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[John Roll]

Would it be more economical to make up lengths of cable to power my lights on the truss? Since my ADJ Megapar Profiles have ins and outs, I was thinking that buying the cord and ends and making them to length would definitely be a neater arrangement. Is there a source for molded cables or ends I should consider?

John

[DanGlass]

There are companies out there that will make custom length cables for you but unless you are buying a quantity of them it really wont make economical sense.  You can always check with your local DIY home store (Lowes, Home Depot, Grainger) to see the options they have in stock for raw cable and connectors.  I have actually found that it is cheaper to buy a premade extension cord of the shelf than it is to buy the raw cable and make one, well at least a good one.  You can always but a premade extension cord and cut one end to your need but finding one the right color may be your bigger challenge cause you dont want some orange or yellow cable running across your truss.  Just remember to calculate the power draw so you done end up with a cable that is to light weight or way to heavy duty.  Be safe.

[John Fruits]

It looks like you are looking for an IEC C13 to C14 extension cable. Here are a couple of sources I found.
http://www.cablestogo.com/product.asp?cat_id=1023&sku=30823
http://www.stayonline.com/power-iec320-cords.aspx
EDIT: Is it even possible to buy IEC connectors to roll your own, I am having no luck finding them.
Here is another company which I found.
http://www.showmecables.com/Category/Power-Cords.aspx?q=&pg=1&ps=25&fq={attr_display1_sm:C14 to C13}&fq={attr_Amperage_sm:15 Amps}

[Tim Padrick]

Also MonoPrice.com

[Tim Weaver]

Also MonoPrice.com

Monoprice has tons of options for this. Both iec/iec and iec/edison.

[Randall Hyde]

Would it be more economical to make up lengths of cable to power my lights on the truss? Since my ADJ Megapar Profiles have ins and outs, I was thinking that buying the cord and ends and making them to length would definitely be a neater arrangement. Is there a source for molded cables or ends I should consider?

John

Generally, I've found the most economical solution is to buy a longer cord than I need and cut it and splice it back together.

However, keep in mind that such arrangements might not make the local fire marshall happy. Especially if the cord is "SJ" to begin with.

It's been far more expensive for me (and a lot heavier, which is an issue on a truss), but I've gotten in the habit of buying SOOW 12 AWG cable and wiring up duplex boxes as needed. For rectangular or triangular truss that I don't have to reconfigure very often, I try running some 4" PVC pipe down the center with cut-outs where I want to place the outlets (often run DMX cables through here as well -- no, never had any interference [well, yet]). Looks a whole lot nice and cleaner, but doesn't work to well if you are constantly reconfiguring your truss in different portable applications.

BTW, FWIW, you're supposed to be using "SO" type cable on entertainment stages (NEC, in the US anyway). While I'm certainly guilty of running "SJ" type extension cords (typically 16AWG) to various low-power LED fixtures, I'd hate to get busted on that some time. Also, on a permanent stage (perhaps you could get away with this on a temp stage) you're not allowed to plug one extension cord into another to create a longer run. I think you *can* get away with plugging into the expansion outlet on your fixture, but two cords in a row is a no-no. Fortunately, most inspectors that look at a temporary stage wouldn't have a clue about things like this, but if you're unlucky and get an inspector who normally inspects buildings (theaters), this might be an issue that is brought up.

Cheers,
Randy Hyde

[Frank Jenestreet]

Would it be more economical to make up lengths of cable to power my lights on the truss? Since my ADJ Megapar Profiles have ins and outs, I was thinking that buying the cord and ends and making them to length would definitely be a neater arrangement. Is there a source for molded cables or ends I should consider?

John

Hi John ... tentwares.com sells a multi-tap power cord, 12/3, that has a molded outlet every 10'.  Not perfect for your app, but you could cut and splice to set the outlets closer and shorten the 50' length to 10 or 12'.    My company, otisdm.com, will be offering a power bar designed to attach to truss with multiple ac outlets and probably some other configurations as well in late winter, early spring of 2013.  also, check out thorvation.com, there is a circular strip outlet on his site...  we will be adapting that design to make the power bar.

[Lee Brenkman]

Hi John ... tentwares.com sells a multi-tap power cord, 12/3, that has a molded outlet every 10'. 

And, if it is of any importance to you, which it may or may not be, the multi tap power cord from tentwares is REALLY WHITE.

[ProSoundWeb Community]