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

EUROLITE DMX Kabel SEC-1 IP65 3pol 5m sw

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

Reliable DMX cable for outdoor use Built with SEETRONIC connector • Suitable for outdoor use IP65 • Package contents 1 x XLR cable • IP classification: IP65 • Cable length: 5 m...

€15.50 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

EUROLITE DMX Kabel SEC-1 IP65 3pol 10m sw

EUROLITE DMX cable SEC-1 IP65 3pin 10m bk

Reliable DMX cable for outdoor use Built with SEETRONIC connector • Suitable for outdoor use IP65 • Package contents 1 x XLR cable • IP classification: IP65 • Cable length: 10 m...

€23.50 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

EUROLITE DMX Kabel SEC-1 IP65 3pol 15m sw

EUROLITE DMX cable SEC-1 IP65 3pin 15m bk

Reliable DMX cable for outdoor use Built with SEETRONIC connector • Suitable for outdoor use IP65 • Package contents 1 x XLR cable • IP classification: IP65 • Cable length: 15 m...

€32.50 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

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

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

Reliable DMX cable for outdoor use Built with SEETRONIC connector • Suitable for outdoor use IP65 • Package contents 1 x XLR cable • IP classification: IP65 • Cable length: 20 m...

€41.90 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

NEUTRIK XLR Buchse 3pol NC3FX1-TOP DMX Stecker

NEUTRIK XLR plug 3-pin NC3FX1-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...

€13.90 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

PSSO DMX Cable IP65 3-pin 20m bk

Reliable DMX cable for outdoor use Built with NEUTRIK connector • Suitable for outdoor use IP65 • Made in Germany • Package contents 1 x XLR cable • IP classification: IP65...

€73.50 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Adam Hall Connectors 4 STAR A GROUND LIFTER - Ground lift adapter | XLR Female x XLR Male

Ground lift adapter | XLR Female x XLR Male Ground lift adapter from our 4 STAR SERIES , designed for professional audio applications • Eliminates or reduces ground loop interference for...

€11.18 *

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Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

SEETRONIC Fibre optic chassis SO2DF - IP65

SO2DF dual-channel fibre optic chassis • IP65 rated • Black rubber seal included • This robust, SO2DF dual-channel fibre optic chassis is designed to work with SO2M cable connectors....

€60.50 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

PCE Mobile Verteilerbox Kunststoffserie ST.ANTON 2F 16/5 GS32/5 Ea m.B. 1x 5P CEE 32 A in - 1x

PCE Mobile Distribution Box Plastic Series ST.ANTON 2F 16/5 GS32/5 Ea m.B. 1x 5P CEE 32 A in - 1x

Adaptor for 32 to 16 A power distribution • 5P CEE in and out • 16A 3p C circuit breaker • IP44 • This power adapter with CEE plug 32A (male) to CEE socket 16A (female) is...

€94.50 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

PCE CEE 16 A/240 V - 3P Socket female Blue

CEE 16 A/240 V 3-pin female socket • 6h position • IP54 • The CEE 16 A/240 V - 3P Socket female is a robust and reliable flush-mounted socket outlet designed for industrial...

€5.85 *

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Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

DAP-Audio DMX-224-Cca-S1b-d1-a1 DMX-Kabel EN 50575 – 2x 0,34 mm² – 100 m auf Spule – schwarzer

DAP-Audio DMX-224-Cca-S1b-d1-a1 DMX Cable EN 50575 - 2x 0.34 mm² - 100 m on spool - black jacket

2-core 110 Ω DMX cable • Foil and braided shielding • Reaction to fire: Cca s1b, d1, a1 • Colour coded • The DAP DMX-224 is a CPR-compliant DMX cable composed of 2x 0.34...

€127.10 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

DAP-Audio FL86 – DMX/AES-EBU XLR/M 5P auf XLR/F 5P, 1,5 m

DAP-Audio FL86 - DMX/AES-EBU XLR/M 5P to XLR/F 5P 1.5 m

To prevent signal distortion in digital signal transmission, it is advisable to use the DAP FL86 (Digital AES-EBU norm) 110 Ohm DMX cable. The FL86 series uses updated XLR connectors. : Connector...

€12.50 *

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Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

DAP-Audio FL86 – DMX/AES-EBU XLR/M 5P auf XLR/F 5P, 0,75 m

DAP-Audio FL86 - DMX/AES-EBU XLR/M 5P to XLR/F 5P 0.75 m

To prevent signal distortion in digital signal transmission, it is advisable to use the DAP FL86 (Digital AES-EBU norm) 110 Ohm DMX cable. The FL86 series uses updated XLR connectors. : Connector...

€10.50 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

DAP-Audio FLX01 – symmetrisch, XLR/M 3-polig auf XLR/F 3-polig, X-Typ, 15 m

DAP-Audio FLX01- bal. XLR/M 3P to XLR/F 3P X-type 15 m

The FLX01 is a basic microphone cable for all-round use. The FLX01 has high quality specs, featuring X-type connectors, low noise, a wide dynamic range, high flexibility and is road-proof! :...

€20.23 *

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Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

DAP-Audio FLX01 – symmetrisch, XLR/M 3-polig auf XLR/F 3-polig, X-Typ, 20 m

DAP-Audio FLX01- bal. XLR/M 3P to XLR/F 3P X-type 20 m

The FLX01 is a basic microphone cable for all-round use. The FLX01 has high quality specs, featuring X-type connectors, low noise, a wide dynamic range, high flexibility and is road-proof! :...

Express delivery possible

€24.65 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

DAP-Audio Netzkabel - Schuko auf REAN PowerX - 3x 2,5 mm² 1,5 m

DAP-Audio Power Cable - Schuko to REAN PowerX - 3x 2.5 mm² 1.5 m

3x 2.5 mm² core • Schuko to female REAN PowerX Power Pro True connector • 1.5 m • 100% compatible with Neutrik • The FPR04 is a 1.5-m-long power cable with a 3x 2.5...

€33.15 *

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Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

DAP-Audio XLR 5P X-Typ – weiblich, schwarze Endkappe, Nickelgehäuse

DAP-Audio XLR 5P X-type - female Black end cap - nickel housing

Professional 5-pin X-type connector • Female • New latch system • This female, 5-pin X-type connector is made for professional applications. : PCB Mount: No • Housing: Metal...

€2.65 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

DAP-Audio XLR 5P X-type - female Black end cap - nickel housing

Professional 5-pin X-type connector • Female • New latch system • This female, 5-pin X-type connector is made for professional applications. : PCB Mount: No • Housing: Metal...

€2.65 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

DAP-Audio XLR 5P X-Typ – Stecker, schwarze Endkappe, schwarzes Gehäuse

DAP-Audio XLR 5P X-type - male Black end cap - black housing

Professional 5-pin X-type connector • Male • New latch system • This male, 5-pin X-type connector is made for professional applications. : PCB Mount: No • Housing: Metal...

€2.55 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

DAP-Audio XLR 5P X-Typ – Stecker, schwarze Endkappe, Nickelgehäuse

DAP-Audio XLR 5P X-type - male Black end cap - nickel housing

Professional 5-pin X-type connector • Male • New latch system • This male, 5-pin X-type connector is made for professional applications. : PCB Mount: No • Housing: Metal...

€2.55 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

PSSO DMX Cable IP65 3-pin 15m black

Reliable DMX cable for outdoor use Built with NEUTRIK connector • Helukabel • Suitable for outdoor use IP65 • Made in Germany • Package contents 1 x XLR cable • IP...

€62.90 *

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Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Neutrik REAN RRAC3F-X-011 - Rean® X-Series D-Form Einbaubuchse Female | IP65

Neutrik REAN RRAC3F-X-011 - Rean® X Series D-type chassis connector female | IP65

Rean® X Series D-type chassis connector female | IP65 Outdoor compliant power socket D-type size • IP65 protection, weather resistant, airtight • Compliant to Neutrik powerCON®...

€8.42 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Adam Hall Cables 5 STAR H TCON N 0150 - Hybridkabel Netzwerk | Neutrik etherCON® x TRUE1® | 1,5 m

Adam Hall Cables 5 STAR H TCON N 0150 - Hybrid cable network | Neutrik etherCON® x TRUE1® | 1.5 m

Hybrid cable network | Neutrik etherCON® x TRUE1® | 1.5 m Hybrid cable for simultaneous transmission of network & power signals from our 5 STAR SERIES • Original Neutrik®...

€94.54 *

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

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Adam Hall Cables 5 STAR H TCON N 0300 - Hybridkabel Netzwerk | Neutrik etherCON® x TRUE1® | 3 m

Adam Hall Cables 5 STAR H TCON N 0300 - Hybrid cable network | Neutrik etherCON® x TRUE1® | 3 m

Hybrid cable network | Neutrik etherCON® x TRUE1® | 3 m Hybrid cable for simultaneous transmission of network & power signals from our 5 STAR SERIES • Original Neutrik®...

€113.85 *

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

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Cable Connectors