Power for Active Speakers

[Koshy1]

hello I am mobile dj and I would setup and tear down in about 20 -30 minutes due to panel mounts on my amp rack . I have since switched to Active speakers 2 mackie srm 450s and 2 mackie swa1501s I just got them last week and i ran the power cables to different outlets which took forever to setup( little over an hr ) . My question is can i run all 4 speakers on 1 12 gauge extension cord to 1 outlet ? 15 -20 amp outlet would be the case most of the time. I would test it at home but my neighbor is old as dirt and is quick to call the cops due to noise disturbance
I rather get a opinion on this before i try it at a gig and risk the chance of popping a breaker.



Thank you.

[Koshy1]

no one has a answer ??

[modz1]

Hey Koshy
I've emailed this post to DV's P.A. guru to hopefully get a response to you pronto..
Cheers

[markdv]

Hello

The total current/power consumption of your Mackie active speakers is around 3KW, which is about on the limit of 13 amps however, if there is a slight line voltage drop you average current draw may rise so, the heavier rating the better off you would be.

3KW should be heavy duty enough for the job however if you have lights and other devices you should invest in another mains extension of the same type.

I would say its always best to get the heaviest mains supply (3kw or more) extension that money could buy and always fully unwind before use.

Hope this helps

Regards

Markdv

[Koshy1]

Ok thank you for the information .

My light rig is 3 LED lights , 1 180mw laser and 1 gobo splash (250watts) I also run a fog machine either 700 watts or 1400 watts.
For audio i use 2 technics, 1 rane mixer and 1 mac book

If I understand correctly i should be fine as along as i run lights and decks on one outlet and my Speakers on another outlet
(hopefully the outlets will be on different circuits )

[markdv]

Hi Koshy

Yes, that would be fine.

Regards

Markdv

[Geoff]

Originally Posted by markdv

The total current/power consumption of your Mackie active speakers is around 3KW, which is about on the limit of 13 amps ...

Whoa, there - Koshy's mention of 12 gauge cord and the fact he lives next to a "neighbor" suggests he lives in 120V land, and on his planet 3kW pulls 25 amps. 12 gauge is good for more than 30 amps, but finding an outlet (and associated breaker) that can supply 25A could be a challenge. I'd use at least two cords to be sure (and have more respect for the neighbors!).

[Koshy1]

i do have repect for them thats why i did Not test it at home.. (i even mow his lawn for him, he's old as heck)
and yes i live in the states so most outlets will be on a 15 or 20 amp breaker
and whats worse is alot of the bar owners are cheap and have a handy person that works for them do stuff like electrical instead of a electrician. I will just have to test it out at gigs and see what i can get away with.