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

SOMMER CABLE DMX Kabel 2x0,22 100m sw SC-Semicolon

SOMMER CABLE DMX cable 2x0.22 100m bk SC-Semicolon

High-quality data cable AES/EBU- and DMX-conformant, highly flexible • Very good shielding through the use of copper spiral shielding and a fleece vaporized with aluminum • Extremely...

€165.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SOMMER CABLE DMX Kabel XLR 5pol 3m sw Hicon

SOMMER CABLE DMX cable XLR 5pin 3m bk Hicon

DMX cable by premium manufacturer Sommer CableThese premade cables are the perfect choice for the transmission of the 110 ohms AES/EBU DMX512 data format.Important note: the use of a standard...

€31.90 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SOMMER CABLE DMX Kabel XLR 5pol 5m sw Hicon

SOMMER CABLE DMX cable XLR 5pin 5m bk Hicon

DMX cable by premium manufacturer Sommer CableThese premade cables are the perfect choice for the transmission of the 110 ohms AES/EBU DMX512 data format.Important note: the use of a standard...

€36.45 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SOMMER CABLE DMX Kabel XLR 5pol 10m sw Hicon

SOMMER CABLE DMX cable XLR 5pin 10m bk Hicon

DMX cable by premium manufacturer Sommer CableThese premade cables are the perfect choice for the transmission of the 110 ohms AES/EBU DMX512 data format.Important note: the use of a standard...

€49.90 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SOMMER CABLE DMX Kabel XLR 5pol 20m sw Hicon

SOMMER CABLE DMX cable XLR 5pin 20m bk Hicon

DMX cable by premium manufacturer Sommer CableThese premade cables are the perfect choice for the transmission of the 110 ohms AES/EBU DMX512 data format.Important note: the use of a standard...

€74.90 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

PC ELECTRIC CEE Kupplung Power Twist IP67 16A 5Pol 6h

PC ELECTRIC CEE Connector Power Twist IP67 16A 5Pol 6h

clutch socket with screw terminals • Housing material: PA6 • Contacts: Brass • Protection class: IP67 •

Express delivery possible

€9.90 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

SOMMER CABLE XLR Kabel 3pol 0,5m sw Neutrik

SOMMER CABLE XLR cable 3pin 0.5m bk Neutrik

STAGE 22 HIGHFLEX microphone cableThe STAGE 22 highflex is a high quality, very reasonably priced cable with a wire diameter of 2 x 0.22 mm² and a 6.4 mm thick supersoft PVC-jacket. It is...

€20.50 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec Verlängerungskabel für Festoonlight Q4 - 1 m

SHOWTEC Extension Cable for Festoonlight Q4 1 m

Dedicated cable for Festoonlight Q4 • Suitable for outdoor use (IP65) • Black • Extensioncable for Festoonlight Q4 : Power Connector In: Dedicated connector • Power Connector...

€14.90 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec Verlängerungskabel für Festoonlight Q4 - 2,5 m

SHOWTEC Extension Cable for Festoonlight Q4 2.5 m

Dedicated cable for Festoonlight Q4 • Suitable for outdoor use (IP65) • Black • Extensioncable for Festoonlight Q4 : Power Connector In: Dedicated connector • Power Connector...

€17.12 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec Verlängerungskabel für Festoonlight Q4 - 5 m

SHOWTEC Extension Cable for Festoonlight Q4 5 m

Dedicated cable for Festoonlight Q4 • Suitable for outdoor use (IP65) • Black • Extensioncable for Festoonlight Q4 : Power Connector In: Dedicated connector • Power Connector...

€29.99 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec Verlängerungskabel für Festoonlight Q4 - 10 m

SHOWTEC Extension Cable for Festoonlight Q4 10 m

Dedicated cable for Festoonlight Q4 • Suitable for outdoor use (IP65) • Black • Extensioncable for Festoonlight Q4 : Power Connector In: Dedicated connector • Power Connector...

€46.46 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

DAP-Audio Power Pro Connector to UK BS13 1.5 m

: Rated Current (A): 13 A • Connector 1: UK plug • Connector 2: Power Pro Blue • Cable Length: 1.5 m • Pins: 3 • Wire Connection: 1.5 mm² • Wire Size: 1.5...

€18.90 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec Power Pro Input Connector an Schuko

DAP-Audio Power Pro Input Connector to Schuko 3x 1.5 mm² 1.5 m

: Rated Current (A): 16 A • Connector 1: Schuko Plug • Connector 2: Power Pro Blue • Brand Connector 1: Seetronic • Cable Length: 1.5 m • Pins: 3 • Wire Connection:...

Express delivery possible

€14.55 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

DAP-Audio Power Pro True female Connector to Schuko 3x 1.5 mm² 1.5 m

: Rated Current (A): 16 A • Connector 1: Schuko Plug • Connector 2: Power Pro True In (Female) • Cable Length: 1.5 m • Pins: 3 • Wire Connection: 1.5 mm² • Wire...

Express delivery possible

€18.90 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Showtec Power Pro Out an Power Pro True In

DAP-Audio Power Pro Out to Power Pro True In 3x 1.5 mm² 0.25 m

25 cm Adapter cable from Power Pro Out to Power Pro True In : Rated Current (A): 16 A • Connector 1: Power Pro Grey • Connector 2: Power Pro True In (Female) • Cable Length: 0.25 m...

Express delivery possible

€28.90 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Showtec Power Pro In an Power Pro True Out

DAP-Audio Power Pro True Out to Power Pro In 3x 1.5 mm² 0.25 m

25 cm Adapter cable from Power Pro In to Power Pro True Out : Rated Current (A): 16 A • Connector 1: Power Pro True Out (Male) • Connector 2: Power Pro Blue • Cable Length: 0.25 m...

Express delivery possible

€28.90 * €25.90 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Showtec Power Splitter - Power Pro True In - Power Pro Out

DAP-Audio Power Splitter - Power Pro True1 In - Power Pro Out

: Rated Current (A): 16 A • Connector 1: Power Pro True Out (Male) • Connector 2: Power Pro Grey • Brand Connector 1: Seetronic • Brand Connector 2: Seetronic • Wire...

€18.37 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec Power Splitter - Power Pro True Out - Power Pro In

DAP-Audio Power Splitter - Power Pro True Out - Power Pro In

: Rated Current (A): 16 A • Connector 1: Power Pro Blue • Connector 2: Power Pro True Out (Male) • Wire Connection: 1.5 mm² • Wire Size: 1.5 mm² • IP Rating: IP20...

€18.37 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Neutrik XLR 3p. 90° Verbinder Female - Silberkontakte, Nickelgehäuse

XLR 3P 90° Connector - female - Neutrik RX Silver contacts - nickel housing

3-pin right angle female cable connector. The RX Series is the right angle version of the XX cable connector series. The successor of the RC series offers several new features which make it more...

€11.81 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

NEUTRIK XLR 3P Connector - female Gold contacts - black metal housing

Unique female DMX design for low contact resistance and high integrity • Rugged zinc diecast shell, long-lasting and dependable • Internal thread on shell is well protected against any...

€7.44 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

EUROLITE Kombikabel DMX P-Con/3 Pin XLR 1,5m

EUROLITE Combi Cable DMX P-Con/3pin XLR 1,5m

Power DMX hybridcable REAN a brand of Neutrik • Package contents 1 x power cord • Cable construction: 3 x 2,5 mm²; 2 x 0,22 mm² hybrid cable • Cable length: 1,5 m...

€29.90 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

DAP-Audio FP-13 Hybrid Cable - powerCON TRUE1 & 3-pin XLR - DMX / Power DMX & Strom - 10 m

DAP-Audio FP-13 Hybrid Cable - powerCON TRUE1 & 3-pin XLR - DMX / Power 10 m

2-in-1 combi cable • Suitable for DMX supported lighting fixtures • 3-pin Neutrik XLR connectors • powerCON TRUE1 connectors • Available in different lengths • The DAP...

€96.05 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec Kaltgeräte Netzkabel 2er Splitter Länge: 3 m

DAP-Audio Schuko to 2 IEC splitter 3 m

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

€20.23 * €16.66 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Connector Kit LED Output - 16 pieces Für Eldoled POWERdrive AC 600 W PW6060R1 - 4-polig

Connector Kit LED Output - 16 pieces For Eldoled POWERdrive AC 600 W PW6060R1 - 4-pole

16 pieces FMC 1.5/4-ST-3.5-1952283 • Compatible with Eldoled POWERdrive AC 600 W PW6060R1 • 4-pole connector • Suitable for wires up to 1.5 mm², nominal current 8 A...

Express delivery possible

€145.00 * €99.03 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Low stock; Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Cable Connectors