As a mobile DJ dealing primarily with weddings and school dances, the first thing I look for when I enter a venue is the amount and locations of power outlets. Most folks are very helpful in being able to point them out to me but very few can actually tell me if they are on same circuit/breaker or not. Maybe i'm too anxious but when I am forced to plug into only two outlets (or God forbid one outlet!) I'm always worried I'm going to pop a breaker or there will not be enough to properly power my equipment to give me the best sound.
I know there is a lot of very technical info out there on electricity and what not, but I'm looking for some 'down to earth' easy to understand type language on what I should be looking for or doing to maximize the power but also being careful not to overdue it.
I'll list all my powered equipment to give you an idea of what I'm drawing electrical wise:
Laptop Charger
DJ Mixer
Wireless Mics
Small personal fan
2 18" Subs
2 15" Tops
2 ADJ Dotz Tpar systems
Mini Kinta/ADJ Jelly Fish (occasionaly use these for school dances)
I try to keep my subs on their own outlet. I assume they draw the most power so hoping that outlet is on its own circuit. Everything on my table goes into an eight outlet surge protector. I also try and use the heaviest gauge cables as I can for power (typically 14 awg) to allow the most flow but the downside is that they are thick and cumbersome compared to an 18 awg.
Am I over thinking it? Am I ok plugging multple things into one outlet or same circuit? Can I back off on my cable awg size? Or am I looking for trouble and an embarrassing shut down? Any thoughts, info or reading would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Nick
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