are generator safe for our equipment?

[Cj_The_Dj]

hi i am doing a out door gig for the school (summer fyre)and they are stickin me on a feild. They told me i will be powerd with a generator ,
could this doing any thing to my computer or amp / spkaers ?. i am thick in this Kind Of thing lol thanks for the help

[DAZLIN01]

I've done a few in marquees, as long as you have a surge protector(s).

I always use one for audio and one for lighting - Never had a problem yet... (He says searching for the nearest bit of wood!!)

[Paul James Promotions]

An RCD is essential.

[Cj_The_Dj]

what is a RCD ?

[DMX Will]

what is a RCD ?

Also known as a circuit breaker. Basically protects your equipment from short circuits etc.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Residual-current_device

[flatliners]

i wouldnt do a gig that uses a generator as i did once and the main generator packed in so they used a back up and wasnt powerfull enough and blew the compression drivers on my jbls tell them you want a power cable from a power point better to b safe than sorry or tell them that if anything breaks then they will have 2 pay

[Thames Valley Discos]

run it through a double convertion ups, then you,ll be fine

[Mission]

I am also doing an outdoor event using a generator.

What is the difference between a "thermal cut out" and an RCD. The cable I have has a "thermal cut out", should I/do I need an RCD as well ?

[rob1963]

Some years ago I did the music & PA system on a village green for a fete, and had to run my system on a generator.

It wasn't powerful enough though, and i seem to remember the (record) decks started running a bit slow! We had to turn down the amp a bit to cure the problem.

Bear in mind that you need a lot more power for open air gigs, as there are no walls for the sound to bounce off.

As already mentioned, some sort of surge protection is also essential.

The other thing to think of is the possibility of bad weather. Are you under some sort of cover?

:)

[sparc]

An RCD: this device is there to protect you from an earth fault by cutting the power before you or your clients get killed. I am surprised some people still don't know what they are, let alone use them on every gig.

Surge protector is also essential, several people I know have had expensive equipment destroyed by mains surges in marquees.

Make sure the generator you are connecting to is a regulated one designed for running electronic equipment. I would also do this before the event, so that there is time for the client to sort out the correct genny.

[CRAZY K]

An RCD: this device is there to protect you from an earth fault by cutting the power before you or your clients get killed. I am surprised some people still don't know what they are, let alone use them on every gig.

Surge protector is also essential, several people I know have had expensive equipment destroyed by mains surges in marquees.

Make sure the generator you are connecting to is a regulated one designed for running electronic equipment. I would also do this before the event, so that there is time for the client to sort out the correct genny.

Its all down to who supplies the jenny.

If its a Professional Catering Company for example they may well have proper
equipment OF THEIR OWN and you should have no problems, I worked with one last year and they had a very powerful Honda that really looked the dogs.

Also worked with one supplied by another catering Company in Northampton and that was excellent--but we are talking of Contractors who charge a lot of money so you get decent equipment.

However if someone says they are hiring one from the hire shop I wouldnt accept the gig, I DOUBT IF THEY ARE CHECKED OVER MUCH.

CRAZY K

[dj steady]

never had a problem with a generator yet and i do loads of big marquee events....

[CRAZY K]

never had a problem with a generator yet and i do loads of big marquee events....

Thats the clue isnt it?

Big events, big budgets, decent equipment etc.

Smaller events with small budgets are often where people start cutting corners with dodgy generators:eek:

CRAZY K

[PropellerHeadCase]

Thats the clue isnt it?

Big events, big budgets, decent equipment etc.

Smaller events with small budgets are often where people start cutting corners with dodgy generators:eek:

CRAZY K

Or don't know what the corners are that they are cutting figuring that a generator's a generator's a generator.

[spin mobile disco]

No, generators can be very different. If it doesnt have a smoothing curcuit for example as many of the cheap ones dont dont touch it. And you really need at least double the capacity you would really need. it will help prevent brown outs.
Round here they use huge generators for most events with 10kw outputs and built in thermal overload protection. Very nice wouldnt know you were on a generator. But im told they cost about £1000 a day hire.

[CRAZY K]

Or don't know what the corners are that they are cutting figuring that a generator's a generator's a generator.

Absolutely not!:eek:

A Disco is a disco ?:D

There are many variations in size, quality, safety features and unless maintained regularly and properly and tested could damage your equipment.

CRAZY K

[Shaun]

Does anyone have a clause in their contracts that relate to events where a generator is in use. I have several marquee events pending and I can't help but think I shoudl have something that dictates exactly the type of 'genny' required, and the clients responsibilities should any equipment be damaged by a generator.

So far my contract has a standard 'Damage' clause but nothing specific. Does anyone have any specific wording on their contract they'd like to share?

Thanks in advance.

[PropellerHeadCase]

I don't, but I think the easiest to enforce, and for your own peace of mind maybe something like "if a generator is to be hired to supply power for myself (the DJ) and especially if it is being hired for myself, caterers and others I must speak with the hire company before the hire contract is signed to ensure appropritae levels of power supply and equipment protection are in place."

[Excalibur]

No, generators can be very different. If it doesnt have a smoothing curcuit for example as many of the cheap ones dont dont touch it. And you really need at least double the capacity you would really need. it will help prevent brown outs.
Round here they use huge generators for most events with 10kw outputs and built in thermal overload protection. Very nice wouldnt know you were on a generator. But im told they cost about £1000 a day hire.

We used to do a marquee function every year for a company, and the generator was about the size of a garden shed. Ran everything with power to spare. The danger is to be on a small underpowered one, especially if someone suddenly adds an unexpected load, and trips it! As a guide, if it isn't diesel, it isn't big enough.

[soundlad]

i have been working on a few building sites with generators when you charge your drill batteries i knackers them because it is not a constant flow of current. Never done a disco from a genie though:D

[djqacy]

The RCD (Residual Current Divice) is not the right thing to prodect your equipment when using a generator. The rcd is to prodect people if they come in contact with electricity.

I have used many times my equipment with a generator and have no problems. The best thing to do is to use a stabilizer unit that will help to keep the voltage stable.

The generator gives you the voltage you want, ex. 240V but not stable.

[PropellerHeadCase]

Also sometimes called a power conditioner.