[SML] tech table(s) extension power

[Dan Monti]

Dick-A thought on a setup that I both really like and have first hand knowledge of a successful pulling of wool over safety's eyes. 

Problem:
Use of extension cords and power strips. While we can debate the relative merits of the rules, they are there.

What we built:
I was working for an audio company that went wiuth PowerCon for all power distribution. For breakouts I built quad boxes with surface mount PowerCon I/O's mounted in the KO's of the 4" boxes (might have had to modify the KO size slightly, long time ago...?) This greatly facilitated storing them (no tails) and allowed them to be whatever length was needed for an application (ever changing). An assortment of edison to powercon cables, couplers, and some really cool powercon in an edison body (details by request) adapters completed the PD package.
Side note:We also ended up popping some panel mount PowerCons into the end of metal power strips and had a few of the cheaper plastic strips that we hacked the molded Edison and put a cable mount PowerCon on. 
The racks were powered with a modified rackmount power strip (single duplex on the "front" (utility outlet) and four or five on the "rear" (rack gear). Pulled the cord off and punched holes for a white and blue panel mount PowerCon on the "front". When mounted in the top slot of the rear rails... Made linking racks a breeze (short jumpers lived in the racks) and the cords never came unplugged.
The quads were great for stage power as all the cable stored as cable (not cable with a big box on the end) and all the quads & metal strips stacked neatly into a plastic crate with the hard adapters. 

How it worked politically:1) Try your very best to keep a straight face.
2) Instead of using "extension cords" (i.e. molded ends or standard edisons that an inspector is used to) you use "power distribution cables" (powercon extension cords). 
Really.
A friend of mine pulled this description out of his, umm, hat, when challenged by safety in a similar situation (audio set up in gym at a university) and got an, "Oh, well that's okay then". #FacePalm
Sometimes it is better to not ask and find a way to let them be right. If you need to add/change a wall outlet to a powercon...

Might get away with a stage pin cable, 2-fers and Meds/Feds as well. You never know. 



Dan Monti
ETCP Certified Entertainment Electrician
lightmedic at gmail.com





    
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