Power help.

[Penfold42]

How much power would you need to run –
Band
DJ
Marquee (200 people)

I have been informed we have 3 x 13amp outputs :eek:...

So how much do people need?
I ask for 2 x double 13mp sockets and use 3 of those.
How much would a band need? (I am assuming a band will need the same)
How much for a Marquee? (Not sure about this)

This is one of those silly question’s I’m being asked.

Thanks.

[A1DL]

How much power would you need to run –
Band
DJ
Marquee (200 people)

I have been informed we have 3 x 13amp outputs :eek:...

So how much do people need?
I ask for 2 x double 13mp sockets and use 3 of those.
How much would a band need? (I am assuming a band will need the same)
How much for a Marquee? (Not sure about this)

This is one of those silly question’s I’m being asked.

Thanks.

You can calculate how much power you will need for the sound and light.

Are there two separate sound systems, or are the band and DJ sharing? (if two systems, I guess/hope they would not be operating to maximum current draw concurrently), although you'll want one idling whilst the other is in use.

The Band - check what LX they're bringing. Whilst it's very rock & roll to have a bar of six each side, that will draw up to 12kw if they're 1,000w 64s.

The Marquee - normally a 16a circuit for chandeliers/house lighting, but don't forget any outside lighting, portaloos, electric starters for calor burners etc (allow another one or ideally two 16s for that)

What about the catering? Where is the power coming from?


Most importantly, "3x13a outputs" could mean anything. Even if they are not shared, they could still be split & daisy chained off a 16a MCB, so "3x13a outputs" may mean you can pull 16a, or it may mean you can pull 78a, if each twin 13 was on it's own 32a MCB (which is very unlikely).

I assume this will be running off a genset? Have you got an SP or TP set? Size of set (kva)?

Tony

[theoloyla]

There is no easy answer. It depends on how much lighting and equipment are being used. The rule of thumb I have always used is that a 13 amp socket will deliver power to run 3,000 watts

[CRAZY K]

How much power would you need to run –
Band
DJ
Marquee (200 people)

I have been informed we have 3 x 13amp outputs :eek:...

So how much do people need?
I ask for 2 x double 13mp sockets and use 3 of those.
How much would a band need? (I am assuming a band will need the same)
How much for a Marquee? (Not sure about this)

This is one of those silly question’s I’m being asked.

Thanks.

Tony this is a piece of string question and I think you might be well advised to not get involved in case it all goes pear shaped and they blame you when the lights go out:eek:

You just concentrate on how much power you need mate!

CRAZY K

[A1DL]

Tony this is a piece of string question and I think you might be well advised to not get involved in case it all goes pear shaped and they blame you when the lights go out:eek:

You just concentrate on how much power you need mate!

CRAZY K

Tony has given enough information for me to give him a few pointers, the common things to beware of, that people tend to overlook or simply "hope will be OK" on the day.... with multiple daisy chained twin 13a's being one of the most common of those things.

Agreed Alan, the information given is limited, certainly not enough to make any specific recommendations on size of set or to calculate a LB plan for a TP set, etc, etc... The latter shouldn't concern the DJ anyway.

[Penfold42]

Are there two separate sound systems, or are the band and DJ sharing? (if two systems, I guess/hope they would not be operating to maximum current draw concurrently), although you'll want one idling whilst the other is in use.
I'm hoping both will run off the same system.


The Band - check what LX they're bringing. Whilst it's very rock & roll to have a bar of six each side, that will draw up to 12kw if they're 1,000w 64s.
Thanks - i'll check that.


The Marquee - normally a 16a circuit for chandeliers/house lighting, but don't forget any outside lighting, portaloos, electric starters for calor burners etc (allow another one or ideally two 16s for that)

What about the catering? Where is the power coming from?

Looked and checked - not 13 amp but 3 x 16 amp...:o :)

Most importantly, "3x13a outputs" could mean anything. Even if they are not shared, they could still be split & daisy chained off a 16a MCB, so "3x13a outputs" may mean you can pull 16a, or it may mean you can pull 78a, if each twin 13 was on it's own 32a MCB (which is very unlikely).

I assume this will be running off a genset? Have you got an SP or TP set? Size of set (kva)?
No....they want to run off what's there.....:eek:


There is no easy answer. It depends on how much lighting and equipment are being used. The rule of thumb I have always used is that a 13 amp socket will deliver power to run 3,000 watts
Thanks.

I think you might be well advised to not get involved in case it all goes pear shaped and they blame you when the lights go out:eek:
I'm trying to organise it....:o

You just concentrate on how much power you need mate!

ME...i'm getting bladdered.....:p :D
Many thanks so far.

I perhaps need to explain a bit more.
The company I work for are having a bit of a bash for 250 people.
So they have decided to have an evening do in a Marquee with the full works
Dinner
Band
DJ
Bars

Having made some enquires for the above, got quotes and a final figure they now want to cut corners. One of the items is a generator as they think there is enough power at the venue site to do the work. I’ve now been to take a look see, it has 3 x 16amp outlets which I still feel the power is well under.

The Marquee will comprise of –
12m x 30m Marquee
9m x 9m (Bar/Food Marquees) x2
6m x 9m Chill out Marquee
6m x 6m Catering Marquee
20' long walkway roof to toilets

Lighting for –
3 Emergency Exit Panels
5 Emergency Exit Lighting
3 x 12 Bulb Chandeliers
4 x 5 bulb chandeliers
4 x up lighters in chill out area
3 x Fluorescent Tubes
Bar lighting

Entertainment –
Band (7 piece)
DJ

PA system = 2.5k
This also includes
13 lighting effects
1 Hazer
24 Led par can’s

I personally think a generator is needed but what size?
Your thoughts please.

[Excalibur]

Tony is giving his usual excellent advice, all I would say is that I think you might get away with existing power supply, but I wouldn't like to try it!;) :eek:

A cheap option might be to use a small genset for lighting marquee, and ancillaries, thus leaving mains suply for sound and FX lighting. The one thing I would be ruthless about, is to operate a strict apartheid policy, ie no mixing of functions on circuits, eg fx lights ( and possibly sound) on one circuit, caterers on another, and venue lighting on third ( that's if no genny. If one appears, split band/DJ sound and light. ) Good luck.

PS As a fully paid up sceptic, I would always like to see plenty spare capacity of supply over expected current draw. ;) And don't let folk run twenty seven fourways in a daisy chain for the Catering Ovens!!:D

[CRAZY K]

Tony has given enough information for me to give him a few pointers, the common things to beware of, that people tend to overlook or simply "hope will be OK" on the day.... with multiple daisy chained twin 13a's being one of the most common of those things.

Agreed Alan, the information given is limited, certainly not enough to make any specific recommendations on size of set or to calculate a LB plan for a TP set, etc, etc... The latter shouldn't concern the DJ anyway.

My point entirely Tony ( A1) and I respect your knowledge in this area as you obviously have plenty of working experience.

However, Tony ( Penmare ) should only be concerned with his own requirements, im passing on my opinion here--not telling people how to run their business BTW :D

People have short memories until its time to make a claim against someone when things go wrong--in my experience.

CRAZY K

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

However, Tony ( Penmare ) should only be concerned with his own requirements, im passing on my opinion here--not telling people how to run their business BTW :D



I think the reason Tony is trying to do the whole thing is because it's his company do.

[Excalibur]

My point entirely Tony ( A1) and I respect your knowledge in this area as you obviously have plenty of working experience.

However, Tony ( Penmare ) should only be concerned with his own requirements, im passing on my opinion here--not telling people how to run their business BTW :D

People have short memories until its time to make a claim against someone when things go wrong--in my experience.

CRAZY K

Here we may diverge slightly, as two things spring to mind. Firstly, Tony
( Penmare) appears to have been asked to square the circle, by making sure an adequate power supply exists for the whole function, with no extra funding if it doesn't already exist. An unenviable position. :bang:

Secondly, as someone who has seen a lot of events marred by electrical supply shortcomings ( for whatever reason) it has often been the case that if someone like a DJ or other person with an interest in ensuring a satisfactory power supply had been consulted in advance, things might go more smoothly. Yes I accept not all DJ's are up on power requirements, but as least most of us would hopefully give a warning of any possible prioblems.

We could have a thread about the worst electrical problems we have encountered, couldn't we? :D :D

[Penfold42]

I think the reason Tony is trying to do the whole thing is because it's his company do.
Yep you got it.....there is a team of us trying to get this function off the ground. I could say something here....along the lines of trying to teach people to suck eggs!!


Tony ( Penmare) appears to have been asked to square the circle, by making sure an adequate power supply exists for the whole function, with no extra funding if it doesn't already exist. An unenviable position. :bang:
You got it......first corner to cut is power....:bang:


Secondly, as someone who has seen a lot of events marred by electrical supply shortcomings ( for whatever reason) it has often been the case that if someone like a DJ or other person with an interest in ensuring a satisfactory power supply had been consulted in advance, things might go more smoothly. Yes I accept not all DJ's are up on power requirements, but as least most of us would hopefully give a warning of any possible prioblems.
All i'm trying to do is make things run as smooth as possible...without any hiccups....i only hope all other people are this thoughtful...might be wishful thinking....:)


We could have a thread about the worst electrical problems we have encountered, couldn't we? :D :D
:D

[Excalibur]

All i'm trying to do is make things run as smooth as possible...without any hiccups....i only hope all other people are this thoughtful...might be wishful thinking....:)


:D

Probably is. ;) :D All I can say is " make sure your posterior is adequately clothed" :D :D :D :D

[Penfold42]

Probably is. ;) :D All I can say is " make sure your posterior is adequately clothed" :D :D :D :D

Not me boss...if it looks like it's going that way...i'm bailing out!!

It's in my contract......:D :D :D

[One Vision]

If the disco sound system is capable say 2k+ there is no reason why both disco and band cant use the same setup rather than using separate, just tell your boss that you need a nice desk mixer with 10+ inputs, if you look around you be able to find a good second hand spirit folio 12 channel for next to nothing but very good.

[Excalibur]

If the disco sound system is capable say 2k+ there is no reason why both disco and band cant use the same setup rather than using separate, just tell your boss that you need a nice desk mixer with 10+ inputs, if you look around you be able to find a good second hand spirit folio 12 channel for next to nothing but very good.

I think they are using the same rig, if you read an earlier post. Number six, in fact.

[One Vision]

Arr right easy then

[mldiscos]

just remember if you are running your gear from a generator then it's advisable to use a power stabilzer just in case you get a sudden power surge from the jenny and then see your gear fry of fuse out.

[Penfold42]

OK quick up date....

1 generator (45kva?) which gives - 100 amps on a three way split.....
Plus 2 x 16 amp outside feed...... not off generator..

....we have power.... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1sZLSO9va0)

We have a 9 piece 'soul band' and a DJ on a stage 16' x 4'........:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

That's my next problem to work around.......i'll get there......:D :D :D :D

Thanks.

[Excalibur]

OK quick up date....

1 generator (45kva?) which gives - 100 amps on a three way split.....
Plus 2 x 16 amp outside feed...... not off generator..

....we have power.... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1sZLSO9va0)

.

Now that's more like it! Someone will correct me, but I'd guess about 25-30 Kva or so from those figures, but don't take that as set in stone! That size of animal usually ensures a safe and uninterrupted supply. On one gig we used to do, there would be something in that class in the field behind. We would start it when we arrived to set up, and switch it off when we went home as last ones out. Nice. :D



We have a 9 piece 'soul band' and a DJ on a stage 16' x 4'........:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

That's my next problem to work around.......i'll get there......:D :D :D :D

Thanks.


Another one buying a 2 foot deckstand then? :D :D

[Penfold42]

I believe it is a big beast of a thing.....:D :D :D :D :D :D

So it leave's -
1 x 16 amp for the Marquee
1 x 16 amp for the Catering
2 x 32 amp for PA / Band / DJ

Leaving 1 x 32 amp spare for odd bits.....

We are getting there...but it is taking a lot of :bang: :bang: to get there.

Another one buying a 2 foot deckstand then? :D :D

:lol:

[Excalibur]

I believe it is a big beast of a thing.....:D :D :D :D :D :D

So it leave's -
1 x 16 amp for the Marquee
1 x 16 amp for the Catering
2 x 32 amp for PA / Band / DJ

Leaving 1 x 32 amp spare for odd bits.....

We are getting there...but it is taking a lot of :bang: :bang: to get there.


:lol:


If it was down to me, I'd give the caterers 32A not 16, assuming they are on electric ovens rather than gas. Not as common nowadays granted, but it does happen.

[Penfold42]

If it was down to me, I'd give the caterers 32A not 16, assuming they are on electric ovens rather than gas. Not as common nowadays granted, but it does happen.

Good point will take it on board.....
We are thinking of going for a hot / cold buffet.......so may be flame on for the 'Bar'B'Que'........:D :D :D :D :D but knowing the 'British weather'.....:( ....can't get wet at a bar....well not on the outside.....:D :D :D :D :beer1: