Okay, so I’ve been messing around with setting up some temporary power for an event, and I figured I’d share my process, ’cause, you know, why not? It’s all based on that book, “Electricity for the Entertainment Electrician & Technician.” I’m no expert, but I like to tinker, and this is what I did.
First Steps: Planning and Gathering
First things first, I figured out what needed power. We had some lights, a sound system, and a couple of food warmers. I jotted down the wattage of everything – super important! You can usually find this info on a sticker or plate on the device itself. I then added it all up to get a total power requirement. Made a rough sketch of where everything would be located and how far they are from the power source.
Then I grabbed my gear: extension cords (heavy-duty ones, not the flimsy ones!), a power strip (again, a good one!), and a multimeter (this thing is a lifesaver for checking voltage and stuff). I also made sure I had some basic tools: wire strippers, electrical tape, and a screwdriver.
Getting Down to Business: Wiring and Connections
I started with the power source. In this case, it was a generator. I made double sure it was turned OFF before I did anything else. Safety first, people! I connected the main, super thick cable to the generator, making sure it was a nice, tight connection.
Next, I ran the extension cords from the main cable to where the different things would be. I tried to keep the cords out of the way, taping them down where needed to avoid tripping hazards. I also use zip-ties, It’s very convenient.
- Sound system: Plugged it into the power strip, then the power strip into one of the extension cords.
- Lights: Same deal – plugged them into a separate extension cord.
- Food warmers: These needed their own dedicated circuit, so I used another extension cord just for them.
Testing and Troubleshooting
Before turning anything on, I used the multimeter to check the voltage at each outlet. This is where that book came in handy – it had a chart showing the safe voltage range. Everything looked good, so I flipped the switch on the generator.
Then it came to testing. And, I slowly turned on the things, starting with the sound system. It all worked.No weird noises, no smoke (thank goodness!). Then, I did the same with the lights and food warmers. Everything fired up perfectly!
I kept an eye on things for a while, making sure nothing was overheating or acting funny.
So, yeah, that’s how I set up temporary power for our event. Not rocket science, but it definitely helps to have a plan and a good book to guide you. And remember, always be careful when you are working with electricity. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from professionals when in doubt.
