Question 1

What is the difference between 16A, 32A and 63A power distributors?

Accepted Answer

The amperage rating indicates the maximum current the power distributor can safely handle. A 16 A distributor can supply approximately 11 kW of three-phase power, suitable for smaller lighting rigs, DJ setups or modest PA systems. A 32 A distributor doubles that capacity to around 22 kW, accommodating larger stage productions with multiple moving heads, hazers and amplifiers. A 63 A distributor delivers up to 44 kW, designed for festival main stages, touring productions and installations requiring substantial electrical capacity. The physical size of the CEE inlet plug and socket also increases with amperage: 16 A connectors are smaller, while 32 A and 63 A plugs feature larger contact pins and housings to handle higher currents safely. Always calculate your total connected load and choose a distributor rated at least 20 per cent above that figure to maintain headroom and prevent nuisance tripping.

Question 2

Which IP protection rating do I need for outdoor use?

Accepted Answer

For outdoor events, festivals and any application exposed to rain, dust or accidental splashes, a power distributor must carry at least an IP44 rating. The first digit (4) certifies protection against solid objects larger than 1 mm – including dust and small debris – while the second digit (4) confirms splash-proof performance from any direction. IP44-rated enclosures withstand typical outdoor conditions but are not submersion-proof; avoid placing them in standing water or direct heavy rain without additional shelter. For exceptionally harsh environments – such as open-air festivals in coastal regions or construction sites with high dust levels – consider IP54 or IP65 models, which offer enhanced dust-tightness and protection against water jets. LTT stocks a wide range of IP44 power distributors with robust rubber or special-plastic housings, ensuring your electrical installation remains safe and code-compliant throughout the event.

Question 3

Do power distributors include RCD protection?

Accepted Answer

Many professional power distributors incorporate residual-current devices (RCDs), also known as FI switches, but not all models include them as standard. RCD protection is essential for detecting earth-fault currents and disconnecting the supply before a dangerous shock can occur. Type A RCDs respond to pulsating DC fault currents common in electronic dimmers and LED drivers, while Type B RCDs also detect smooth DC faults from frequency converters and motor controllers. When purchasing a power distributor, check the product specification to confirm whether an RCD is fitted and, if so, which type. If your distributor lacks built-in RCD protection, you can install a separate RCD adapter upstream or ensure the supply from the mains panel includes RCD coverage. For event and stage applications – where personnel frequently handle equipment under time pressure and in less-than-ideal conditions – RCD protection is not merely a regulatory tick-box but a critical life-safety feature.

Question 4

Can I use a power distributor for construction-site applications?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many power distributors are equally suited to construction sites and event-technology workflows, provided they meet the relevant standards. Construction-site distributors typically emphasise rugged housing, IP44 or higher ingress protection, H07RN-F rubber cable and CEE connectivity – features shared by professional event distributors. The key difference lies in socket configuration: construction models often prioritise multiple earthed outlets for power tools, whereas event distributors balance earthed sockets with CEE outputs for lighting and audio gear. Both must comply with DIN VDE standards and, in Germany, DGUV Vorschrift 17 (formerly BGV C1) for electrical equipment in entertainment venues. If you plan to use a distributor across both construction and event contexts, verify that it carries the appropriate certifications and that the cable cross-section matches the highest anticipated load. LTT offers distributors from brands such as Brennenstuhl, as-Schwabe and Riggatec, all of which meet or exceed industry safety benchmarks for demanding professional use.

Question 5

How do I calculate the correct distributor size for my event rig?

Accepted Answer

To size a power distributor correctly, list every device you intend to connect and note its power consumption in watts or its rated current in amperes. For resistive loads – incandescent lamps, heaters – divide wattage by 230 V to obtain current. For inductive and electronic loads – motors, LED drivers, switch-mode power supplies – consult the nameplate for rated current, as power factor and inrush can exceed steady-state figures. Sum the currents for all devices, then distribute them as evenly as possible across the three phases (L1, L2, L3) to avoid overloading the neutral conductor. Industry best practice is to size the distributor so that normal operation consumes no more than 80 per cent of its rated capacity, leaving headroom for startup surges and future expansion. For example, if your total load is 18 A, choose a 32 A distributor rather than a 16 A model. This margin reduces heat buildup, extends component life and minimises the risk of nuisance tripping during critical moments of your production.

Question 6

What does H07RN-F cable mean and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

H07RN-F is the European designation for a flexible, rubber-sheathed cable designed for heavy-duty, outdoor and industrial applications. The code breaks down as follows: H indicates harmonised European standard; 07 specifies a rated voltage of 450/750 V; R denotes rubber insulation; N signifies neoprene or equivalent synthetic-rubber sheath; and F confirms the cable is flexible. H07RN-F cable resists oils, petrol, abrasion and UV exposure, making it ideal for power distributors used on construction sites, at outdoor festivals and in touring production environments. The rubber sheath remains pliable in cold weather and withstands repeated coiling and uncoiling without cracking – critical for equipment that is set up and struck daily. When purchasing a power distributor, verify that the inlet cable is H07RN-F (or the equivalent H07RN-F designation) and that its cross-sectional area matches the distributor's amperage rating: typically 4 mm² for 32 A and 6 mm² or larger for 63 A. Using undersized or inappropriate cable compromises safety and violates electrical codes.

Question 7

Can I mount a power distributor on a truss or scaffolding?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many professional power distributors feature integrated hanging brackets, suspension eyes or mounting holes specifically designed for rigging on truss, scaffolding or overhead structures. Suspending a distributor at the point of use – for example, on a lighting truss alongside moving heads and LED fixtures – eliminates long, heavy feeder cables trailing across the stage floor, reduces trip hazards and simplifies cable management. When rigging a distributor overhead, ensure the suspension point is rated for the combined weight of the unit (typically 4–8 kg) plus any connected cables, and use appropriate rigging hardware such as shackles or clamps certified to the required working load limit. Stackable distributors often include side-mounted brackets that double as hanging points, offering maximum flexibility for both floor-standing and flown configurations. Always consult the manufacturer's documentation to confirm the distributor's suitability for overhead mounting and adhere to DGUV Vorschrift 17 (formerly BGV C1) rigging safety guidelines. LTT stocks a wide range of distributors with rigging-friendly features, ensuring seamless integration into your stage and truss systems.

Question 8

What is the advantage of stackable power distributors?

Accepted Answer

Stackable power distributors incorporate interlocking feet and recesses that allow multiple units to be stacked securely on top of one another, creating a vertical tower that occupies minimal floor space. This design is invaluable for touring productions, rental depots and festival sites where floor real estate is at a premium and cable management must be tidy and efficient. By stacking distributors, you consolidate your power infrastructure into a single, organised footprint, making it easier to route inlet feeds, label circuits and troubleshoot faults. Stackable models also typically feature side-mounted hanging brackets, enabling you to suspend them from truss or scaffolding when a flown configuration is preferable. The result is a versatile, space-saving solution that adapts to the evolving demands of live events, exhibitions and temporary installations. LTT offers stackable distributors from leading brands such as Brennenstuhl and Showtec, all engineered to deliver robust performance and long service life in demanding professional environments.

Power distributors