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

Adam Hall Connectors 4 STAR CJM3 - Klinke TRS

Adam Hall Connectors 4 STAR CJM3 - Jack TRS

Jack TRS TRS jack plug from our 4 Star Series • Balanced jack connector • Strain relief made of metal and heat shrink tubing • Sturdy and solid zinc housing • Suitable for...

€2.28 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Adam Hall Connectors 4 STAR CJM 3 MINI - Miniklinke TRS

Adam Hall Connectors 4 STAR CJM 3 MINI - Minijack TRS

Minijack TRS 3.5 mm jack plug from our 4 STAR SERIES • Symmetrical signal routing • for soldering to balanced cables • The high-quality mini jack plugs are the perfect choice for all...

€1.84 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Adam Hall Connectors 4 STAR P PF T CON - Netzsteckvorrichtung Einbaubuchse Female | IP65

Adam Hall Connectors 4 STAR P PF T CON - Mains plug device chassis connector female | IP65

Mains plug device chassis connector female | IP65 Mains connector with neutral conductor from our 4 Star Series • Current carrying capacity up to 16 A / 250V AC • Dust and splash-proof...

Express delivery possible

€4.51 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Adam Hall Connectors 4 STAR P PM TCON - Netzsteckvorrichtung Einbaubuchse Male | IP65

Adam Hall Connectors 4 STAR P PM TCON - Mains plug device chassis connector male | IP65

Mains plug device chassis connector male | IP65 Mains plug-in device with neutral conductor from our 4 Star Series • Current carrying capacity up to 16 A / 250V AC • Dust and splash-proof...

€6.24 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Adam Hall Connectors 4 STAR P SM4 - Einbaubuchse 4-Pol Lautsprecher Steckverbinder Male

Adam Hall Connectors 4 STAR P SM4 - Panel jack 4-pole loudspeaker connector Male

Panel jack 4-pole loudspeaker connector Male From our 4 Star Series • Standard speaker connectors with plug-in contacts (also solderable) • Compatible with all common 4-pole speakON...

€3.48 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Adam Hall Connectors 4 STAR P XF5 - XLR Einbaubuchse 5-Pol Female

Adam Hall Connectors 4 STAR P XF5 - XLR Chassis Connector 5-pole female

XLR Chassis Connector 5-pole female 4 Star Series • 5-pole panel jack D-shape • Robust metal housing • Silver-plated contacts • With solder terminals • This small but fine...

€5.10 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Adam Hall Connectors 4 STAR P XM5 - XLR Einbaubuchse 5-Pol male

Adam Hall Connectors 4 STAR P XM5 - Panel jack XLR 5-pole male D-type

Panel jack XLR 5-pole male D-type XLR Chassis Connectors from our 4 Star Series • D-type housing made of robust zinc casting • Silver plated contacts • Standard D panel cut-out 24 mm...

€5.10 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Neutrik NAC3FXXA-W-L - PowerCON blue PowerIn, groß

Neutrik NAC3FXXA-W-L - PowerCON blue PowerIn, Large

PowerCON blue PowerIn, Large IEC EN 60320-1 / UL 60320-1 / CSA C22.2 No. 60320-1 certified, thus accepted as a component for cord sets acc. to IEC 60799 / UL 817 and equipment acc. to IEC 62368-1...

Express delivery possible

€11.02 * €7.99 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Neutrik NAC3FXXA-W-S - Neutrik powerCON blau PowerIn

Neutrik NAC3FXXA-W-S - Neutrik powerCON blue PowerIn

Neutrik powerCON blue PowerIn IEC EN 60320-1 / UL 60320-1 / CSA C22.2 No. 60320-1 certified, thus accepted as a component for cord sets acc. to IEC 60799 / UL 817 and equipment acc. to IEC 62368-1...

Express delivery possible

€11.02 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Neutrik NAC3FXXB-W-L - Neutrik powerCON® weiß PowerOut Large

Neutrik NAC3FXXB-W-L - Neutrik powerCON® white PowerOut Large

Neutrik powerCON® white PowerOut Large IEC EN 60320-1 / UL 60320-1 / CSA C22.2 No. 60320-1 certified, thus accepted as a component for cord sets acc. to IEC 60799 / UL 817 and equipment acc. to...

Express delivery possible

€11.02 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Neutrik NAC3FXXB-W-S - Neutrik powerCON® weiß PowerOut Small

Neutrik NAC3FXXB-W-S - Neutrik powerCON® white PowerOut Small

Neutrik powerCON® white PowerOut Small IEC EN 60320-1 / UL 60320-1 / CSA C22.2 No. 60320-1 certified, thus accepted as a component for cord sets acc. to IEC 60799 / UL 817 and equipment acc. to...

€11.02 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Neutrik NCJ6FA V 0 - 3-polige XLR Einbaubuchse kombiniert mit 6.35 mm Klinkenbuchse

Neutrik NCJ6FA V 0 - 3-pole XLR panel jack combined with 6.35 mm jack socket

3-pole XLR panel jack combined with 6.35 mm jack socket 3-pole XLR panel jack combined with 6.35 mm TRS jack socket • Extremely space-saving - 15 % smaller than its predecessor • Very low...

€1.98 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Neutrik NP2XX-SILENT - Klinke TS Neutrik silentPLUG® | mit vergoldeten Kontakten

Neutrik NP2XX-SILENT - Jack TS Neutrik silentPLUG® | with gold-plated contacts

Jack TS Neutrik silentPLUG® | with gold-plated contacts Avoid pops and squeals • Lifetime beyond 1000 mating cycles • Rubberized surfaces for best haptic experience...

€16.34 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

EUROLITE DMX cable EC-1 IP65 3pin 3m bk

Package contents 1 x XLR cable, 2 x plug (male), 2 x end cap • IP classification: IP65 • Cable length: 3 m • Plug A: 1 x 3-pin XLR (F) IP • Plug B: 1 x 3-pin XLR (M) IP...

€11.93 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

EUROLITE DMX cable EC-1 IP65 3pin 5m bk

Package contents 1 x XLR cable, 2 x end cap • IP classification: IP65 • Cable length: 5 m • Plug A: 1 x 3-pin XLR (F) IP • Plug B: 1 x 3-pin XLR (M) IP • Color: Black...

€15.10 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

EUROLITE DMX Kabel EC-1 IP65 3pol 20m sw

EUROLITE DMX cable EC-1 IP65 3pin 20m bk

Package contents 1 x XLR cable, 2 x plug (male), 2 x end cap • IP classification: IP65 • Cable length: 20 m • Plug A: 1 x 3-pin XLR (M) IP • Plug B: 1 x 3-pin XLR (F) IP...

€39.90 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

ISOLED Wieland Stecker GST18I3S B1 ZR1, 3-polig, IP20, max. 20A, 250V

ISOLED Wieland plug GST18I3S B1 ZR1, 3-pole, IP20, max. 20A, 250V

ISOLED Wieland plug GST18I3S B1 ZR1, 3-pole, IP20, max. 20A, 250V : Length: 69,40 mm • Width: 28,20 mm • Height: 12,60 mm • Net weight: 20 g • Nominal voltage: 240 V...

€9.75 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Not in stock
Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

ISOLED Wieland Buchse GST18I3S S1 ZR1, 3-polig, IP20, max. 20A, 250V

ISOLED Wieland socket GST18I3S S1 ZR1, 3-pole, IP20, max. 20A, 250V

ISOLED Wieland socket GST18I3S S1 ZR1, 3-pole, IP20, max. 20A, 250V : Length: 69,40 mm • Width: 28,20 mm • Height: 12,60 mm • Net weight: 18,30 g • Nominal voltage: 240 V...

€9.75 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Not in stock
Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

NEUTRIK Power Cable powerCON TRUE1 to Schuko 3x 1.5 mm² 1.5 m

1.5 m, 3x 1.5 mm², Straight Schuko : Rated Current (A): 16 A • Connector 1: Schuko Plug ( IP44 ) • Connector 2: powerCON TRUE1 TOP In (Female IP65) • Cable Length: 1.5 m...

€18.90 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

NEUTRIK Power Cable powerCON TRUE1 to Schuko 3x 1.5 mm² 3 m

3 m, 3x 1.5 mm², Straight Schuko : Rated Current (A): 16 A • Connector 1: Schuko Plug ( IP44 ) • Connector 2: powerCON TRUE1 TOP In (Female IP65) • Cable Length: 3 m • Wire...

Express delivery possible

€26.90 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

NEUTRIK Power Cable powerCON TRUE1 to Schuko 3x 2.5 mm² 1.5 m

1.5 m, 3x 2.5 mm², Right-angle Schuko : Rated Current (A): 16 A • Connector 1: Schuko Plug ( IP44 ) • Connector 2: powerCON TRUE1 TOP In (Female IP65) • Cable Length: 1.5 m...

€21.50 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

NEUTRIK Power Cable powerCON TRUE1 to Schuko 3x 2.5 mm² 3 m

3 m, 3x 2.5 mm², Right-angle Schuko : Rated Current (A): 16 A • Connector 1: Schuko Plug ( IP44 ) • Connector 2: powerCON TRUE1 TOP In (Female IP65) • Cable Length: 3 m...

€19.90 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

NEUTRIK Power Cable powerCON TRUE1 to Schuko 3x 2.5 mm² 3 m

3 m, 3x 2.5 mm², Straight Schuko : Rated Current (A): 16 A • Connector 1: Schuko Plug ( IP44 ) • Connector 2: powerCON TRUE1 TOP In (Female IP65) • Cable Length: 3 m • Wire...

€29.99 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

NEUTRIK Power Cable powerCON TRUE1 male/female 3x 2.5 mm² 0.5 m

0.5 m, 3x 2.5 mm² : Rated Current (A): 16 A • Connector 1: powerCON TRUE1 TOP In (Female) • Connector 2: powerCON TRUE1 TOP Out (Male) • Cable Length: 0.50 m • Wire...

€17.53 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Cable Connectors