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Generator electrical splitter cables
Chris Hindle:
--- Quote from: Bob Faulkner on January 03, 2023, 12:01:14 PM ---Hey Chris - I would assume a generator house would have that. Though, the generators used at these events are always provided by someone from the event; I'm not sure where they are getting them. I'm sure some have been personal generators. I'm tempted just to get my own cord and bring them with me to the event(s), instead of renting. I think it would be cheaper to own than rent for something like a cord.
--- End quote ---
Loud and clear Bob. In my mechanics days, if I had to borrow something more than once, i had to buy it.
I thought if a Genny House sent it out, it would be more "substantial" (and expensive) than the Big Box version. It wouldn't hurt to be known at one of these places on the day(s) you need some REAL power.
Chris.
Dave Garoutte:
I prefer to supply my own genny on the smaller gigs. Then I have more control over the whole power chain, plus I get to charge for that too.
Brian Jojade:
--- Quote from: Chris Hindle on January 03, 2023, 09:56:49 AM ---Bob, is this "splitter" something a Generator House may have as a rental item?
Once or twice a rear, right?
Chris.
--- End quote ---
Chances are, rental houses would provide a spider box that has a higher rental cost than buying one of these cheap cables.
At under $100, even using once or twice a year, I'd buy before renting. Just the hassle of picking up and dropping off a rental is worth the $100. (less because rental fee too)
There are commercially made units that are a little nicer. This one looks more substantial, using traditional outlets and GFCI, although it's limited to 2 20 amp circuits.
LINKY
You can also build your own unit (if your electrical inspector still allows it, and let's be honest, if you're using a 5Kw generator, it's unlikely an inspector will be at the event.)
The cost to build your own would be similar to the pre-packaged kit, but you can build it to your own standards. If you can find used parts, it might be close to nothing.
Here's a neat design I found at a rental house. Clearly not a commercially built production piece, but would be perfect for this scenario with a unique design.
https://proenergy.ca/product/power-distribution-spider-box-30-amp-2/
Paul G. OBrien:
--- Quote from: Bob Faulkner on January 03, 2023, 12:03:51 AM ---Any recommendations for a generator splitter cable (for occasional use)?
--- End quote ---
I have 2 of these... https://www.homedepot.com/p/Champion-Power-Equipment-25-ft-NEMA-L14-30P-to-4x-5-20R-Generator-Cord-in-Yellow-48043/303700045
The reason I got these initially was because the 120v outlets on rental generators are often in pretty bad shape and even if they weren't it's not possible to get the full capacity of the genset through them. So far they have been great even used one at an indoor event on NYE as the facility had pair of L14-30 R's installed on stage, and that was good because the 120v recepticales there are so worn the cables just fall out under thier own weight.
Bob Faulkner:
--- Quote from: Chris Hindle on January 03, 2023, 12:42:25 PM ---Loud and clear Bob. In my mechanics days, if I had to borrow something more than once, i had to buy it.
I thought if a Genny House sent it out, it would be more "substantial" (and expensive) than the Big Box version. It wouldn't hurt to be known at one of these places on the day(s) you need some REAL power.
Chris.
--- End quote ---
Exactly!
--- Quote from: Dave Garoutte on January 03, 2023, 01:38:00 PM ---I prefer to supply my own genny on the smaller gigs. Then I have more control over the whole power chain, plus I get to charge for that too.
--- End quote ---
If I had a Diesel genny, I would be using it every time!
--- Quote from: Brian Jojade on January 03, 2023, 01:59:12 PM ---Chances are, rental houses would provide a spider box that has a higher rental cost than buying one of these cheap cables.
At under $100, even using once or twice a year, I'd buy before renting. Just the hassle of picking up and dropping off a rental is worth the $100. (less because rental fee too)
There are commercially made units that are a little nicer. This one looks more substantial, using traditional outlets and GFCI, although it's limited to 2 20 amp circuits.
LINKY
You can also build your own unit (if your electrical inspector still allows it, and let's be honest, if you're using a 5Kw generator, it's unlikely an inspector will be at the event.)
The cost to build your own would be similar to the pre-packaged kit, but you can build it to your own standards. If you can find used parts, it might be close to nothing.
Here's a neat design I found at a rental house. Clearly not a commercially built production piece, but would be perfect for this scenario with a unique design.
https://proenergy.ca/product/power-distribution-spider-box-30-amp-2/
--- End quote ---
Damn!! How did I forget about those CEP boxes!?? Thanks for the link.
I'm going to have to take a look into the 30amp 120/240 option (maybe the dead end boxes); this would work well for all of the smaller shows. "By once, cry once"... I have no problem with that. Any event needing something larger would be managed by a Diesel genny with a 50amp service. If I need to use my Rac Pac, they provide the power.
--- Quote from: Paul G. OBrien on January 03, 2023, 08:14:26 PM ---I have 2 of these... https://www.homedepot.com/p/Champion-Power-Equipment-25-ft-NEMA-L14-30P-to-4x-5-20R-Generator-Cord-in-Yellow-48043/303700045
The reason I got these initially was because the 120v outlets on rental generators are often in pretty bad shape and even if they weren't it's not possible to get the full capacity of the genset through them. So far they have been great even used one at an indoor event on NYE as the facility had pair of L14-30 R's installed on stage, and that was good because the 120v recepticales there are so worn the cables just fall out under thier own weight.
--- End quote ---
Exactly... with the 120V limited power and torn up receptacles! Thanks for the link.
This is why I started looking for a solution that I can manage without spending too much. Question: For the cable you are using (in the link), are those solid blade pins on the 4-pin connector? Some that I have seen (and what was referenced before), reflected non-solid pins, but actually 2 thinner blades folded over to make one large blade; I'm trying to only consider solid blades.
Thanks.
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