What are the best power strips for stage and event use?

The best power strips for stage and event applications are those certified to EN 60884-2-5 with TÜV or GS approval, featuring H07RN-F rubber cable (minimum 3 × 1.5 mm²), brass contacts with nickel plating, and integrated surge protection rated to at least 1000 joules. For touring productions, choose 19-inch rack-mountable models from brands like Showtec or Adam Hall, which offer robust construction, individual circuit breakers per outlet, and cable lengths of 3 to 5 metres. Outdoor events require IP44 or IP65-rated power strips with weatherproof housings and sealed cable glands. Heavy-duty applications demand CEE 32A or 63A connectors instead of standard Schuko outlets, providing secure connections for high-power equipment like discharge moving heads and large PA amplifiers.

Which devices should not be connected to a power strip?

High-power heating appliances such as electric space heaters (typically 2000–3000W), electric kettles and portable air conditioners should not be connected to power strips, as they can overload the circuit and cause overheating. In event technology, avoid connecting multiple high-wattage discharge fixtures (1200W+ each) to a single standard 16A power strip without calculating total load — four such fixtures exceed the 3680W limit. Sensitive equipment like audio mixing consoles and video processors should ideally connect to surge-protected power strips rather than basic models, protecting against voltage spikes. Never connect a power strip to another power strip (daisy-chaining), as this multiplies earth conductor resistance and creates a fire hazard. Instead, run separate extension leads from the distribution panel to each power strip location.

Do power strips consume electricity when switched off?

Standard power strips with mechanical rocker switches consume zero electricity when switched off, as they physically disconnect both live and neutral conductors from the mains supply. However, power strips with illuminated switches, USB charging ports or surge protection indicator LEDs draw a small standby current (typically 0.1–0.5W) even when switched off, to power these features. Over a year, this amounts to less than 5 kWh — negligible compared to the energy used by connected equipment. For touring rigs stored between events, switching off power strips eliminates phantom loads from equipment in standby mode (lighting consoles, wireless receivers), which can collectively draw 10–50W continuously. Two-pole switching, standard in professional power strips, ensures complete disconnection of both live and neutral, providing an additional safety margin during storage or maintenance.

How many devices can be safely connected to one power strip?

The number of devices you can safely connect to a power strip depends on total wattage, not the number of outlets. A standard 16A power strip can handle up to 3680W (16A × 230V) continuously, but you should apply a 20% safety margin, limiting total load to approximately 2900W. For example, you could connect eight LED PAR fixtures at 150W each (1200W total), plus a haze machine at 1000W and a lighting console at 50W, totalling 2250W — well within safe limits. However, four 1200W discharge moving heads (4800W total) would overload the same strip, tripping the circuit breaker or causing cable overheating. Always calculate total wattage of connected devices and ensure it does not exceed the power strip's rating. For high-power applications, use multiple power strips on separate circuits or upgrade to CEE 32A distribution rated for 7360W.

Can power strips be daisy-chained together?

No, daisy-chaining power strips — connecting one power strip to another — is explicitly prohibited by electrical safety standards including DIN VDE 0100-420 and is illegal in many jurisdictions. Each additional connection point increases resistance in the earth conductor, potentially exceeding the 3-ohm maximum permitted for safe operation. This compromises protection against electric shock if a fault occurs. Daisy-chaining also multiplies the risk of loose connections, which can cause arcing, overheating and fire. Furthermore, the total load may exceed the capacity of the first power strip in the chain, even if the second strip has a higher rating. Instead of daisy-chaining, run separate extension leads from wall sockets or a distribution panel to each power strip location. For applications requiring many outlets, use a single high-capacity power strip with 8 to 12 outlets, or install a dedicated sub-distribution board with multiple circuits.

What is the difference between IP44 and IP65 power strips?

IP44 and IP65 are Ingress Protection ratings that define a power strip's resistance to dust and water. An IP44-rated power strip is splash-proof, protected against solid objects larger than 1 mm and water splashes from any direction — suitable for covered stages where rain ingress is unlikely but humidity and occasional splashes may occur. An IP65-rated power strip is fully dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction, making it suitable for open-air festivals, outdoor concerts and environments where equipment may be hosed down during cleaning. IP65 models feature sealed cable glands, gasket-sealed lids and UV-stabilised housings that withstand prolonged sun exposure. For touring productions, IP65 power strips provide peace of mind during load-in and load-out in unpredictable weather, while IP44 models offer adequate protection for indoor venues with high humidity such as theatres and concert halls.

What does surge protection do in a power strip?

Surge protection in a power strip safeguards connected equipment from transient overvoltages caused by lightning strikes, generator fluctuations or inductive loads switching off. Metal oxide varistors (MOVs) inside the power strip clamp voltage spikes above a threshold (typically 275V for 230V mains) by shunting excess energy to earth, preventing it from reaching sensitive electronics like lighting consoles, audio interfaces and LED video processors. The joule rating indicates total energy absorption capacity — 1000 joules is adequate for small setups, while touring rigs with expensive equipment warrant 2500+ joules. Surge protection degrades with each event; visual indicators (usually an LED) confirm the MOVs are still functional. Replace surge-protected power strips after a major surge or every 3 to 5 years in high-use environments. Models certified to EN 61643-11 meet stringent performance and safety standards, ensuring reliable protection for professional event technology.

Which power strip is suitable for 19-inch rack mounting?

For 19-inch rack mounting, choose power strips specifically designed with mounting flanges that conform to EIA-310-D standards, allowing secure installation in standard equipment racks. Professional 19-inch rack power strips typically offer 6 to 12 outlets arranged vertically or horizontally, occupy 1U or 2U of rack space, and feature rear cable entry to keep the front panel uncluttered. Look for models with individual circuit breakers per outlet, illuminated on/off switches and surge protection rated to at least 1000 joules. Brands like Showtec, Adam Hall and Brennenstuhl manufacture rack power strips with aluminium housings for durability, brass contacts for low resistance, and cable lengths of 2 to 3 metres to reach distribution panels. Some models include USB charging ports for mobile devices and IEC C14 inlet connectors, allowing you to use a standard IEC C13 power cable for flexible cable management within the rack.