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Power Connectors
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<blockquote data-quote="Silas Pradetto" data-source="post: 18737" data-attributes="member: 34"><p>This is a tough question, because not only can there be many different connectors in use, it also seems that electricians like to use the wrong connector for the job, either wired wrong or otherwise.</p><p></p><p>Also note, it is illegal to draw 120V off of a receptacle wired for 240V without a neutral; the only way to get 120V is to use the ground as a neutral, which is NOT a current-carrying conductor, and can be undersized, etc. Don't do it.</p><p></p><p>Common plugs I see are L5-20, L6-20, L14-20, L14-30, L21-20, L21-30, NEMA 5-15R (Edison), 5-20R, 14-50R (range plug with neutral), 14-30R (dryer plug with neutral), 6-30R and 6-50R (dryer and range without neutral), 14-60R (like a range plug with neutral but 60 amps, rare), camlocks, and some of the pin connectors hotels have, but they have their own plugs for them. </p><p></p><p>Of course, you can NOT use any of the plugs with a '6' in them, since there is no neutral there.</p><p></p><p>I bring adapters for the dryer plug, range plug, and some of the twist locks if I need. I have a big inventory at the shop, so I try to get the information on what connectors are available when I advance a show. </p><p></p><p>Modifying venue electrical systems is generally frowned on unless you're a licensed electrician, so if you need "big power" then it's best to have an electrician tie you in. You might complain that it's expensive, etc, but if the show is big enough to warrant the big power, it should be big enough to pay an electrician, or be in a venue with a house electrician.</p><p></p><p>Edit: And, ALWAYS meter every plug you connect to, hot to hot, hots to neutral, hots to ground, and neutral to ground. You wouldn't believe how many plugs I've seen where the neutral is the third phase of a 3-phase supply, or the neutral and hot are swapped, ground is hot, etc etc. One wrong move and your entire rig is blown up, so be careful.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silas Pradetto, post: 18737, member: 34"] This is a tough question, because not only can there be many different connectors in use, it also seems that electricians like to use the wrong connector for the job, either wired wrong or otherwise. Also note, it is illegal to draw 120V off of a receptacle wired for 240V without a neutral; the only way to get 120V is to use the ground as a neutral, which is NOT a current-carrying conductor, and can be undersized, etc. Don't do it. Common plugs I see are L5-20, L6-20, L14-20, L14-30, L21-20, L21-30, NEMA 5-15R (Edison), 5-20R, 14-50R (range plug with neutral), 14-30R (dryer plug with neutral), 6-30R and 6-50R (dryer and range without neutral), 14-60R (like a range plug with neutral but 60 amps, rare), camlocks, and some of the pin connectors hotels have, but they have their own plugs for them. Of course, you can NOT use any of the plugs with a '6' in them, since there is no neutral there. I bring adapters for the dryer plug, range plug, and some of the twist locks if I need. I have a big inventory at the shop, so I try to get the information on what connectors are available when I advance a show. Modifying venue electrical systems is generally frowned on unless you're a licensed electrician, so if you need "big power" then it's best to have an electrician tie you in. You might complain that it's expensive, etc, but if the show is big enough to warrant the big power, it should be big enough to pay an electrician, or be in a venue with a house electrician. Edit: And, ALWAYS meter every plug you connect to, hot to hot, hots to neutral, hots to ground, and neutral to ground. You wouldn't believe how many plugs I've seen where the neutral is the third phase of a 3-phase supply, or the neutral and hot are swapped, ground is hot, etc etc. One wrong move and your entire rig is blown up, so be careful. [/QUOTE]
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