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[Rob Spence]

/Snip...

Don't buy extension cords.  They are not rated for this use and very unprofessional.  Nothing screams amateur like an orange extension cord.  No matter what you do you should have a small case of 12GA SOOW rated feeder cable.  I keep ours cut to 50's lengths, you may find 25' more convenient.  Make your own with this cable using high quality industrial ends.  Don't forget to gaff the couple.  You need to route to not have trip hazard.  Rubber matts, Gaff tape and cable trough are all tools that you may need. 

\snip

Note that the NEC limits the number of connections in a cable run.

[Scott Holtzman]

Note that the NEC limits the number of connections in a cable run.

Can you expand please Rob?

[Doug Johnson]

I have Socapex cable that I use for situations like this.  I gives me six runs of 12 gauge wire in one easy to run cable.  Even if I don't need that many circuits this allows me to distribute my loads across the runs, dropping my current draw on each.  Even if I don't have 6 circuits available, I can double up the runs on a duplex, still distribute my loads across multiple runs and the net result is really the same as running larger gauge cords.  Socapex still remains fairly expensive to buy but, should be easily rented from any company that does lighting. 

[Rob Spence]

Can you expand please Rob?

Sure. In the case where you are feeding a distribution box (such as a spider box from a generator), 2008 NEC 520.53J defines the number of connections for various lengths.

For example, a 100’ length could be made with 2 50’ cables as it meets the 3 connections for 100’ or less. That would be one at each end and the one in the middle. Two 25’ & a 50’ would not meet code.

A 150’ could be made with 3 50’. A 200’ would require at least one 100’ so a collection of 50’ cables can’t do a 200’ run and be within code.

On the output side of a distro, I am not aware of the rules as I don’t run long runs of short cables.

Does that explain?

Edit to include version of NEC

[Stephen Swaffer]

Rob,

In the 2017 Code that reference is 520.54 (h).

Doug,

Keep in mind with , multi conductor cables you need to derate for the number of load carrying conductors.  If you have individual circuits, that is 12 conductors which translates to a de-rate of 50%.  It is still useful to reduce the voltage drop by spreading the load, but once you gave over 9 conductors the penalty is pretty severe.

[Ed Hall]

You should have a relationship with a local house to rent additional capacity as needed anyway.

This is the advice that comes with experience or hanging out here. Better to set this up before you need it. It can also result in some work if they send some smaller work your way.

[John Fruits]

Well darn, I thought sure that this had something to do with a vintage Hammond organ!

[Art Nadelman]

My Inner Cynic translates that to: "6500 watt contractor generator."  The kind the snow cone concession trailer uses to drown out the ice grinder...

I'd love to be wrong about this.  Art N. has been around long enough but his client may not have been.

Well, I requested a large, quiet diesel.  And this is what I got.  They tell me that is is a whisper inverter generator.  It's arriving sometime today.  I may go check it out just to make sure of what I have.  It's being supplied by one of the event committee members whose company rents generators.

Thanks for all of your input.

Art

[Tim McCulloch]

That was enough info to practice the google-foo.

MQ has a Studio series with a 7kW gas unit.  Appears to be a Honda eu7000 with entertainment-grade transportation and handling accessories.
http://www.multiquip.com/multiquip/PSG7AT1.htm

MQ also has a diesel 7kW rig in their Super Silent line:
http://www.multiquip.com/multiquip/DA7000SSA2.htm

[Brian Jojade]

If I'm running any generator, I'd expect that it would need to be placed at least 75 feet from the stage.  So all you're eliminating by having a generator is 50 extra feet of feeder cable.

While feeder cable certainly is expensive, it's something that you buy once and is good until you die.  If power is available 125' away, I'd pretty much always prefer that over a generator!

[ProSoundWeb Community]