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 C XF3 BLK - XLR Stecker 3-Pol Female

Adam Hall Connectors 4 STAR C XF3 BLK - XLR plug 3-pole female

XLR plug 3-pole female High quality XLR connector from our 4 Star Series • For cables with a diameter of 5 - 7 mm • 3-pole plug with silver-plated contacts • Sturdy and durable zinc...

€3.40 *

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Adam Hall Connectors 4 STAR C XM3 BLK - XLR Stecker 3-Pol Male

Adam Hall Connectors 4 STAR C XM3 BLK - XLR plug 3-pole male

XLR plug 3-pole male High quality XLR connector from our 4 Star Series • For cables with a diameter of 5 - 7 mm • 3-pole plug with silver-plated contacts • Sturdy and durable zinc...

€3.40 *

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Showtec Powercable Pro – 10 m Stromkabel mit Power Connector auf Schuko- 10 m 3x 1,5 mm2

DAP-Audio Power Cable Power Pro connector to Schuko 3x 1.5 mm² 10 m

: Rated Current (A): 16 A • Connector 1: Schuko Plug • Connector 2: Power Pro Blue • Cable Length: 10 m • Wire Connection: 1.5 mm² • Wire Size: 1.5 mm²...

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€32.28 *

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Showtec FLEX Cable Für die FLEX Serie - 2,5 m

SHOWTEC FLEX & IP Pixelstrip Cable For FLEX & IP Pixelstrip series - 2.5 m

Dedicated cable for FLEX & IP Pixelstrip series • Provides power and data connections • Flexible rubber cable • IP65 • The Showtec FLEX & IP Pixelstrip Cable is a...

€28.90 *

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Showtec FLEX Cable Für die FLEX Serie - 10 m

SHOWTEC FLEX & IP Pixelstrip Cable For FLEX & IP Pixelstrip series - 10 m

Dedicated cable for FLEX & IP Pixelstrip series • Provides power and data connections • Flexible rubber cable • IP65 • The Showtec FLEX & IP Pixelstrip Cable is a...

€72.90 *

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Showtec FLEX Cable Für die FLEX Serie - 5 m

SHOWTEC FLEX & IP Pixelstrip Cable For FLEX & IP Pixelstrip series - 5 m

Dedicated cable for FLEX & IP Pixelstrip series • Provides power and data connections • Flexible rubber cable • IP65 • The Showtec FLEX & IP Pixelstrip Cable is a...

€43.90 *

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Seetronic Jack Plug 6.3 mm Mono Schwarzes Gehäuse - schwarze Endkappe

SEETRONIC Jack Plug 6.3 mm Mono Black housing - black end cap

Rugged zinc diecast shell • Nickel-plated contacts • Suitable for cables with an outer diameter between 4 and 7 mm • This 6.35 mm Mono jack plug has a zinc-diecast shell, a slim...

€2.05 *

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Neutrik Sealing Gasket for D-Size Chassis EPDM - Schwarz

NEUTRIK Sealing Gasket for D-Size Chassis EPDM - Black

For D-size chassis connectors • IP65 - Protects against water and dust • UV-resistant material for use in harsh outdoor environments • Allows a high packaging density on the chassis...

€1.75 *

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Neutrik Sealing Cover Für NAC3MPX*, NACMPXXA* und NACMPA-*

NEUTRIK Sealing Cover For NAC3MPX*, NACMPXXA* and NACMPA

IP65 (dust and water resistant, fit for outdoor use) • UV-resistant • Easy to install • The D-size rubber sealing cover protects the Neutrik powerCON TRUE1 TOP NAC3MPX* and powerCON...

€2.05 *

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Seetronic RJ45 Cable Carrier Silbernes Gehäuse - IP65 - Buchse

SEETRONIC RJ45 Cable Carrier Silver housing - IP65 - female

IP65 • Fits Seetronic SE8MC02NEW • For cables with an outer diameter between 5 and 7 mm • The Seetronic RJ45 Cable Carrier is IP65 rated for use in demanding outdoor environments. It...

€10.78 *

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Seetronic RJ45 Cable Carrier Silbernes Gehäuse - IP65

SEETRONIC RJ45 Cable Carrier Silver housing - IP65

IP65 • Fits Seetronic 05 series sockets • For cables with an outer diameter between 5 and 7 mm • The Seetronic RJ45 Cable Carrier has an IP65 rating and is an improved version of the...

€5.25 *

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TITANEX Gummikabel H07RN-F 5x1,5mm² 100m Ring

Rubber-coated cable H07RN-F 5G1.5mm² 100m

TITANEX – H07 RN-F is the number one rubber hose line. It is extremely powerful and impresses with its exceptionally long service life. Manufactured in accordance with strict ISO-certified...

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€209.00 *

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Control cable 3x0.75mm² – Flexible cable for control and signaling purposes

Control cable 3x0.75mm² – Flexible cable for control and signaling purposes 100 meters of control cable with color-coded cores for reliable signal and control applications. Suitable for...

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€47.90 * €36.30 *

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SLV Kaltgerätekabel, Länge 1,8m, schwarz

SLV Power cable, length 1.8 m, black

Connection cable with Schuko plug and cold device plug, length 1.80 metres. : Product name: ACC. • Colour: black • IP Code: IP20 • Length: 1800 mm • Primary nominal voltage:...

€13.04 *

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Adam Hall Connectors 4 STAR A JF2 RM2 - Adapter | Klinke TS Female x Cinch Male

Adam Hall Connectors 4 STAR A JF2 RM2 - Adapter | Jack TS female x RCA male

Adapter | Jack TS female x RCA male RCA to jack adapter from our 4 STAR SERIES • RCA male to 6.3 mm jack unbalanced female • Nickel-plated contacts • Housing made of sturdy metal...

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€2.92 *

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Adam Hall Connectors 4 STAR CJM2 BLK - Klinke TS | mit vergoldeten Kontakten

Adam Hall Connectors 4 STAR CJM2 BLK - Jack TS | with gold-plated contacts

Jack TS | with gold-plated contacts This TS Jack plug from our 4 STAR SERIES is made for professional applications • The unbalanced connector comes with gold-plated contacts and is therefore...

€2.78 *

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Adam Hall Connectors 4 STAR C JM3 BLK - Klinke TRS | mit vergoldeten Kontakten

Adam Hall Connectors 4 STAR C JM3 BLK - Jack TRS | with gold-plated contacts

Jack TRS | with gold-plated contacts This TRS Jack plug from our 4 STAR SERIES is made for professional applications • The balanced connector comes with gold-plated contacts and is therefore...

€2.78 *

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Neutrik REAN RCAC3F-X-000 - Rean® X-Series verschließbare Netzsteckvorrichtung Female | IP65

Neutrik REAN RCAC3F-X-000 - Rean® X-Series lockable female power connector | IP65

Rean® X-Series lockable female power connector | IP65 Designed for outdoor applications • IP65 protection, weather resistant • Compliant to Neutrik powerCON TRUE1-TOP® sockets...

€9.06 *

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Neutrik REAN RCAC3M-X-000 - Rean® X-Series verschließbare Netzsteckvorrichtung Male | IP65

Neutrik REAN RCAC3M-X-000 - Rean® X-Series lockable male power connector | IP65

Rean® X-Series lockable male power connector | IP65 Designed for outdoor applications • IP65 protection, weather resistant • Compliant to Neutrik powerCON TRUE1-TOP® sockets...

€8.74 *

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Neutrik REAN RRAC3F-X-000 - Rean® X-Series Einbaubuchse Female | IP65

Neutrik REAN RRAC3F-X-000 - Rean® X-Series chassis connector female | IP65

Rean® X-Series chassis connector female | IP65 Designed for outdoor applications • IP65 protection, weather resistant • Compliant to Neutrik powerCON TRUE1-TOP® plugs • With...

€3.96 *

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Neutrik REAN RRAC3M-X-000 - Rean® X-Series Einbaubuchse Male | IP65

Neutrik REAN RRAC3M-X-000 - Rean® X-Series chassis connector male | IP65

Rean® X-Series chassis connector male | IP65 Designed for outdoor applications • IP65 protection, weather resistant • Compliant to Neutrik powerCON TRUE1-TOP® plugs • With...

€2.98 *

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Adapterkabel Wieland Stecker neu - Wieland Buchse alt

Adapter cable Wieland plug new - Wieland socket old

Adapter cable: new Wieland plug – old Wieland socket High-quality adapter cable for connecting a new Wieland plug to an old Wieland socket. Ensures a safe and reliable power supply between...

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€59.50 *

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NEUTRIK XLR plug 3-pin NC3MX1-TOP

For further information about this product, please refer to the Data Sheet under "Downloads" • Package contents 1 x terminating plug (DMX) • IP classification: IP65...

€13.50 *

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SOMMER CABLE XLR Kabel 3pol 6m sw Neutrik

SOMMER CABLE XLR cable 3-pin 6m bk Neutrik

Made in Germany • plug (male) Built with NEUTRIK connector • Package contents 1 x XLR cable • Cable construction: 2 x 0,22 mm² audio cable • Cable length: 6 m • Plug...

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Cable Connectors