Three Phase switchboards

[FabDJ]

Hi everybody

Does anyone carry three phase switchboards for use in clubs,pubs?

Most stages have three phase outlets for bands to use.

Would save chasing circuits to distribute your audio /lighting loads.

[SourceRaver]

Use 32amp all the time...might do a tutorial on this one cause it ca be pretty important some times!

[FabDJ]

Thanks Source

Have electrician mates who work on big building sites who can knock me up one if I want.

Would like to see pictures of DJ boards for them to copy.

[SourceRaver]

The following is just a quick ‘starters guide’ to three phase. I can’t guarantee it’s entirely technically correct (I’m no sparky) but it will provide you with the basics to get you started. If you need to know more, please…please talk to an electrician:

In short, a three phase power supply is ideal in that you can power all your sound and lighting gear from only one source. No more need to run extension cords from several 10 amp GPOs (General Power Outlets = wall socket) and no more worrying about frying a venues power supply!

The first thing you need to understand about a 3 phase socket is its rating (i.e. 20 amp, 32 amp, 40 amp etc). The rating represents the amount of power you can draw from the socket and what hardware it will accept. This becomes important when you start hiring extension cords and distribution boards.

In most cases you’ll probably have a three phase extension cord running to a distribution board near your Dj desk. Always contact a venue in advance and find out if they have three phase power, what rating it is and where it’s located in relation to the position of your gear. You can hire three phase extension cords that are 60 meters long (but they weigh a tone) or shorter lengths that can be easily joined together. At the end of the cord you will need a distribution box with multiple 10 amp GPOs and each will be marked with the phase that it’s on (i.e. 1 to 3).

Some typical scenarios are as follows:

20 amp three phase socket – 20 amp extension cord – 20 amp distro box

20 amp socket – 20 amps to 32 amp adaptor cable – 32 amp extension cord – 32 amp distro box

32 amp socket – 32 amp extension cord – 32 amp distro box

40 amp socket – 32 amp extension cord – 32 amp distro box

Notice how you can use 32 amp hardware on a 20 amp socket with an adaptor. Remember that you won’t ever get 32 amps, only a maximum of 20A. Also notice that a 32 amp extension will fit into a 40A socket but the distro box will only let you draw 32 amps before it trips its own circuit breaker. Never draw more power through a device than its actual rating (i.e. 40 amps through a 32 amp extension).

Some things that Dj’s need to know about three phase:

• A three phase extension cord is a perfect tripping hazard, so always hire more than you need to keep it out of the way (i.e. up and over door frames etc).

• Always put your audio gear on the same phase to prevent ground loop problems (i.e. the ‘dreaded hum’)

• Try to keep any electronically sensitive equipment (including mic or dmx cables) away from your extension cords as they give off a lot of interfering electromagnetic waves.

• Always use the highest rated three phase outlet you can find. It’s always best to have more power than not enough (especially if you’re like me and never bother/cant calculate you total power load)

Finally, don’t ever be afraid to use three phase power. Just treat it with respect and it will serve you well!

[Buck_Choi]

nice one. + rep!

[SourceRaver]

32 Amp Socket

32 Amp Plug

32 Amp Distribution Board (Note: the three different phases have a different colour)

For hire pricing, check out: http://www.matrixproductions.com.au/equipment.shtml

[Buck_Choi]

thats pretty crazy. never seen them before..

[FabDJ]

Thanks source

The last photo of 6 Power points is what I will get made up.looks like 15-20Amp power points others look like 10Amp (earth size) Will use 3 colours also as it looks good and I wont fuck up.

Will use with 6 point switched power boards and to be safe, double pole also.

Thanks again for your advice.

[FabDJ]

Also heard to place audio cable at 90 degrees across power cables to reduce interference.

[DjDennis]

you will have to check out local laws first

this only applies for Western Australia

as matrix is located in Perth

[Buck_Choi]

there's laws against power boards?

[DjDennis]

not that I know of - but each state has different laws for things and the company showing that site here

For hire pricing, check out: http://www.matrixproductions.com.au/equipment.shtml

is based in WA - so I would check out in your local state just in case

how much would you like to pay for shipping from perth to say Sydney for one night show ?

get the picture!

[andythemusician]

There are heaps of places that will hire out 3-phase distros.

A couple in my area that I have used before (not necessarily for 3-phase distro, but they do have them):

www.lxproductions.com.au

www.resolutionx.com.au

www.lightinglab.com.au

www.clearsystems.tv

www.clearlight.com.au

All within about 1/2 hour or less drive from me.

Just look around, production hire companies aren't that hard to source.

[DjDennis]

Thanks Andy

I wouldnt have seen them because I aint in Melbourne so to me these sites wont count

I only deal with local businesses where I live

(a lot dont ship over the border for reasons as well)

anyway thanks for that info

off now to fix a network at a business

[andythemusician]

Yeah I knew it wouldn't do you or anyone else not in the SE Suburbs of Melbourne much good!

But my point was that production hire companies are not that hard to find, if others look hard enough, I'm sure you'll find ones that are close to you.

[FabDJ]

Fuck, Dennis the man at Matrix production web page scared the shit out of me.

I didn't know it was a talkling site and had the volume on the PC on full volume from another site.

Have to have another drink to calm down now.

[DjDennis]

hahahaha Sorry about that

I should have warned you

anyway at least thats an excuse to have another drink!!