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[Bob Faulkner]

Anyone using things like Motion Labs "Rac Pac"  devices? 

There are a few events I do each year that something like a 50amp Rac Pac (all Edison receptacles), would be beneficial.  However, not every event I do may have a 50 amp service, as an example, (either from a tie-in on a load-center or from a spider). 

To manage the potential varieties of electrical service at an event, would you carry various power cords to accommodate say... a 30amp service (one side of the cord accommodates the 30amp service, and the other side accommodates the 50amp Rac Pac)... or would it be better to stipulate a 50amp service (for example) at every venue?

I normally use the spider boxes provided with generators, but sometimes available receptacles become a problem... though, the 30/40/50amp service feeds on the boxes are most always available. 

Just looking at potential options for better power "management" at the bigger shows.  Would love to use something like a Rac Pac, but didn't want to get cornered into only being able to use a feed sized to what the Rac Pac can support (not including anything over the rating of Rac Pac).

[Frank Koenig]

To manage the potential varieties of electrical service at an event, would you carry various power cords to accommodate say... a 30amp service (one side of the cord accommodates the 30amp service, and the other side accommodates the 50amp Rac Pac)

You can get a 50A Rac Pac and make yourself a 30 A adapter. Nothing wrong with that. You can even make a 5-15 "Edison" adapter and use it as a $500 outlet strip (with both legs tied together). Just don't get any ideas about making a two-headed Edison cord to get more power, as has been discussed here many times -F

[Bob Faulkner]

You can get a 50A Rac Pac and make yourself a 30 A adapter. Nothing wrong with that. You can even make a 5-15 "Edison" adapter and use it as a $500 outlet strip (with both legs tied together). Just don't get any ideas about making a two-headed Edison cord to get more power, as has been discussed here many times -F

Thanks Frank. 

That's what I was hoping for.  Carrying various feeders could be expensive and add yet more weight. 

You are correct, I would never put together a 2-headed Edison!  Those posts were an interesting read.

For the adapters, (i.e. 50amp Rac Pac drawing from a 30amp service), looks like there are pre-made adapters available (barrel types, short-cords)... would these types be acceptable?  Or, would it be best to wire in a plug (each time) that supports the available service?

[Erik Jerde]

Thanks Frank. 

That's what I was hoping for.  Carrying various feeders could be expensive and add yet more weight. 

You are correct, I would never put together a 2-headed Edison!  Those posts were an interesting read.

For the adapters, (i.e. 50amp Rac Pac drawing from a 30amp service), looks like there are pre-made adapters available (barrel types, short-cords)... would these types be acceptable?  Or, would it be best to wire in a plug (each time) that supports the available service?

I’d carry an adapter or two for the most common scenarios.  You can always convert it on-site if needed.  If you have the luxury of pre-event site visits then just make a note and come prepared.

[Bob Faulkner]

I’d carry an adapter or two for the most common scenarios.  You can always convert it on-site if needed.  If you have the luxury of pre-event site visits then just make a note and come prepared.

What do you use for the adapters...?  Barrel type or short cords?

[Ed Hall]

I’ve found that short adapter cords work better than barrel type adaptors. Too much torque from the length of the barrel adapter. Especially with heavier feed cable.


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[Mark Cadwallader]

By "short", I have assumed that it means about 5' (1.5 m) of cable, in case I'm coming out of a high-mounted dryer receptical or other non-standard location.  Is that a reasonable assumption?

[Erik Jerde]

What do you use for the adapters...?  Barrel type or short cords?

Short cords.  Just enough to reduce torque on the outlet.  A foot or two.

[Bob Faulkner]

By "short", I have assumed that it means about 5' (1.5 m) of cable, in case I'm coming out of a high-mounted dryer receptical or other non-standard location.  Is that a reasonable assumption?

Was mostly thinking of the 1ft to 2ft lengths.  But, yes anything less than 5ft I would considered "short".

Looks like a negative for the barrel type of converters.  Will focus on the "short" cords. 

Thanks!

[Frank Koenig]

Short cords.  Just enough to reduce torque on the outlet.  A foot or two.

Me too. And if you get in a bind and have the male you need on one and the female on another you can do a field transplant. You might not even have to restrip the cable.

I'll confess that for my dryer-plug male (30A straight-blade) I used a molded cable assembly from the big-box store. It's cheap and for my once-a-year use good enough. If the neutral opens up and fries my rig I'll have only myself to blame. -F