What's the difference between 16 A and 32 A power distributors?

A 16 A power distributor can safely deliver up to approximately 3.7 kW (at 230 V single-phase), making it suitable for smaller lighting rigs, DJ setups and workshops. A 32 A distributor typically operates on three-phase 400 V supply and can provide up to 22 kW total (7.4 kW per phase), which is necessary for high-power moving heads, large PA systems and multi-fixture touring rigs. The 32 A unit also features larger CEE connectors (red, 5-pin) and thicker cables (often 5G 6 mm²). For most mobile DJs, small bands and corporate events, a 16 A distributor offers sufficient capacity; upgrade to 32 A when your total load exceeds 3 kW or you need to run multiple independent circuits from a single three-phase supply.

Do I need RCD protection in my power distributor?

RCD (residual current device) protection — known in Germany as FI-Schutzschalter — is strongly recommended for any distributor used in damp environments, outdoor stages or locations where users might touch metal enclosures. An RCD detects earth-leakage currents as small as 30 mA and disconnects the circuit within milliseconds, preventing potentially fatal electric shocks. While not always legally mandated for portable distributors, DGUV Vorschrift 17 (formerly BGV C1) requires RCD protection for electrical equipment in entertainment venues when there's a risk of contact with conductive parts. Many professional distributors include a combined MCB/RCD unit (RCBO) that provides both overload and earth-fault protection in a single module, offering maximum safety with minimal space.

What IP rating is required for outdoor power distribution?

For semi-outdoor or covered stages, an IP44 rating is the industry standard, providing protection against water splashes from any direction and solid objects larger than 1 mm. IP44 distributors are suitable for marquees, loading bays, indoor-outdoor transitions and light rain. For fully exposed outdoor events — such as festival main stages, beach parties or open-air concerts — consider IP54 (dust-protected, splash-proof) or IP65 (dust-tight, jet-proof) enclosures, which feature gasketed lids, sealed cable entries and reinforced housings that withstand heavy rain and high-pressure cleaning. Always ensure safety flaps are closed over unused sockets and that input cables enter through proper glands, not improvised holes, to maintain the stated IP protection in the field.

Can I connect multiple 230 V devices to a 16 A distributor?

Yes, you can connect multiple devices to a 16 A 230 V power distributor, provided their combined wattage does not exceed approximately 3,000 watts (80 % of the theoretical 3,680 W maximum at 230 V). For example, you might safely run four 60 W LED PAR cans (240 W), two 300 W active speakers (600 W), a 900 W fog machine and a 100 W DJ controller — totalling around 1,840 W. Always sum the nameplate wattages of all connected devices and allow headroom for inrush currents when lamps or motors start. If your total load approaches or exceeds 3 kW, either split devices across two 16 A distributors or upgrade to a 32 A three-phase unit. Overloading a distributor will trip the MCB circuit breaker or, in poorly maintained units, overheat cables and create a fire risk.

How do I calculate the power requirements for my stage equipment?

To calculate power requirements, list every device you plan to connect and note its nameplate wattage (found on the rear panel or in the manual). Sum these wattages to get your total continuous load. For example: four LED wash lights at 80 W each (320 W), two moving heads at 250 W each (500 W), a fog machine at 1,000 W, a small mixer and laptop at 150 W, and two active monitors at 400 W each (800 W) — total 2,770 W. At 230 V, a 16 A circuit can safely deliver around 3,000 W continuous (80 % of 3,680 W), so this rig fits comfortably. For equipment with magnetic ballasts or large transformers, multiply wattage by 1.2 to account for reactive power. Always allow headroom for inrush currents and never exceed 80 % of the distributor's rated capacity to maintain safe operation and avoid nuisance tripping.

Which 16 A power distributor is best for mobile DJ setups?

For mobile DJ applications, look for a portable, stackable 16 A distributor with at least two Schuko sockets and one CEE 16 A output, integrated MCB circuit protection and an IP44-rated enclosure. Models from AS Schwabe, Brennenstuhl Professional or Showtec offer robust housings, quality connectors and carrying handles or hanging brackets for flexible placement. A typical DJ rig — including PA speakers, controller, laptop, lighting and a fog machine — rarely exceeds 2 kW, so a single 16 A distributor provides ample capacity. Choose a unit with H07RN-F rubber cable (minimum 3G 2.5 mm²) for durability and cold-weather flexibility. If you frequently work outdoors or in damp venues, prioritise models with RCD protection for added safety. Stackable designs save van space and allow you to expand your power distribution as your rig grows.

What safety standards apply to power distributors in event technology?

In Germany, DGUV Vorschrift 17 (formerly BGV C1) governs the use of electrical equipment in entertainment venues and temporary installations. This regulation mandates that power distributors used for stage lighting, sound and effects must feature adequate circuit protection (MCB or fuse), earth continuity, IP44 minimum enclosure rating for damp locations, and RCD protection where there's a risk of contact with conductive parts. Distributors must be inspected and tested by a qualified electrician at regular intervals (typically annually for rental equipment). Additionally, EN 60439 (low-voltage switchgear assemblies) and EN 61439 (newer standard) specify construction and testing requirements for distribution boards. Professional distributors from reputable manufacturers are designed and certified to meet these standards, ensuring legal compliance and user safety on tour and at fixed installations.

How do I maintain and inspect a 16 A power distributor?

Regular maintenance ensures your 16 A power distributor remains safe and reliable. Before each use, visually inspect the housing for cracks, check that all safety flaps close properly and verify that cable glands are tight. Test the MCB and RCD (if fitted) by pressing the test button — the breaker should trip immediately and reset cleanly. Inspect the input and output cables for cuts, abrasion or exposed conductors; replace any damaged cables immediately. After outdoor events, open the distributor and check for moisture inside; dry thoroughly if water has entered. At least once per year (or after every 50 uses for rental equipment), have a qualified electrician perform a portable appliance test (PAT) or equivalent inspection, measuring earth continuity, insulation resistance and RCD trip time. Record all tests in a logbook and attach a dated inspection label to the distributor. Proper maintenance extends service life, prevents accidents and ensures compliance with DGUV Vorschrift 17.

16 A 230 V power distributors

NEW

SHOWGEAR PowerCore 2 m, 6-poliger Breakout-Stecker H16 (Ein-/Ausgang) auf 6x CEE 16 A (1P+N+PE)

SHOWGEAR PowerCore 2m.6c Breakout Multipin H16 in/out to 6x CEE 16A (1P+N+PE)

2 Multipin H16 connectors (1 in, 1 out) with loop-through functionality • 6 CEE 16A (1P+N+PE) outlets from PCE • Voltage indication LED on each output • Compatible with Multipin H16...

€299.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

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SHOWGEAR PowerCore 1 m, 8 s, Breakout-Kabel, Multipin H16 auf 8 × Schuko

SHOWGEAR PowerCore 1m.8s Breakout Multipin H16 in to 8x Schuko

1 Multipin H16 input connector • 8 Schuko outlets from PCE • Voltage indication LED on each output • Compatible with Multipin H16 and Harting HAN16 • Quick-lock mounting option...

€149.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
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Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

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SHOWGEAR PowerCore 2 m, 8 s, Breakout-Kabel, Multipin H16 Ein-/Ausgang auf 8x Schuko

SHOWGEAR PowerCore 2m.8s Breakout Multipin H16 in/out to 8x Schuko

2 Multipin H16 connectors (1 in, 1 out) with loop-through functionality • 8 Schuko outlets from PCE • Voltage indication LED on each output • Compatible with Multipin H16 and Harting...

€209.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

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SHOWGEAR PowerCore 1 m, 8-poliger Breakout-Stecker H16 auf 8x Power Pro True

SHOWGEAR PowerCore 1m.8p Breakout Multipin H16 in to 8x Power Pro True

1 Multipin H16 input connector • 8 Power Pro True outlets from Seetronic • Voltage indication LED on each output • Compatible with Multipin H16 and Harting HAN16 • Quick-lock...

€175.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

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SHOWGEAR PowerCore 2 m, 8-poliger Breakout-Stecker, H16 Ein-/Ausgang auf 8x Power Pro True

SHOWGEAR PowerCore 2m.8p Breakout Multipin H16 in/out to 8x Power Pro True

2 Multipin H16 connectors (1 in, 1 out) with loop-through functionality • 8 Power Pro True outlets from Seetronic • Voltage indication LED on each output • Compatible with Multipin...

€235.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

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SHOWGEAR PowerCore 1 m, 8-poliger Breakout-Stecker H16 auf 8x CEE 16 A (1P+N+PE)

SHOWGEAR PowerCore 1m.8c Breakout Multipin H16 in to 8x CEE 16A (1P+N+PE)

1 Multipin H16 input connector • 8 CEE 16A (1P+N+PE) outlets from PCE • Voltage indication LED on each output • Compatible with Multipin H16 and Harting HAN16 • Quick-lock...

€309.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

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SHOWGEAR PowerCore 2 m, 8-poliges Breakout-Kabel, H16 Ein-/Ausgang auf 8x CEE 16 A (1P+N+PE)

SHOWGEAR PowerCore 2m.8c Breakout Multipin H16 in/out to 8x CEE 16A (1P+N+PE)

2 Multipin H16 connectors (1 in, 1 out) with loop-through functionality • 8 CEE 16A (1P+N+PE) outlets from PCE • Voltage indication LED on each output • Compatible with Multipin H16...

€369.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

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SHOWGEAR PowerCore 1s.6s Breakout-Kabel, Multipin S19 auf 6x Schuko

SHOWGEAR PowerCore 1s.6s Breakout Multipin S19 in to 6x Shuko

1 Multipin S19 input • 6 Schuko outlets from PCE • Voltage indication LED on each output • Compatible with Multipin S19 and Socapex 19-pin connectors • Quick-lock mounting...

€175.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

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SHOWGEAR PowerCore 2s.6s Breakout-Stecker, S19-Eingang/Ausgang auf 6x Schuko

SHOWGEAR PowerCore 2s.6s Breakout Multipin S19 in/out to 6x Shuko

2 Multipin S19 connectors (1 in, 1 out) with loop-through functionality • 6 Schuko outlets from PCE • Voltage indication LED on each output • Compatible with Multipin S19 and Socapex...

€265.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

NEW

SHOWGEAR PowerCore 1s.6p Breakout-Multipin-Stecker S19 auf 6x Power Pro True

SHOWGEAR PowerCore 1s.6p Breakout Multipin S19 in to 6x Power Pro True

1 Multipin S19 input • 6 Power Pro True outlets from Seetronic • Voltage indication LED on each output • Compatible with Multipin S19 and Socapex 19-pin connectors • Quick-lock...

€199.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

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SHOWGEAR PowerCore 2s.6p Breakout-Multipin-Stecker S19 (Ein-/Ausgang) auf 6x Power Pro True

SHOWGEAR PowerCore 2s.6p Breakout Multipin S19 in/out to 6x Power Pro True

2 Multipin S19 connectors (1 in, 1 out) with loop-through functionality • 6 Power Pro True outlets from Seetronic • Voltage indication LED on each output • Compatible with Multipin...

€285.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

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SHOWGEAR PowerCore 1s.6c Breakout-Stecker S19 auf 6x CEE 16 A (1P+N+PE)

SHOWGEAR PowerCore 1s.6c Breakout Multipin S19 in to 6x CEE 16A (1P+N+PE)

1 Multipin S19 input connector • 6 CEE 16A (1P+N+PE) outlets from PCE • Voltage indication LED on each output • Compatible with Multipin S19 and Socapex 19-pin connectors...

€299.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

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SHOWGEAR PowerCore 2s.6c Breakout-Stecker, S19-Ein-/Ausgang auf 6x CEE 16 A (1P+N+PE)

SHOWGEAR PowerCore 2s.6c Breakout Multipin S19 in/out to 6x CEE 16A (1P+N+PE)

2 Multipin S19 connectors (1 in, 1 out) with loop-through functionality • 6 CEE 16A (1P+N+PE) outlets from PCE • Voltage indication LED on each output • Compatible with Multipin S19...

€375.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

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SHOWGEAR PowerCore 2 m, 6-polig – DMX-Breakout-Stecker H16 (Ein-/Ausgang) auf 6x Power Pro True

SHOWGEAR PowerCore 2m.6p - DMX Breakout Multipin H16 in/out to 6x Power Pro True + 5p DMX splitter

Power and DMX splitter in one • 2 Multipin H16 connectors (1 in, 1 out) with loop-through functionality • 6 Power Pro True outlets from Seetronic • 6-way DMX splitter (5-pin in/out)...

€389.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
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Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

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SHOWGEAR PowerCore 2s.6p – DMX-Breakout-Stecker S19 (Eingang/Ausgang) auf 6x Power Pro True

SHOWGEAR PowerCore 2s.6p - DMX Breakout Multipin S19 in/out to 6x Power Pro True + 5p DMX splitter

Power and DMX splitter in one • 2 Multipin S19 connectors (1 in, 1 out) with loop-through functionality • 6 Power Pro True outlets from Seetronic • 6-way DMX splitter (5-pin in/out)...

€465.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

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SHOWGEAR PowerCore Multipin H16 Y-Verteiler: 1 Multipin H16-Eingang, 2 Multipin H16-Ausgänge

SHOWGEAR PowerCore Multipin H16 Y-Splitter Multipin H16 in to 2x Multipin H16 out

For extending and distributing Multipin H16 and Harting HAN16 cables • 3 Multipin H16 connectors (1 in, 2 out) • Compatible with Multipin H16 and Harting HAN16 • M10 mounting hole...

€169.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

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SHOWGEAR PowerCore Multipin S19 Y-Splitter: 1 Multipin S19-Eingang, 2x Multipin S19-Ausgänge

SHOWGEAR PowerCore Multipin S19 Y-Splitter Multipin S19 in to 2x Multipin S19 out

For extending and distributing Multipin S19 and Socapex 19-pin cables • 3 Multipin S19 connectors (1 in, 2 out) • Compatible with Multipin S19 and Socapex 19-pin connectors • M10...

€279.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

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SHOWGEAR PowerCore Multipin-H16-Kupplung: Multipin-H16-Eingang auf Multipin-H16-Ausgang

SHOWGEAR PowerCore Multipin H16 Coupler Multipin H16 in to Multipin H16 out

For extending Multipin H16 and Harting HAN16 cables • Durable construction • Compatible with Multipin H16 and Harting HAN16 • The Showgear PowerCore Multipin H16 Coupler is a robust...

€119.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

NEW

SHOWGEAR PowerCore c16a.6s 6x Schuko - 1x CEE 16 A (5P)

1 5-pin CEE 16 A input connector • 6 Schuko outlets from PCE • Voltage indication LED per phase • Balanced power distribution (each phase powers two outlets) • Quick-lock...

€105.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

NEW

SHOWGEAR PowerCore c16a.6p 6x Power Pro True - 1x CEE 16 A (5P)

1 5-pin CEE 16 A input connector • 6 Power Pro True outlets from Seetronic • Voltage indication LED per phase • Balanced power distribution (each phase powers two outlets)...

€125.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

NEW

SHOWGEAR PowerCore c16a.6c 6x CEE 16 A (1P) - 1x CEE 16 A (5P)

1 5-pin CEE 16 A input connector • 6 CEE 16A (1P+N+PE) outlets from PCE • Voltage indication LED per phase • Balanced power distribution (each phase powers two outlets)...

€225.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

PD-Connex PSB25 Leistungssplitter P-Con IN - 5x P-Con OUT

PD-Connex PSB25 Power Splitter P-Con IN – 5x P-Con OUT

The PDConnex Multi Way Power Splitters are ideal for tidy and targeted power distribution on stages, on trussing systems and in equipment rigs. This series of power splitters is lightweight,...

€45.00 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

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Currently not available

PD-Connex PSB27 Leistungssplitter P-Con IN - 7x P-Con OUT

PD-Connex PSB27 Power Splitter P-Con IN – 7x P-Con OUT

The PDConnex Multi Way Power Splitters are ideal for tidy and targeted power distribution on stages, on trussing systems and in equipment rigs. This series of power splitters is lightweight,...

€59.00 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

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Currently not available

PD-Connex PSB50 Power Splitter Box P-Con IN/OUT mit drahtlosem DMX

PD-Connex PSB50 Power Splitter Box P-Con IN/OUT with wireless DMX

The PDConnex PBS50 is a powerhouse designed to cater to all your lighting and backline equipment power needs. Engineered with versatility and convenience in mind, this power distribution unit with...

€119.00 *

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

Availability:

Currently not available