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

Neutrik NP3X - Klinkenstecker 6,3mm stereo

Neutrik NP3X - Jack Connector 6,3mm stereo

3 pole 1/4" professional phone plug, nickel contacts, nickel shell. The heavy duty professional phone plug series improves on the design of the existing C series by offering the thinnest...

€6.00 *

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Neutrik NAUSB W Reversibler USB 2.0 Adapter (Typ A und B)

Neutrik NAUSB W Reversible USB 2.0 gender changer (type A and B)

Reversible USB genderchanger (type A and B) USB2.0 adaptor A-B (B-A) • Reversible insert offering type A or B on front or rear end • Ideal for audio networking and integration of digital...

€8.00 *

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Neutrik NAC 3 FCHC powerCON 32 Amp Stecker

Neutrik NAC3FC-HC - PowerCon 32 Amp Plug

PowerCon 32 Amp Plug The 32 A powerCON is an extremely robust and reliable locking single phase AC appliance cable connector for high current capacity (32 A rated). It is conceived as a...

€26.00 *

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Neutrik NA 3 FF Adapter XLR female auf XLR female

Neutrik NA 3 FF Adapter XLR female to XLR female

3 pole XLR female gender conversion adapter Features & Benefits Versatile, pre-wired and ready to use adapters to reliably interlock various connector systems • Professional look and...

€14.00 *

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Neutrik NA 3 MP Adapter XLR(M)/6,35 Klinke stereo

Neutrik NA 3 MP Adapter XLR(M)/6.35 Jack stereo

Made in Europe • Shipping weight: 0.05 kg • •

€17.00 *

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Neutrik NC3FD-LX-BAG - 3-pol XLR Chassisstecker female

Neutrik NC3FD-LX-BAG - 3-pol XLR Chassis Connector female

NEUTRIK XLR chassis connectors, 3 poles Silver-coated contacts • All-metal body, black chromium-plated • Double ground contact • D series standard • NC-3MDLXBAG = chassis plug...

€6.00 *

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Neutrik NC 3 MDLXBAG XLR Einbaubuchse male

Neutrik NC 3 MDLXBAG XLR Chassis Connector male

3 pole male receptacle, solder cups, black chrome-plated housing, silver contacts The DLX Series features a compact metal housing with built-in ground contact, which offers excellent shielding and...

€6.49 *

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Neutrik NP2RX - Klinkenstecker 6,3mm 90° mono

Neutrik NP2RX - Jack Connector 6,3mm 90° mono

1/4" professional right-angle phone plug, 2 pole, nickel contacts, nickel shell The heavy duty professional phone plug series improves on the design of the existing C series by offering...

€5.00 *

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Neutrik NC3MXX-HD-B-D - 3-pol XLR Stecker male

Neutrik NC3MXX-HD-B-D - 3-pol XLR Connector male

Made in Europe • Shipping weight: 0.04 kg • •

€12.50 *

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Neutrik NE 8 FDPD RJ45 Durchgangs-Einbaubuchse

Neutrik NE 8 FDPD RJ45 Feedthrough Receptacle

: Electrical Frequency bandwidth: 1 - 100 MHz Number of contacts: 8 Rated current: 1.5 A Dielectric strength: 1000 V ac rms Contact resistance: Insulation resistance: > 500 M Category 5e...

€14.78 *

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Neutrik NC3FX - XLR Plug female

XLR Plug female 3 pole female cable connector with Nickel housing and silver contacts. The "industry standard" XLR cable connector, easy to assemble with only 4 parts and no screws....

€6.00 *

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Neutrik NC 3 FXBAG XLR Stecker female schwarz

Neutrik NC 3 FXBAG XLR Plug female black

3 pole female cable connector, black metal housing and silver contacts. The "industry standard" XLR cable connector, easy to assemble with only 4 parts and no screws. Compact design with...

€6.00 *

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Neutrik NCJ 6 FIS XLR/Klinke Combo Buchse stereo

Neutrik NCJ6FI-S - XLR/Jack Combo Panel-Mount Socket 3 Pin with Lock

XLR/Jack Combo Panel-Mount Socket 3 Pin with Lock 3 pole XLR female receptacle with 1/4" stereo jack without switching contact, solder cups XLR / jack hybrid chassis connector combining 3 pole...

€4.00 *

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Neutrik NA3F5F Adapter 3pol XLR(F)/5pol XLR(F)

NA3M5F DMX adapter 3-pin XLR cable plug to 5-pin XLR cable socket for lighting applications (DMX) • For the 5-pin DMX input on the DMX device (5-pin XLR built-in plug) • Manufactured in...

€13.50 *

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Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

MONACOR NTA-55 DIN connector

DIN connector, with 2 x 5-pole DIN jack. : Description: inline jack • Type: DIN • Quantity: 1 • Colour/colour coding: black • Pole number: 5 • Connection: 2 x 5-pole DIN...

€5.00 *

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Neutrik NL 4 MPST Speakon Einbaubuchse rund

Neutrik NL4MP-ST - Speakon Connector 4 Pin female Panel-Mount D-Housing, black

Speakon Connector 4 Pin female Panel-Mount D-Housing, black Current rating 30 A rms • Glass reinforced materials make it extremely robust and dependable • Precise keyway for secure mating...

€7.90 *

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Neutrik PowerCon True1 power-in - Verriegelbarer Steckverbinder, weiblich

Neutrik powerCON TRUE1 power in locking female connector

Lockable 16 A single phase connector • Extremely robust and reliable • Easy and reliable twist lock system • The powerCON TRUE1 is a locking true mains connector. It replaces...

€11.00 *

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Neutrik XLR 5p. Connector Male TOP - Goldkontakte, Edelstahlgehäuse

Neutrik XLR 5P Connector, male TOP Gold contacts, Stainless steel Housing

Heavy-duty sealed XLR connector for harsh hand demanding environment • Suitable for outdoor usage IP65 and UL50E Enclosure type 3 • Maintain sealing when in use and disconnected...

€16.19 *

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Neutrik NAC3PX-TOP - powerCON Gerätestecker-Einbausteckdose-Kombination

Neutrik NAC3PX-TOP - powerCON appliance inlet-outlet combination

powerCON appliance inlet-outlet combination True mains connector with breaking capacity (CBC) • Lockable 16 A single phase connector (USA: 20 A) • Easy and reliable twist lock system...

€12.48 *

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Neutrik NC5FAV - XLR-Einbaubuchse 5-Pol, female

Neutrik NC5FAV - XLR Built-In Socket 5-Pol, female

XLR Built-In Socket 5-Pol, female Smallest XLR receptacles, highest packing density • Plastic housing, steel latch lock • Tulip type female contact • Polished contact areas and hard...

€4.02 *

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NEUTRIK PowerCon TRUE 1 NAC3FX-W-TOP

Weight: 0,03 kg •

€8.93 *

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Details

Monacor MECN-100/SW XLR-Verlaengerungskabel

MONACOR MECN-100/SW XLR Cables

XLR Cables Line and microphone extension cables. Fitted with NEUTRIK connectors • 1 x XLR inline jack and 1 x XLR plug, balanced • Shielded low-noise OFC cable material, Ø 6.5 mm...

€16.00 *

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Monacor MECN-200/SW XLR-Verlaengerungskabel

MONACOR MECN-200/SW XLR cable

XLR cable, line and microphone extension cables. Fitted with NEUTRIK connectors • 1 x XLR inline jack and 1 x XLR plug, balanced • Shielded low-noise OFC cable material, Ø 6.5 mm...

€17.00 *

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Monacor MECN-1500/SW XLR-Verlaengerungskabel

MONACOR MECN-1500/SW XLR cable

XLR cable Line and microphone extension cables. Fitted with NEUTRIK connectors • 1 x XLR inline jack and 1 x XLR plug, balanced • Shielded low-noise OFC cable material, Ø 6.5 mm...

€39.87 *

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Cable Connectors