Members Coppertone Posted February 15, 2007 Members Share Posted February 15, 2007 What types of power extension cords do you guys use in a gig? Does a regular orange wal-mart type work, or is it better to get 14 or 12 ga. extension cords? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Singin' Dave Posted February 15, 2007 Members Share Posted February 15, 2007 While I've used "Wal-mart" cords in the past with limited problems, I moved to thicker black extension cords ordered from audioeast a while back. Those orange ones (and event the green ones from Home Depot) are pretty unsightly. I have 2-3 50' versions of the standard black "E-Cords" and one 50' MOX cable. LOVE the MOX cable for setting up a backline in spaces with very few outlets. Check em out here: http://www.audioeast.com/powercables.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Ear Abuser Posted February 15, 2007 Members Share Posted February 15, 2007 What types of power extension cords do you guys use in a gig? Does a regular orange wal-mart type work, or is it better to get 14 or 12 ga. extension cords? Orange will work but is not very professional. On a real stage you need to use black type SO cable, but a lot of weeekend warriors use SJ. I wouldn't use anything lighter than 14 ga and 12 ga is preferred depending on the load. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members milesdf Posted February 15, 2007 Members Share Posted February 15, 2007 Orange will work but is not very professional. On a real stage you need to use black type SO cable, but a lot of weeekend warriors use SJ. I wouldn't use anything lighter than 14 ga and 12 ga is preferred depending on the load. I know of at least 2 pro companies over here near philly that use 12 or even 14 gauge SJ for all thier stage power, even on tours. I use SJ for usally about 1 event a week with no problem ever, any failures always happen at the connectors. Its more about what it does in a fire/extreme overheating. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ATOMICDOG1 Posted February 15, 2007 Members Share Posted February 15, 2007 I don't mind SJ for backline power and that sort of thing, but I always use 12 gauge SO cable for lighting and sound. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members agedhorse Posted February 15, 2007 Members Share Posted February 15, 2007 14ga is really the lightest gauge to use, 12 gauge is a better choice. For non-professional applications, Home Depot orange cable (of the correct gauge of course) is ok as long as you adequately protect it. Note that it will not meet code for professional stage use though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members sharnrock Posted February 15, 2007 Members Share Posted February 15, 2007 So, SO cord is better at being tramped on then regular extension cords? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Coppertone Posted February 15, 2007 Author Members Share Posted February 15, 2007 I'm sorry for being stupid, but what is SO and SJ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CMS Author Craig Vecchione Posted February 15, 2007 CMS Author Share Posted February 15, 2007 So, SO cord is better at being tramped on then regular extension cords? The "S" vs "SJ" designation differentiates between hard-usage service cord and junior service cord. The insulation is rated 600v versus 300v, and the jacketing is thicker. Anyone for "double-jacketing'?':rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CMS Author Craig Vecchione Posted February 15, 2007 CMS Author Share Posted February 15, 2007 I'm sorry for being stupid, but what is SO and SJ? It's actually "S" and "SJ", The "O" stands for oil-resistant outer jacket. There are other designations. I've explained some of the difference in my previous post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CMS Author Craig Vecchione Posted February 15, 2007 CMS Author Share Posted February 15, 2007 This table may help a bit: www.belden-cd.co.uk/pdfs/PDF/cordrate.pdf If I find anything else relevent I'll post it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Ear Abuser Posted February 16, 2007 Members Share Posted February 16, 2007 Two reasons to avoid orange cheapo extensions.1) Good "stage craft" calls for using black cables so they are less obvious on stage.2. Orange cable tend to not lie flat on the stage and are usually hard to roll up well especially if they are cold. The Electrical code calls for SO becuase yes, it is better for being tramped on. If you work in places where the local electrical or fire inspector visits prior to a show, if they are up on the code, they will want to see SO. I was at a festival in Michigan a few years ago and they were using bundles of orange extension cords, BURIED to distribute power to the food vendors. Apparently that inspector was a little more lenient Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members The Real MC Posted February 16, 2007 Members Share Posted February 16, 2007 I make my own power cords from 12ga wire. I do not trust those OTS extension cords. I actually had one of those cause a brownout during a gig - wasn't carrying that much power to hurt it. Took me two breaks to finally isolate the problem. That cord went in the trash and I never used OTS extension cords again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members laidback Posted February 16, 2007 Members Share Posted February 16, 2007 Can somebody comment on SEOW vs SOW? I have a local distributor who only carries SE in the bigger gauges. I understand it's "extreme use" but don't want to assume I know something that I don't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members agedhorse Posted February 16, 2007 Members Share Posted February 16, 2007 I believe SEOW is an elastomer compounded thermoplasitc, heavy duty, oil resistant, water resistant. It's good cable and generally accepted in industrial applications. It's a little softer and more flexible than SO in colder weather. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CMS Author Craig Vecchione Posted February 16, 2007 CMS Author Share Posted February 16, 2007 Yup, that's "Seoprene" jacketing, rated for mining applications, water submersion, -50C rating. In Canada, it's equivalent is STOW. No problem at all in using it in place of SOW for stage use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Coppertone Posted February 16, 2007 Author Members Share Posted February 16, 2007 So, I'm trying to get a feel for how things are hooked up in this live sound world. Sorry for the "newb"ish stuff, but I'm trying to get started on the right foot. You guys run: wall-socket --> extension cord (if needed) --> power conditioner (do I really need this?) --> audio devices ??????????? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CMS Author Craig Vecchione Posted February 16, 2007 CMS Author Share Posted February 16, 2007 So, I'm trying to get a feel for how things are hooked up in this live sound world. Sorry for the "newb"ish stuff, but I'm trying to get started on the right foot. You guys run: wall-socket --> extension cord (if needed) --> power conditioner (do I really need this?) --> audio devices ??????????? Yes. No, to the conditioner, they really don't do anything useful, but the ones that have multiple outlets and lights serve that purpose in a rack. The next step over is to use a quad box (four outlets) at the end of the extension cord (or built onto it) to gain more outlets where you need them. The next step from there is to use a "distro" which is essentially a subpanel capable of handling 30-60 or more amps. All depends how much current, and how far it has to travel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members 6Imzadi Posted February 16, 2007 Members Share Posted February 16, 2007 Yes. No, to the conditioner, they really don't do anything useful, but the ones that have multiple outlets and lights serve that purpose in a rack. I think I would add to this with a UPS for the rack (board and computer) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CMS Author Craig Vecchione Posted February 16, 2007 CMS Author Share Posted February 16, 2007 Not to bring back memories:rolleyes: , but I am just curious about where in NFPA 70 this might be found? I would like to get familiar with this as I follow NFPA 72 in my day job. Article 400. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members 6Imzadi Posted February 16, 2007 Members Share Posted February 16, 2007 Wow, My trade falls under Article 700. Thanks, Craigv for the info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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