Which cable should I use for a power distributor?

For professional power distributors in event technology, use H07RN-F rubber cable with appropriate cross-section for the load. For 16A CEE distributors, 5×1.5 mm² (five-core: three phases, neutral, earth) is the minimum, though 5×2.5 mm² offers better safety margins and lower voltage drop. For 32A distributors, use 5×4.0 mm² or larger. Rubber-sheathed H07RN-F cable is oil-resistant, flexible and suitable for outdoor use, making it ideal for mobile event applications. Brands like Titanex offer enhanced durability for demanding touring environments.

What is the difference between 16A and 32A CEE connectors?

CEE 16A and 32A connectors differ in size, current capacity and typical applications. A 16A CEE connector (red, 400 V three-phase) handles up to 11 kW continuous load, suitable for most stage lighting rigs and small to medium PA systems. The 32A variant supports up to 22 kW, used for larger productions, multiple distributed loads or high-power equipment like large moving lights and amplifier racks. Physically, 32A connectors are larger with thicker pins, and they require correspondingly larger cable cross-sections (typically 5×4.0 mm² vs. 5×1.5 mm² for 16A). The two types are not interchangeable — a 16A plug will not fit a 32A socket.

When do I need a DMX terminator?

A DMX terminator is required on any DMX512 lighting control network longer than approximately 50 metres or with more than 20 fixtures in the daisy chain. The terminator — a 120-ohm resistor connected between DMX pins 2 and 3 (Data+ and Data–) — is installed at the last fixture in the chain. It absorbs signal reflections that would otherwise bounce back along the cable, causing data corruption, flickering or erratic fixture behaviour. Without proper termination, long cable runs or large fixture counts often result in unreliable operation, especially with fast-moving effects or strobing. Professional DMX terminators are available as XLR plug-in modules, or you can solder a 120-ohm resistor into a spare XLR connector.

What types of plug connections are used in event technology?

Professional event technology uses several standardised connector types. CEE connectors (IEC 60309) in 16A, 32A and 63A variants handle three-phase power distribution, with colour coding (blue for 230 V, red for 400 V) preventing mis-connection. Schuko (Schutzkontakt) plugs and sockets are standard for 230 V single-phase equipment. XLR connectors in 3-pin and 5-pin versions carry DMX lighting control and analogue audio signals. powerCON connectors (by Neutrik) provide a locking mains connection for powered loudspeakers and lighting fixtures, safer and more reliable than IEC C13/C14. Speakon connectors (also Neutrik) are the professional standard for speaker cables, offering secure locking and high current capacity. Each connector type is optimised for its specific application, ensuring safety and reliability in demanding production environments.

How do I calculate the load for a power distributor?

To calculate the load for a power distributor, sum the power consumption (in watts) of all connected equipment, then divide by the supply voltage to obtain current in amperes. For single-phase 230 V loads, use the formula: Current (A) = Power (W) ÷ 230. For three-phase 400 V loads, the calculation is: Current (A) = Power (W) ÷ (√3 × 400) ÷ efficiency factor. Always add a 20–30% safety margin to account for inrush currents, power factor and future expansion. Ensure loads are balanced across all three phases (L1, L2, L3) to prevent neutral overload. Check that the total current does not exceed the distributor's input rating (e.g. 16A for a CEE 16A input) and that individual outlet circuits remain within their rated capacity.

Which DMX cable should I buy for stage lighting?

For professional stage lighting, always use purpose-designed DMX512 cable with 110-ohm impedance and twisted-pair construction. Look for cables with robust shielding (foil plus braid, minimum 90% coverage) to prevent interference from nearby power cables. Brands like Sommer Cable, Cordial and Helukabel offer high-quality DMX cables with flexible, durable jackets suitable for touring. Choose 3-pin XLR for standard applications or 5-pin XLR for future compatibility and enhanced grounding. Avoid using standard microphone cables for DMX — they lack the correct impedance and shielding, leading to signal errors and unreliable operation. For permanent installations, specify UV-resistant or flame-retardant jackets as required by the environment.

What does IP44 protection mean for power distributors?

IP44 (Ingress Protection rating 44) indicates that a power distributor is protected against solid objects larger than 1 mm (e.g. wires, small tools) and against water splashes from any direction. The first digit (4) denotes protection against solid particles; the second digit (4) denotes protection against water. IP44 is the minimum standard for outdoor event equipment, ensuring safe operation in rain, damp conditions and dusty environments like festival sites or construction areas. However, IP44 does not mean the equipment is waterproof — it should not be submerged or exposed to high-pressure water jets. For harsher conditions, look for IP54 (dust-protected) or IP67 (dust-tight and waterproof) distributors.

How long can a DMX cable run be before signal quality degrades?

A properly terminated DMX512 cable run can reliably extend up to 300–400 metres before signal degradation becomes problematic, though the official DMX512 specification recommends a maximum of 250 metres. Beyond this distance, signal attenuation, capacitance and electromagnetic interference increase the risk of data errors, resulting in flickering, colour shifts or fixture dropouts. For longer runs, use a DMX splitter or booster to regenerate the signal — these devices receive the incoming DMX data, clean it up and retransmit it at full strength, effectively resetting the distance limit. Optical DMX systems extend this further, converting electrical signals to light and transmitting over fibre-optic cable for distances exceeding several kilometres with zero signal loss or interference.

Cables, Connectors & Power Distributors

ILME Protection Cap for 16-72-pin Cablehood

Cover, size "77.27", metal version, IP66. : Pins: 16 • Length (mm): 93.5 mm • Height (mm): 12 mm • Width (mm): 43 mm • Weight: 0.061 kg • IP Rating: IP65...

€11.29 *

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Delivery time: 3-5 days

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BALS CEE Socket 32A 3pin bu

Made in Germany • Connector type: CEE 32A 3-pin (F) • Construction: Plug for cable • Weight: 0,24 kg •

€10.95 *

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Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

OMNITRONIC Kaltgeräte Netzkabel 3x1,0 3m sw

OMNITRONIC IEC Power Cable 3x1.0 3m bk

Package contents 1 x power cord • Cable construction: 3 x 1,0 mm² power cable • Cable length: 3 m • Plug A: 1 x safety plug (M) • Plug B: 1 x IEC (F) • Color: Black...

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€7.90 *

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Delivery time: 1-3 days

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DAP Klinke-F Verriegelung Stecker Nickel Gehäuse Schwarz Kappe

DAP-Audio Jack Plug - Stereo - Locking - female Black end cap - nickel housing

Black end cap, Nickel housing, black. : Flashover Voltage: 1000 V • Impedance: 100000 Ω • Pins: 3 • Wire Connection: 1 mm² • Maximum Wire Size: 1 mm²...

€3.85 *

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Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Neutrik NC 3 MXXB 3-poliger XLR Kabelstecker schwarz

Neutrik NC3MXX-B - XLR Connector 3 Pin black with gold contacts, male

XLR Connector 3 Pin black with gold contacts, male 3 pole male cable connector with black metal housing and gold contacts The next generation of the worldwide accepted standard of XLR cable...

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€5.00 *

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OMNITRONIC Adapter XLR(M)/XLR(M)

Package contents 1 x adapter • Plug A: 1 x 3-pin XLR (M) • Plug B: 1 x 3-pin XLR (M) • Material: Metal, 1 mm • Color: Silver • Dimensions: Length: 6,25 cm Diameter:...

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€4.50 *

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BALS CEE Plug 32A 3pin bu

Made in Germany • Connector type: CEE 32A 3-pin (M) • Construction: Plug for cable • Weight: 0,22 kg •

€11.50 *

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Delivery time: 3-5 days

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DAP FL39 - bal. XLR/F 3 p. > 2 XLR/M 3 p. 1,5 m

DAP-Audio FL39 - bal. XLR 3P, female to 2 x XLR 3P male 1.5 m

1.5 m : Flashover Voltage: 30 V • Connector 1: XLR 3P • Connector 2: XLR 3P • Cable Length: 1.5 m • Pins: 3 • Outer Cable Diameter: 9 mm • Weight: 0.16 kg...

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€7.95 *

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DAP 6.3 mm. Klinkeverbinder Stereo, Nickel/ Endkappe Gelb

DAP-Audio 6.3 mm Jack Plug Stereo Nickel housing Yellow end cap

Yellow end cap : Flashover Voltage: 1000 V • Impedance: 100000 Ω • Pins: 3 • Wire Connection: 1 mm² • Maximum Wire Size: 1 mm² • Maximum Wire Size AWG: 18...

€2.75 *

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Delivery time: 3-5 days

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PCE CEE 16 A/400 V - 4P Plug male Red

: Rated Current (A): 16 A • Flashover Voltage: 400 V • Cable Entry: 6-15 mm • Pins: 4 • Minimum Wire Size: 1 mm² • Maximum Wire Size: 2.5 mm² • Length (mm):...

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€5.32 *

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OMNITRONIC Kaltgeräte Netzkabel 3x1,5 10m sw

OMNITRONIC IEC Power Cable 3x1.5 10m bk

Universal IEC cable Package contents 1 x power cord • Cable construction: 3 x 1,5 mm² power cable; H05VV-F • Cable length: 10 m • Plug A: 1 x safety plug (M) • Plug B: 1 x...

€26.90 *

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Delivery time: 3-5 days

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DAP Klinkeverbinder mit Feder Mono, Nickel

DAP-Audio Jack Plug with Spring Mono Nickel housing

: Flashover Voltage: 500 V • Impedance: 100000 Ω • Pins: 2 • Wire Connection: 1 mm² • Maximum Wire Size: 1 mm² • Maximum Wire Size AWG: 18 AWG • Outer...

€1.45 *

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PCE CEE 16A 400V 5p Sockel männlich - Schwarz, IP44

PCE CEE 16 A/400 V 5-pin Socket male Black

: Rated Current (A): 16 A • Flashover Voltage: 400 V • Pins: 5 • Minimum Wire Size: 1 mm² • Maximum Wire Size: 2.5 mm² • Length (mm): 47.5 mm • Height (mm):...

€8.84 *

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American DJ AC-XMXF 90° Mikrofon Kabel 1,5m

American DJ AC-XMXF 90° Microphone Cable 1,5m

Right-Angle Microphone Cable 1.5m – American DJ AC-XMXF 90° Flexible microphone cable with 90° angled XLR plug for space-saving and secure connections. Perfect for stage and studio...

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€5.00 *

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PSSO Extension 3x2.5 10m 3-fold bk

Threefold extension cable for the entertainment industry Heavy rubber coating with rubber safety plug and 3-fold connector • Not comparable with do-it-yourself providers • Suitable for...

€85.90 *

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Delivery time: 3-5 days

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DAP-Audio FP05 - Schuko/XLR M - Schuko/XLR F - DMX / Power 20 m

Blue power/DMX cable with male and female 3P XLR connector, male and female schuko connector. : Rated Current (A): 16 A • Flashover Voltage: 30 V • Impedance: 110 Ω • Connector...

€66.30 *

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DAP Klinkeverbinder mit Feder Stereo, Nickel

DAP-Audio Jack Plug with Spring Stereo Nickel housing

: Flashover Voltage: 500 V • Impedance: 100000 Ω • Pins: 3 • Wire Connection: 1 mm² • Maximum Wire Size: 1 mm² • Maximum Wire Size AWG: 18 AWG • Outer...

€1.65 *

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PCE CEE 16A 400V 5p Sockel männlich - Rot, IP44

PCE CEE 16 A/400 V 5-pin Socket male Red

: Rated Current (A): 16 A • Flashover Voltage: 400 V • Pins: 5 • Minimum Wire Size: 1 mm² • Maximum Wire Size: 2.5 mm² • Length (mm): 47.5 mm • Height (mm):...

€7.09 *

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DAP-Audio Schuko to IEC Splitter 3-way MKII 5 m

: Rated Current (A): 16 A • Connector 1: Schuko Plug • Connector 2: IEC C13 female • Cable Length: 5 m • Pins: 3 • Wire Connection: 1.5 mm² • Wire Size: 1.5...

€37.23 *

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PSSO Extension 3x1.5 1,5m bk

Extension cable for the entertainment industry Heavy rubber coating with rubber safety plug and connector • Not comparable with do-it-yourself providers • Made in Germany • Package...

€12.90 *

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Delivery time: 3-5 days

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PSSO DMX Kabeltrommel XLR 50m sw Neutrik 2x0,22

PSSO DMX cable drum XLR 50m bk Neutrik 2x0.22

Cable reel with DMX cable Schill cable reel, black • For long cable runs • High-quality DMX cable • Adheres to the DMX standard USITT DMX-512/1990/-A • Highly flexible...

€199.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
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Delivery time: 3-5 days

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PSSO PowerCon TRUE Power Cable 3x1.5 1.5m

Built with NEUTRIK connector • Made in Europe • Package contents 1 x power cord • IP classification: IP65 • Cable construction: 3 x 1,5 mm² H07RN-F • Cable length: 1,5...

€29.90 *

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DAP XGA08 - Mini Klinke/M stereo > Mini Klinke/F, 90°

DAP-Audio XGA08 - mini-jack/M stereo to mini-jack/F - 90°

You don’t want to busy yourself with details? Things of minor importance like adapters? DAP developed a new series of high quality Audio adapters so that you don’t have to pay attention...

€3.95 *

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Delivery time: 3-5 days

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Neutrik NC 3 MP XLR Chassis Connector male

3 pole male receptacle, solder contacts, Nickel housing, silver contacts Smallest available traditional style metal panel mount connector with large solder cups for ease hard wiring. Features &...

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€4.75 *

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Cable Connectors