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

ExpoLite TourLED Power Link Kabel IP65 Verbindungskabel 10m

Expolite TourLed Link cabel 10m

control Connections: 1x IP65 power plug 1x IP65 power coupling housing Material: Plastic Color: black Housing protection class: IP65 Dimensions / Weight Dimensions: 10m length Weight: 2 kg

€49.00 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Not in stock
Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

Magic FX Schuko zu Neutrik Powercon - Kabel 1.5m.

Magic FX Schuko to Neutrik Powercon - cable 1.5m.

Size (LxWxH) 150 CM • Weight (KG) 0.2 • Voltage 230 V •

€31.51 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Not in stock
Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

OMNITRONIC XLR cable 5pin 0.5m bk

Package contents 1 x XLR cable • Cable construction: Audio cable • Cable length: 0,5 m • Plug A: 1 x 5-pin XLR (M) • Plug B: 1 x 5-pin XLR (F) • Color: Black • Weight:...

€4.90 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Currently not available

OMNITRONIC Adapter RCA(M)/Jack(F) 10x

Sales unit 10 pieces/bag Plug A: 1 x RCA (M) • Plug B: 1 x 6.3 mm jack socket (mono) • Weight: 70 g •

€9.90 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

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Currently not available

Details

OMNITRONIC Adapterkabel Kaltgeräte/Schutzkontakt 1m

OMNITRONIC Adaptercable IEC(M)/Safety plug(F) 1m

Adaptercable from a IEC (M) to a safety plug (F) Package contents 1 x adapter cable • Cable construction: Power cable • Cable length: 1 m • Plug A: 1 x IEC (M) • Plug B: 1 x...

€6.90 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Currently not available

PSSO Extension 3x1.5 5m 3-fold bk

The 3-fold extension cable for the entertainment industry Heavy rubber coating with rubber safety plug and 3-fold connector • With self-locking flap covers • H07RN quality for permanent...

€43.50 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

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HELUKABEL Steuerleitung 4x0,14 100m LiYCY

HELUKABEL Control Cable 4x0.14 100m LiYCY

For further information about this product, please refer to the Data Sheet under "Downloads" • Cable construction: 4 x 0,14 mm² control line LiYCY • Cable length: 100 m...

€89.90 *

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

Availability:

Currently not available

OMNITRONIC XLR cable 3pin 5m bu

Package contents 1 x XLR cable • Cable construction: Audio cable • Cable length: 5 m • Plug A: 1 x 3-pin XLR (M) • Plug B: 1 x 3-pin XLR (F) • Material: Metal • Color:...

€7.50 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

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Currently not available

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HICON Jack plug 6.3 HI-J63SA06

HICON • Connector type: 6.3 mm angle jack (stereo) • Construction: Plug for cable • Connections: Solder tail • Use of brands: HICON • Material: Metal • Color: Black...

€3.50 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

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Currently not available

PSSO Combi Cable DMX PowerCon/XLR 3m

This DMX+POWER hybrid cable combines a shielded light control wire and the power supply wire. The DMX-cable, which is shielded by a tin-coated copper braiding is perfectly suited for the control of...

€74.90 *

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

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Currently not available

DAP XGA43 - Mini Jack/M mono > Mini Jack/F Incl. 2x 10 kilo-Ohm

DAP-Audio XGA43 - mini-jack/M mono to mini-jack/F - incl. 2 x 10 kOhm resistors

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...

€2.73 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

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Currently not available

DAP FL08 - bal XLR/M 5 p. > XLR/F 5 p. 10 m

DAP-Audio FL08 - DMX/AES-EBU XLR/M 5P to XLR/F 5P 10 m

This 110-ohm DMX cable is designed for the optimal transmission of AES/EBU digital signals. : Connector 1: XLR 5P • Connector 2: XLR 5P • Cable Length: 10 m • Pins: 5...

€19.01 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

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Currently not available

DAP FL08 - bal XLR/M 5 p. > XLR/F 5 p. 1,5 m

DAP-Audio FL08 - DMX/AES-EBU XLR/M 5P to XLR/F 5P 1.5 m

This 110-ohm DMX cable is designed for the optimal transmission of AES/EBU digital signals. : Connector 1: XLR 5P • Connector 2: XLR 5P • Cable Length: 1.5 m • Pins: 5 • Outer...

€5.54 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

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DAP FL08 - bal XLR/M 5 p. > XLR/F 5 p. 20 m

DAP-Audio FL08 - DMX/AES-EBU XLR/M 5P to XLR/F 5P 20 m

This 110-ohm DMX cable is designed for the optimal transmission of AES/EBU digital signals. : Connector 1: XLR 5P • Connector 2: Power Pro True In (Female) • Cable Length: 20 m...

€33.88 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

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Currently not available

DAP FL08 - bal XLR/M 5 p. > XLR/F 5 p. 3 m

DAP-Audio FL08 - DMX/AES-EBU XLR/M 5P to XLR/F 5P 3 m

This 110-ohm DMX cable is designed for the optimal transmission of AES/EBU digital signals. : Cable Length: 3 m •

€10.00 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

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DAP-Audio FSA04 – Klinkenbuchse mit Verriegelung für Lautsprecher, 2-polig, weiblich

DAP-Audio FSA04 - Jack female locking to Speaker 2P female

: Rated Current (A): 20 A • Flashover Voltage: 250 V • Impedance: 0.1 Ω • Connector 1: Speaker Connector 2 pole • Connector 2: XLR 3P • Pins: 7 • Length (mm): 93...

€8.51 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

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DAP-Audio XLR 5P Chassis - female Nickel housing

Female : PCB Mount: No • Housing: Metal • Colour: Silver • Locking Device: Latch • Contact Type: Nickel plated •

€2.07 *

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DAP XLR 3p. Verbinder female, Nickel Schwarz

DAP-Audio XLR 3P Connector - female - Nickel housing Black end cap

Black : Colour: Silver • Bushing Colour: Black • Contact Type: Nickel plated •

€1.07 *

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DAP N-CON Mini XLR 4p. Stecker Nickel housing Female

DAP-Audio N-CON Mini XLR 4P Plug - female Nickel housing

Female : PCB Mount: No • Housing: Metal • Colour: Silver • Bushing Colour: Black • Locking Device: Latch • Contact Type: Nickel plated •

€2.40 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

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DAP XGA07 - Mini Klinke/M mono > Mini Klinke/F

DAP-Audio XGA07 - mini-jack/M mono to mini-jack/F

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...

€2.29 *

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Currently not available

DAP XGA17 - Mini Klinke/M stereo > 2 x RCA/F

DAP-Audio XGA17 - mini-jack/M stereo to 2x RCA/F

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...

€3.06 *

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