Hey all..
Total beginner when it comes to electricity and appliances. Just started hiring out a couple of small pieces of audiovisual equipment...
My knowledge of electricity starts and ends at a 13amp UK plug going into a 3pin socket... All my equipment has the usual 3pin plugs and 13amp fuses.
- Projector
- Smoke Machine
- Lasers
I arrived at an event recently and was asked what power I required, to which I replied two 13amp sockets (3pin sockets). He then asked how many amps I was drawing, so i said no more than 26?? 2X13amp plugs?? I could tell from the guys expression all respect was lost...
Anyway, I have looked in the handbooks at how many amps each device draws, (both devices say 9-10). The guy then returned with what he said was a 16amp cable with round end and 3 pins (pic below). He then attached cable that converted this to a 3 normal pin plug (pic below) which he plugged into to standard 4 way extention. Which is where I drew the power for my 2 devices.
Just need to be sure in future when asked the same types of questions I give the right info... Am I right in thinking that if I require power for 3 devices that all draw around 10amps I need at cable that can cope with at least 30 amps?.. So a 16amp version cable above wouldnt be safe??
Also, If I turn up to an event in the future and I am basically left to hook up power on my own would I be able to use basic extentions found around the house or do I need the types of cables pictured above??
One final question... Would it be safe to run all 3 devices from an extention that is connected to one 13amp socket.. bear in mind, most events involve the public getting very close to the wiring...
Look forward to your reponses!!