Power Cable 101: What You Actually Need Based on Your Rig Size and Layout
Let’s talk about one of the most overlooked parts of show prep: the power cable.
No one gets excited about feeder, edison strings, or cam tails. But here’s the thing—we’ve seen beautifully planned productions nearly grind to a halt because of one missing 100' extension, a mismatched connector, or a power distro that couldn't reach. If your gear can’t power up, it doesn’t matter how fancy your console or LED wall is.
So whether you’re planning a small DJ rig, a corporate stage, or a full-scale concert system, this post is your no-fluff guide to choosing the right power cable setup based on your rig size and layout.
The Basics: Know Your Power Types
Before we size anything, let’s break down the most common cable types you’ll see on a production site:
- Edison: Your standard 120V household-style plug. Good for small devices and short runs.
- PowerCON: A locking connector common in pro audio and lighting gear—safer and more reliable than Edison.
- Stage Pin (2P&G): Often used in theatrical settings for dimmed lighting circuits.
- Camlock: High-current connections used for feeder cables—think distro power, big lighting rigs, or audio stacks.
- SOOW or SJ Cord: Heavy-duty rubber-jacketed cable for flexibility and durability, often used in 12/3 or 14/3 runs.
Knowing what each does is the first step to ordering what you need—or troubleshooting when you're 50 feet short on-site.
Small Rigs (1-2 Circuits / Under 2kW)
For a small rig—say, a DJ setup with a couple powered speakers and uplights—you’ll often get by with standard Edison extensions and a single 15A circuit.
Recommended cabling:
- (2–4) 25'–50' 12/3 Edison extensions
- (1) 6-outlet power strip with surge protection
- Optional: Short Edison-to-PowerCON adapter if using pro lights
Pro Tip: Even for small events, avoid daisy-chaining too many devices on one strip. Break out loads early if you plan to scale.
Mid-Sized Rigs (Multiple Zones / Under 10kW)
Once you’re into multi-speaker sound, a few moving lights, and projection or LED screens, you’re likely going to draw more than one circuit. This is where breakouts and distro power start to matter.
Recommended cabling:
- (4–6) 12/3 Edison extensions in 25' and 50' lengths
- (2) Quad boxes or spider boxes to split loads cleanly
- Camlock-to-breakout for tie-ins to house power or generator
- Optional: PowerCON daisy chains for lighting bars or scenic
We’ve seen dozens of successful conferences run entirely off a few 20A circuits, but only because the power distro and cable plan were thoughtfully executed. At Eagle AV Rental, we often color-code or label power legs to make on-site setup idiot-proof, especially for multi-zone ballrooms or split-stage installs.
"A solid power plan is like a good stage plot: the audience never sees it, but you’ll definitely know if it’s wrong."
Large Rigs (Lighting Grids, Line Arrays, Video Walls)
Big rigs mean big power. You’re now in the world of 3-phase power, distro racks, feeder cables, and load balancing.
Minimum recommended:
- 50'–100' Camlock feeder sets (hot, neutral, ground)
- One or more distro racks with L6-20 / L6-30 outputs
- Breakout cables (e.g., Camlock to Edison spiders)
- Plenty of 12/3 extensions, PowerCON jumpers, and stage-pin jumpers
At this scale, voltage drop and load balancing become real issues. A 100’ cable run with undersized wire can overheat and underperform. Always calculate distance, expected load, and amp draw before finalizing your cable list.
Pro Tip: Never assume a venue can provide the amperage you need—advance the power as early as you advance the risers or truck dock access.
Layout Matters Just as Much as Load
Even if your gear fits within your available amperage, a bad physical layout can ruin the show.
- Run power separate from signal to reduce interference
- Don’t cross high-power near data lines (especially DMX or SDI)
- Use cable ramps or covers for audience safety and ADA compliance
- Pre-label runs for teardown efficiency and troubleshooting
At Eagle, we do cable mapping during pre-production for large events—especially when cable has to run across ballrooms, behind scenic, or overhead. It saves hours on site.
Wrapping It Up
Power might not be glamorous, but it’s what keeps your show alive. Whether you're plugging in a speaker for a backyard gig or tying into a 400A panel for a full-scale festival, the right power cables—and the right planning—are the foundation of your success.
And don’t worry if you’re unsure what you need. That’s what rental partners like us are here for. Eagle AV Rental has built cable packages for rigs of all sizes, and we’re always happy to help spec your show for safety, efficiency, and peace of mind.
Need help sizing your cable runs or prepping a distro plan? Drop us a line—we’ll make sure you’ve got the right lengths, the right connectors, and the right support to power up with confidence.
Reach out anytime. We’re here to keep your show connected.
