but like the TS18S So my question is, can I plug all this on a couple of country side house power socket? Or will I set the entire place on fire? What do I need to know? I am in France so electrical outlets here are either 16 or 32A, I am most likely 16A on a single circuit I think Any advise is welcome or you can share some useful links I all take them as well. I would really, really appreciate your feedback bro!
Why isnt anybody doing a demo of them pluging things when talking about powering a live show? Hook up stuff to breaker panels/outlets or wherever you're supposed to get power from. It would be easier to understand when its actually seen being hooked up.
This is a video from four years ago, your distribution box configuration has fallen behind, now the product is more perfect, I am now customizing power systems for customers in the United States and Mexico
I'm a commercial electrician and I'll confirm this aspect of live music is something most people can't even wrap their head around.
What resources books or training do you suggest for people who want to be well rounded.
@@jeremygonzales5954 A film by Sasha Grey called Super 8 @ Super 8.
@@TempoDrift1480 great way to hint you are full of sh@t lol
Electricity for the entertainment technician and electrician by Richard cadena. He does classes as well. I'm a lighting designer and master electrician in live events. @@jeremygonzales5954
This is great stuff! Power management is not the glamorous end of live sound, but it might be the most important. You are a real pro!
12:08 Scared the shit outta me bro!!
You should do a video about matching power amps with passive speakers. (Amperage, wattage, ohms, wiring, etc.)
Love your videos I'm binge-watching all of them
Caution about running single phase on a 3-phase wire!! if all three of your wires have the same phase then you also need 3 return white wires to go with them. An electrician could explain this better. all three phases are hitting at the same time and drawing current at the same time so you have three times the load on the single return white wire.
Nice overview - I'm learning the ropes as a film electric technician, and this video helped me connect a few dots. Thank you!
I love watching your videos john so.informative and intresting you have such a massive knowledge about everything keep going
These 3 videos are the first I’ve watched on your channel and will definitely keep watching specifically for the live sound stuff. I have a very similar setup just scaled down slightly and with an M32 instead. I’m an audio Engineering Major so love watching a lot of Live sound channels But great videos especially this power one. Also spotted that Limitless box mod in the first one nice.
This is such a great video!! I'm new to the events space and 10/15 amp single phase & 32amp 3 phase is all new to me!! It's SO IMPORTANT to know this stuff! Thank You 👍👍
I MISSPOKE IN THE VIDEO! ON MY VIDEO I SAID MY 10/5 CABLE PLUGS ARE L6-30s THEY ARE IN FACT L21-30s. THANKS FOR UNDERSTANDING. I WAS TIRED, FORGIVE ME!
John I have a question. Were you running 3 extension cords from 3 edison plugs with 3 different circuits into a L21-30p into your Motion Labs Power Rac Pac ?
No problem John , you are awesome
John, awesome video. I am a live audio engineer and lighting designer. I just want to let you know that I feel like that you have covered the basics of power for live event productions very well. One thing that I would like to comment on is that plug you are calling a L6-30 is actually an L21-30. An L6-30 connecter is something that you would find mostly on devises that draw quite a bit of power. Such as some amps that I have used require two 30 amp circuits each, these are the types of connectors that are on those amps. I have also seen them on some lighting fixtures, such as a Martin Mac 2k moving head because they draw so much power. Something that you might want to consider working with in the future is running you lighting at 208v, I find this to be very beneficial because as you raise voltage, your amp draw decreases and allows you to have more fixtures, which can be a lot of fun!
I was gonna say the same thing, this is 21-30 not 6-30
Also, its not SACO-PEX, its pronounced sowcuhpex
Yeah looking back over the video I noticed the same thing. I got it right one time 😂. My Soca dinner is 208! Didn’t explain it in the video because it was already going on 20 mins. If you look at the shot of the back you can tell by the leg configuration. Thanks for watching!
Oh yeah. That’s my southern accent. Can’t change that! 😂😂
I love this type of stuff... and these types of videos. As I move into more corporate and outdoor events... I quickly get bored with the pissing and moaning most people are talking about ... I want to learn how to string up large events and all i ever see is fluff about the evolve 50... lol ok.. rant over... thanks for the solid content John.. salute.
Finally! I video on this very useful information. I don’t see a lot of these at all. Thank you for touching on this topic. Much appreciated.
Keep up with the good videos bro, they are really helping me!!!
excellent video Mr. Simmons , done in simple language.
Great video John, and very informative. You don't hear folks talking about the power requirements much, but it is one of the most important things to consider as you scale. Without power, you have no show, and as you mentioned, definitely do it safely.
You are right, you definitely don't want to max out your electrical circuits. Most people don't think about the input power (A/C current/amps) as much as they do the output power. My rule of thumb is don't go over 80% of the circuit rating. If you have a 15 amp circuit multiply by .8 and you would come up with 12 amps or the most you would want to put on the circuit. You can also reverse that going the other way; that is if you have something that pulls 12amps multiply by 125% (1.25), and you will get the minimum circuit size of 15 amps. This is a formula that is used to figure overcurrent protection for some motors in factories. It allows the motor to operate at up to 15 percent above its normal current rating without causing the overcurrent protection to trip.
I know we don't use many motors in pro-audio, but we definitely can be prone to power spikes from time to time. Disclaimer: this is not intended as professional advice. Just an example of something that has worked for me.
Woo Pig Sooie!
MAN! This dude knows his stuff.....
Thanks for making these videos. I graduated in 2001 at the LOS ANGELES WORKSHOP AND Film school. and jumped into live sound as a kid may years before i ever knew their was a school. Its was a good achool but as a kid i was like a sponge and learned from alot of great mentorship ,but your videos touch on subjects i normally dont see that often but great info and your a great explainer!!
Thank you so much for posting this John. Extremely helpful! Great information!
I worked for Rhino, We do stadium shows and stuff. Socapex and feeder cable is horribly heavy, we had flying that down to a science. Flying those truss rigs we had to be careful with the newbs. I had to yell stop once he was hooking up the cam-lock power from company switch in the wrong order. My blood went cold and was truly scared especially when the rig had about 50 Clay Paky's and other lights. Great video keep up the great work. I miss working those. I have done Adele, Ozzy Osborne,Marvel Universe live, many Disney Shows, Madonna and Keith Urban just to name a few. I work mainly at the Pepsi Center and Fiddlers Green Amphitheatre in Colorado
Great Content. Id love to see you go more in depth with the electrical side.
Fantastic video, thanks. Curious how you tie in when you don’t have access to camlock tie-ins. Do you use whips and lugs to attach to a breaker panel?
Your single phase "break in" is actually unsafe... Sorry to sat that but its is true. This way you share Your neutral conductor across single phase, so if You are using 3x10A of power, neutral pases almost 30A. In multiple phase supply, it works beacouse of phase shift between sine wave of individual phases. Even at high loads on our 125A 3phase connections, when we approach 90A of power consuption when powering amplifiers and lights, we have trouble of separating connections due neutral pins overheating. Other way, very good video!!!
Love your channel. Binge watch all your episodes.
Thanks for the info! I am starting a production and needed some pointers on getting electrical rigs started out. This will help a lot.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience
I have been searching for this kind of information for a while now. Thank you so much!!! Great content!
Great video!
Nice to met you, you explain very good
Thank you! 😃
Well spoken, very professional.. Well done!
Years ago when I was advancing a show I remember getting a look at the power in some of the old venues. It could be so bad it would scare the s#### out anyone with any brain cells remaining. Cabling from the distro and clamping live directly onto the rails didn’t seem like the way to live a long and happy life. Other guys would work the same venue and say everything was fine, we do it that way all the time. Well at least I’m still around to remember.
Very good info there my brother.. the only thing I would be a little concerned about is on your three gang receptacles. It's ok the way you have it but just be careful on making sure you dont peak out on amperage because I heard you say you are sharing the neutral.. it's a good idea to step up your neutral wire in the event you peak it out..just a thought.. yes I am a journey man electrician... I'm sure your friend told you.. But like always great video... woo.woo..
Man, there's a lot, like a lot to do. Good stuff learning. Tnx.
I love too see a video power setup from the diesel generator to the stage using a distro
Excellent video
I know it been awhile since you made this video but I have a question regarding power: what connector do you use if you need to tie into a venues or customers breaker panel and they don’t have cam loc connections and you have cam locks. I have a tie in with cams on one end and raw wire on the other. I would tie in with those pig tails into my regular cam cable. It’s 2/0 wire 5 conductors that feed my distro. Any advice, I’m trying not to have to build a new distro just for this scenario but a lot of customers homes don’t have cam loc
Cam pigtails into a bus bar, if you're needing that much juice in that location then maybe they should install a disconnect with cams.
For later duty stuff assuming the equipment capable there's a lot of breakouts for stove and dryer outlets for mini distro's. But you have to have your amp draw under the 30 or 50 amp socket.
Thanks for this video! On the 10/5 with a shared neutral, doesn’t the neutral have to carry the current for all three hot circuits?
Exactly the information I was looking for. Thanks and great job in this series.
I’m very passionate of doing this stuff always have & with God on my side. All things are possible. When I saw ur video’ ohh my gosh’ it’s big stuff . And God took me back to where Jesus preached to thousands on the mountainside without a mic.😊 But He provides everything ( finances & a team) when we ask with faith but this vision that I have is for His glory alone. Thank you for sharing.👍🙌🎼🎶🔥💯💕
Love your videos thank you for sharing. I would like to know how you connect the cables on the break-in cable that you use for your L 21-30 ..the one that had three separate Edison’s going to L21-30.
Thank you!
Interesting to see and overview of power distribution from an American perspective. Our systems here in New Zealand are quite different.
Awesome!!! I enjoy a lot your videos!!
Wow a lot of good information!!👍🏼👍🏼
Thank you for information. Where can I buy the long extension cord for the outdoor sound system? What’s the best choice? The name of the brand? Thank you
Thanks brother I really needed that
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 wow!! What information you share. I hope you sell too. I’m looking for the outdoor long extension cord for sound system
Our Power Distro have lcd screens to see the voltage
You've just convinced me that I don't know shit about power. Thanks for the education.
very informative m8.
Big question is do you tap into the buildings mains? Or you have your own generators?
Is that an NFLX Pro tag i see on the feeder cables?! Didn’t know they supplied this stuff.
I absolutely love these types of videos, thank you for taking the time to educate!
Can I plug all into regular surge protector?
Loving the content
Nice video John great info I need to make a 3 phase break out wire when u don’t have 3 phase at the venue. Question if u wanted just make it 220v can u just leave a plug not plug in I have 3 phase rack pack and single phase 220 rack pack
It really depends on if you need the neutral. With so much stuff going switch mode power supplies you kinda need the neutral (and sized the same as the other conductors) unless it's only 240 equipment.
Can you talk about your dbx DriveRack and how you like to use it ?
that's the problem if you keep on getting your setup bigger and having more crew to help you on those gears, unlike if you just stay on Basic it can be safe and less stress.
Mean brotha👌👍👍💯❤️
Hey John, please make sure you illustrate more of the topics you describe in the video and be specific on connections. I would also advise you to include real world events in the video on power. Thanks keep up the good work...
I wonder what your experience has been as far as dealing with unions who have jurisdiction over rigging and electrical.
Merry Vlog-mas!
That breakin of three Edison’s into a socket would be illegal here in NZ, mainly as in our power system the neutral is a hot conductor.
Is it 1.21 Gigawatts?😅
How do I get a cnc framed distro like that for my rack
I work in a warehouse (sales). We sell all plumbing and Electrical supplies. At least if I ever get into it the electrical stuff will be cheaper lol
Do not get an expensive multimeter. Get a cheap One. It works just as good and you won't be sad if it gets stolen.
Great video i dont do big shows so i dont need all of that but what size of ext cable do u say u must run for a small dj setup
thanks for the info
How did you do the three-phase break in?
coiling feeder cable is the worst right there next to coiling W1/W2 multi-pin... my back broke just thinking of that
W1/W2 multipin actually isn't that bad imo in comparison to ramlatch/cpc or soco, but cam feeder is an absolute bitch!!!
the amount of copper becomes heavy. coiling a 50’ feeder cable takes some muscling to do.
Man, thanks for this video. You sound like "THE" guy I have been looking for since a while. I have some equipment, smaller than whatever you describe here but maybe you can help me, please if you a bit of time to spare.
I have recently acquired to following equipment for private parties:
- 8x Alto TS415 - 2500W peak/1250RMS
- 2x Alto TS408 - 2000W peak/1000RMS
- 4x Vonyx SWP15 - 800W peak/probably half RMS
- 2x Alto TS18s- 2500W peak/1250RMS
- 2x Mac Mah AS118s - Unsure but like the TS18S
So my question is, can I plug all this on a couple of country side house power socket? Or will I set the entire place on fire? What do I need to know? I am in France so electrical outlets here are either 16 or 32A, I am most likely 16A on a single circuit I think
Any advise is welcome or you can share some useful links I all take them as well.
I would really, really appreciate your feedback bro!
Great vid!
What size feeder did you have in the trunk?
In the D trunk there is 2/0. In the smaller C trunk it was number 2.
We coil/uncoil our three phase uk stuff out of a semi
thanks thanks thanks for the help
Maaaan yesss feeeder cable is nooo joke, i stress POWER POWER POWER. when i scout out any venue that i set up at for dj or production gig
I work at a arena in Washington DC and we get 48 pin cable that get converted to Edison which is a pain in the as$
any list for all the equip,ments?
Short video idea what it takes to start vloging and gig logs
What about warehousing the equipment?
Good video but reshooting with better focusing would be awesome!
I think Id be lucky to get a brown lamp extension cord.
Where can you buy a pro distro box?
Don't plug in to a 240 volt 3phase with a high leg
Do i watch this now or do I go bed... f*ck it I'll watch it now 😂
You made my brain hurt.
Yep, halfway through I thought "is he speaking a different language? Cause I don't understand a word he's saying!"
I would suggest getting away from Aluminum feeder unless you have plenty of Noalox on hand
This sounded like a foreign language. Gotta learn though!
First
Cables are stingers! This dude needs to eat another dozen donuts!
I don’t even like donuts Daniel. Let me head over to your channel so you can teach me how to do it properly…
Why isnt anybody doing a demo of them pluging things when talking about powering a live show? Hook up stuff to breaker panels/outlets or wherever you're supposed to get power from. It would be easier to understand when its actually seen being hooked up.
Are you a Razorback?!
😎
Pro !! I hope the younger generations learn this rather than playing video games
yo John ol buddy im gonna give you a call......lol
This is a video from four years ago, your distribution box configuration has fallen behind, now the product is more perfect, I am now customizing power systems for customers in the United States and Mexico
Second
Powerlock > camlock :p
Who’s paying to covert me over? 😂
SOCApex not SACOpex....
Fifth
its power loc not feeder cable