Understanding the power requirements for your live event is crucial for a smooth and successful production. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, as it heavily depends on the size, scale, and type of equipment you'll be using.
Key Electrical Terms:
- Watts (W): A measure of real power.
- Amps (A): A measure of electrical current.
- Volts (V): A measure of electrical potential difference (in the UK, standard mains voltage is 230V).
- kVA (kilovolt-amps): A measure of apparent power, often used for generators. For practical purposes, you can generally stick to kW (kilowatts = 1,000 Watts) and add a margin.
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Phase:
- Single-phase: Common for residential and smaller commercial applications. All voltages vary in unison.
- Three-phase: Used for industrial and larger commercial buildings, providing a more consistent and efficient power supply for high-demand equipment (like large sound systems and lighting rigs).
Calculate Total Power Draw:
- If power is in Watts (W): Sum up all the Wattage figures to get your total Watts.
- If power is in Amps (A): Sum up all the Amperage figures to get your total Amps.
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Converting between Watts and Amps (for UK 230V mains):
- Amps = Watts / Volts (e.g., 100W / 230V = ~0.44 Amps)
- Watts = Amps x Volts
