Event Power Requirements Explained – From 13A Sockets to 125A Three-Phase Supplies

Whether you're organising a corporate conference, an outdoor concert, a beer festival or a large-scale public event, one thing every event has in common is the need for a reliable electrical supply.

Sound systems, stage lighting, LED video walls, projectors and other technical equipment all require electricity. Making sure sufficient power is available is one of the most important aspects of planning a successful event.

However, not all electrical supplies are the same. A standard 13 amp socket might be perfectly adequate for a small presentation, while a larger event production could require a 63 amp or even 125 amp three-phase supply.

At Audioserv, we own and supply professional event power distribution units and cables, allowing us to support a wide range of electrical requirements as part of our event production services throughout Leeds, Yorkshire and across the UK.

In this guide, we'll explain the differences between common event power connections, why three-phase supplies are used, how professional power distribution works and why generators must be correctly specified for the electrical load of an event.

Why Are Event Power Requirements Important?

When planning an event, it's easy to concentrate on the equipment being hired without giving much thought to how that equipment will be powered.

A professional sound system may operate from a relatively modest electrical supply, while a substantial stage lighting rig could have considerably higher requirements.

Add LED screens, video equipment, catering facilities and other event infrastructure, and the overall electrical demand can quickly increase.

If the available electrical supply isn't suitable, the consequences could include:

• Circuit breakers repeatedly tripping.
• Sound, lighting or video equipment unexpectedly losing power.
• Insufficient capacity for additional equipment.
• Overloaded electrical circuits or distribution systems.
• Generators struggling to cope with changing electrical loads.
• Delays during event setup while alternative power arrangements are made.

Understanding the electrical requirements early allows the correct infrastructure to be arranged before equipment arrives on site.

For larger events, this can be particularly important when multiple suppliers need to share the available electrical supply.

13 Amp Power – The Standard UK Plug Socket

The familiar UK three-pin plug socket is rated at 13 amps and is commonly found in offices, hotels, conference rooms and other indoor venues.

At the UK's nominal 230V supply voltage, a 13 amp connection has a theoretical maximum capacity of approximately 3,000 watts (3kW) for a suitable resistive load.

This makes it useful for smaller event setups, including:

• Small PA systems.
• DJ equipment.
• Projectors and presentation equipment.
• Television screens.
• Basic LED event lighting.
• Conference audio equipment.

For example, a small corporate presentation using a projector, microphones and a compact sound system may operate comfortably from a suitably rated 13 amp supply.

However, it's important to remember that several wall sockets may share the same electrical circuit.

Having four sockets available doesn't necessarily mean you can draw 13 amps from each of them simultaneously.

The actual electrical demand of the equipment and the capacity of the circuit must always be checked.

16 Amp Power Supply – Professional Event Equipment

A 16 amp (16A) power supply is commonly used throughout the events industry for professional sound systems, stage lighting, LED video walls and other audiovisual equipment. Unlike a standard domestic 13A socket, 16A connections use dedicated industrial connectors, typically the blue CEEform type, designed for more demanding environments.

A single-phase 16A supply operating at 230V can provide approximately 3.7kW of power, making it suitable for equipment that requires a higher current rating than a standard 13A connection.

Typical uses for 16A power supplies include:

• Professional PA systems and audio amplifiers
• Stage lighting and moving head fixtures
• LED video walls and associated equipment
• Event production equipment and power distribution systems
• Outdoor events requiring robust industrial power connections

At Audioserv, we stock 16A power distribution equipment and cables, allowing us to provide suitable power connections for a wide range of events and productions.

It's important to remember that a 16A connection does not automatically mean that 16 amps of power are available. The capacity depends on the upstream electrical supply, circuit protection and other equipment sharing that circuit. Always calculate the expected electrical load before connecting equipment.

32 Amp Single-Phase Power – A Step Up in Capacity

For events requiring more electricity, a 32 amp single-phase supply provides considerably greater capacity than a standard domestic socket.

These connections commonly use blue industrial connectors, often referred to as CEEform or Commando connectors.

At 230V, a 32 amp single-phase supply has a theoretical capacity of approximately 7.4kVA, equivalent to 7.4kW at a power factor of 1.

This type of connection is frequently found in event venues, temporary installations and outdoor event environments.

Typical applications might include:

• Medium-sized sound systems.
• Larger DJ setups.
• Stage lighting equipment.
• Small event production areas.
• Dedicated electrical distribution for technical equipment.

Rather than plugging equipment directly into the incoming supply, a suitable power distribution unit can be used to provide appropriately protected outputs for individual pieces of equipment.

At Audioserv, we have our own power distribution equipment and cabling, allowing us to work with 32 amp single-phase connections as part of our technical event production services.

What Is Three-Phase Power?

As events become larger, their electrical requirements often exceed what can conveniently be supplied through a single-phase connection.

This is where three-phase electricity becomes particularly useful.

A conventional UK single-phase supply operates at approximately 230 volts between live and neutral.

Three-phase electricity uses three separate live conductors. In a typical UK system, the voltage between each phase and neutral is approximately 230V, while the voltage between phases is approximately 400V.

The main advantage for event production is that electrical loads can be distributed across three phases, providing substantially more overall capacity.

For example, a 32 amp three-phase connection offers approximately three times the apparent power capacity of a 32 amp single-phase connection.

Three-phase systems are commonly used for:

• Concerts and festivals.
• Large sound systems.
• Professional stage lighting.
• LED video walls.
• Outdoor public events.
• Multi-stage productions.
• Large corporate events.

Appropriate event power distribution equipment allows the available supply to be divided into separate electrical circuits for sound, lighting, video and other technical services.

An important consideration is phase balancing, which involves distributing electrical loads as evenly as reasonably practicable across the three phases.

This helps prevent individual phases from becoming overloaded while unused capacity remains available on the others.

32 Amp Three-Phase Power

A 32 amp three-phase supply is often a useful starting point for larger event productions.

At a nominal 400V, it provides approximately 22kVA of apparent power capacity when the three phases are evenly loaded.

This offers considerably more flexibility than a single-phase connection.

A suitable 32 amp three-phase supply might be used for:

• Small outdoor stages.
• Live music performances.
• Medium-sized event lighting rigs.
• Sound and lighting combinations.
• Corporate events requiring multiple technical systems.

Using a suitable distribution system, power can be allocated to different pieces of equipment while ensuring individual circuits remain within their permitted ratings.

Audioserv has its own three-phase power distribution units and cables, allowing us to incorporate these connections into suitable event production setups.

63 Amp Three-Phase Power

For events involving more substantial production equipment, a 63 amp three-phase supply provides approximately 44kVA of apparent power capacity at 400V.

This type of supply is commonly used where multiple technical systems need to operate simultaneously.

Typical applications include:

• Larger outdoor stages.
• Festivals and community events.
• Extensive stage lighting systems.
• High-output sound systems.
• LED video walls and associated equipment.
• Events requiring several separate technical power circuits.

For example, an outdoor concert combining professional sound reinforcement, a substantial lighting rig and LED video screens may require a larger three-phase electrical supply.

A 63 amp three-phase connection could be suitable depending on the actual equipment being used and its electrical demand.

At Audioserv, our own 63 amp three-phase distribution equipment and cabling allow us to support productions where this level of electrical infrastructure is required.

However, the total electrical demand must always be calculated rather than assuming that a particular supply will be sufficient based on the event's size.

Socapex (Soca) Power Distribution for Events

For larger events, concerts, festivals and professional stage lighting installations, Socapex power distribution provides a practical and efficient way of delivering multiple electrical circuits across an event site.

Commonly referred to as Soca, the system uses heavy-duty 19-pin multicore connectors and cables to carry six separate electrical circuits through a single cable. This significantly reduces the amount of individual cabling required, helping to keep stages and lighting installations organised.

Socapex is particularly useful when supplying power to multiple moving heads, LED lighting fixtures and other professional event equipment positioned on lighting trusses or around a stage.

Audioserv Socapex Power Distribution Equipment

At Audioserv, we stock a range of professional Socapex power distribution equipment, including:

• 63A Three-Phase Socapex Distribution Unit – Designed to distribute power across multiple Socapex circuits for professional event applications.
• 19-Pin Socapex Cables – Available in 10m, 20m, 25m and 30m lengths, providing flexibility when distributing power around stages and event venues.
• Socapex to 6-Way powerCON TRUE1 Fan-Outs – Allowing individual circuits to be connected to compatible lighting fixtures and equipment.
• Socapex to 6-Way 16A Distribution Boards – Providing six individual 16A outlets from a Socapex multicore connection.

Using Socapex distribution can simplify event power installations, particularly where multiple lighting fixtures require separate power feeds over longer distances.

As with all professional event power systems, the total electrical load, individual circuit ratings, phase balancing and appropriate electrical protection must be considered when designing the distribution system.

Audioserv can supply Socapex power distribution equipment as part of our complete event production services, helping to ensure professional lighting and stage equipment receives the power it requires.

125 Amp Three-Phase Power – For Larger Event Productions

At the higher end of commonly used event power connections is the 125 amp three-phase supply.

At 400V, this provides approximately 87kVA of apparent power capacity, assuming the load is evenly distributed.

These connections are used for larger productions where significant electrical infrastructure is required.

Typical applications can include:

• Large outdoor concerts.
• Festivals with substantial technical production.
• Large-scale stage lighting.
• Multiple LED video walls.
• Events with extensive sound, lighting and video requirements.
• Large temporary event installations.

Audioserv also has its own 125 amp three-phase power distribution equipment and cables, allowing us to support higher-capacity electrical requirements as part of our event production services.

A 125 amp three-phase supply offers considerable capacity, but careful electrical planning remains essential.

The availability of a large supply doesn't remove the need to consider individual circuit ratings, appropriate protection, cable selection or the balance of electrical loads across the three phases.

Event Power Connections at a Glance

The following table provides a useful comparison of common event electrical supplies.

These figures represent theoretical apparent power capacities based on nominal voltage and rated current.

The usable real power, measured in kilowatts (kW), depends on factors including power factor, load distribution and the characteristics of the installation.

Actual available capacity must always be verified before equipment is connected.

Event Power Distribution Hire – Audioserv Equipment

Having access to a suitable electrical supply is important, but getting that power safely to equipment around an event site is equally essential.

At Audioserv, we own and supply a range of professional event power distribution units and cables, allowing us to support events with different electrical requirements.

Our equipment includes connections for:

• 13A single-phase – Standard UK connections for smaller equipment and lower-power applications.
• 32A single-phase – Suitable for medium-sized sound systems, lighting and individual technical production areas.
• 32A three-phase – Providing greater capacity for productions combining sound, lighting and video equipment.
• 63A three-phase – Commonly used for larger productions requiring multiple electrical circuits.
• 125A three-phase – For substantial event productions requiring higher-capacity electrical distribution.

Our power distribution equipment allows us to connect suitable incoming electrical supplies to the technical equipment used across an event, with appropriately rated distribution units and cabling selected for the installation.

Whether we're providing a sound system for a beer festival, stage lighting for an outdoor concert or full technical production for a corporate event, having our own power distribution equipment gives us greater flexibility when planning and delivering the event.

It also means that customers arranging a complete event production package with Audioserv don't necessarily need to source separate electrical distribution equipment from another supplier.

Our event power distribution equipment can be supplied as part of our wider sound, lighting, video and event production services throughout Leeds, Yorkshire and across the UK.

All temporary electrical installations must be appropriately designed, installed, inspected and managed by competent personnel.

Generator Hire for Events – Why Correct Sizing Matters

Not every event venue has access to a suitable mains electrical supply.

Outdoor festivals, temporary stages, agricultural showgrounds and other open-air locations frequently rely on generators to provide electricity.

Generators can provide a practical solution, but choosing the correct generator is about more than simply estimating how much power might be needed.

An incorrectly specified generator can cause serious problems for an event.

If a generator is too small, it may struggle to meet the electrical demand, particularly when equipment starts up or additional loads are introduced.

This can result in unstable voltage, protective devices operating or equipment unexpectedly shutting down.

On the other hand, specifying a generator far larger than necessary can also be undesirable. Some generators operate inefficiently when consistently subjected to very light loads.

The aim is to select a generator that can safely and reliably accommodate the event's anticipated electrical demand and operating conditions.

Understanding kW and kVA

Generators are commonly rated in kilovolt-amperes (kVA), while electrical equipment is frequently specified in watts or kilowatts (kW).

Although these measurements are related, they aren't always interchangeable.

Kilowatts describe real electrical power, while kVA describes apparent power.

The relationship between them depends on something called the power factor.

For example, a 50kVA generator rated at a power factor of 0.8 would have a corresponding real power rating of approximately 40kW.

However, this doesn't mean that a 50kVA generator is automatically suitable for an event with 40kW of connected equipment.

Other factors, including starting currents, phase balance, generator performance and operating conditions, must also be considered.

Don't Forget About Starting Loads

Some electrical equipment can draw significantly more current when first switched on than during normal operation.

Equipment containing motors, compressors or certain power supplies can produce high starting currents.

For this reason, generator calculations shouldn't be based solely on the normal running consumption of every connected device.

The electrical characteristics of the equipment and the way it will be operated must also be considered.

Consider Everything Connected to the Generator

One common mistake when arranging event power is calculating the requirements of the main stage but overlooking other equipment around the site.

Depending on the event, additional electrical loads could include:

• Catering equipment and refrigeration.
• Bars and hospitality areas.
• Site and security lighting.
• Portable cabins and event offices.
• Heating or air conditioning.
• Toilets and welfare facilities.
• Ticketing and communications equipment.
• Additional stages or entertainment areas.

These loads may have a substantial impact on the size of generator required.

For larger events, separate generators or independently distributed power systems may be appropriate for different areas of the site.

Why Accurate Generator Specifications Matter

When arranging a generator, event organisers should establish the anticipated running and peak electrical demands, the distribution requirements and whether the loads will be single-phase or three-phase.

Other considerations include generator location, fuel requirements, operating duration, noise restrictions, earthing arrangements and provision for essential or emergency supplies.

Simply requesting a generator based on the number of people attending an event isn't sufficient.

A generator must be specified according to the actual electrical equipment and infrastructure it will be supplying.

At Audioserv, we can establish the power requirements of the sound, lighting and video equipment we're supplying, helping event organisers and generator providers plan suitable electrical capacity.

Why Professional Event Power Distribution Matters

Having sufficient electricity available is only part of the equation.

That electricity must also be distributed safely to the equipment requiring it.

Professional event power distribution systems allow larger supplies to be divided into appropriately protected circuits.

Depending on the installation, these systems can incorporate suitable circuit breakers, residual current protection, distribution connectors and electrical monitoring equipment.

Correct cable selection is equally important, particularly for outdoor events where long cable runs may be necessary.

Cable length, current demand, installation conditions and voltage drop can all influence the suitability of an electrical installation.

Temporary electrical systems used for entertainment and related events should be designed, installed, inspected and operated by competent people, with reference to relevant standards including BS 7909 and BS 7671.

Electrical equipment must also be suitable for the environment in which it will operate, including exposure to rain, moisture and potential physical damage.

Planning Power Requirements for Your Event

If you're organising an event, establishing the electrical requirements early can prevent unnecessary complications during installation.

Before confirming the arrangements, it's worth finding out:

1. What electrical supplies are already available? Ask the venue whether it has standard 13A sockets, dedicated 32A supplies or three-phase connections.

2. What equipment will be operating? Consider sound systems, lighting, video equipment and other electrical installations.

3. Will other suppliers require electricity? Caterers, bars, exhibitors and other contractors may need their own supplies.

4. Is a generator required? If mains electricity isn't available or isn't sufficient, generator provision should be considered early.

5. How far is the power source from the equipment? Long cable runs may affect the design of the distribution system.

6. Who is responsible for the electrical installation? Ensure that a competent person is appointed to design, install, inspect and manage the temporary electrical system.

Understanding these details early allows suppliers and electrical contractors to plan a suitable solution for the event.

Event Production, Power Distribution and Generator Planning – How Audioserv Can Help

At Audioserv, we understand that successful event production involves much more than supplying sound systems, lighting fixtures and video equipment.

Reliable electrical power is an essential part of delivering a successful event, and it's something we consider during the planning stages of our productions.

With our own range of event power distribution units and cables, we can supply equipment for 13A, 32A single-phase, 32A three-phase, 63A three-phase and 125A three-phase connections.

This allows us to support everything from smaller corporate presentations through to larger outdoor events, festivals and live music productions.

Where generators are required, we can establish the electrical demands of the sound, lighting and video equipment we're supplying, helping event organisers and generator providers specify appropriate electrical capacity.

Having our own power distribution equipment also means we can provide a more complete technical production package, reducing the need for customers to source individual pieces of equipment from multiple suppliers.

Whether you're organising a beer festival, outdoor concert, community celebration or corporate event, Audioserv can help with your sound, lighting, video and event power distribution requirements.

Planning an event in Leeds, Yorkshire or elsewhere in the UK? Contact Audioserv to discuss your technical production and power distribution requirements.

---

Frequently Asked Questions About Event Power

How much power does a small event need?

This depends on the equipment being used. A small presentation with microphones, a projector and a compact sound system may operate from a suitable 13 amp socket. Larger sound and lighting systems may require dedicated 32 amp or three-phase supplies.

What's the difference between 32 amp single-phase and 32 amp three-phase power?

A 32 amp single-phase connection provides approximately 7.4kVA of apparent power at 230V. A 32 amp three-phase connection provides approximately 22kVA at 400V when evenly loaded, offering roughly three times the capacity.

Can a large sound system run from a 13 amp socket?

Some professional sound systems can operate from a standard 13 amp supply, depending on their actual electrical consumption. However, larger systems may require dedicated electrical supplies. The equipment's power requirements must be checked rather than assuming that a particular system will operate safely from a domestic socket.

What size generator do I need for an outdoor event?

Generator sizing depends on the total electrical demand, peak loads, power factor, phase balance and other operating requirements. The number of attendees alone doesn't determine the generator size. A competent electrical specialist should calculate the requirements before a generator is selected.

Does Audioserv supply event power distribution equipment?

Yes. Audioserv owns and supplies professional event power distribution units and cables, supporting connections ranging from standard 13 amp supplies through to 125 amp three-phase systems. This equipment can be included as part of our sound, lighting, video and event production services.

Is three-phase power necessary for event lighting?

Not always. Smaller LED lighting systems may operate from standard single-phase supplies. Larger lighting installations, particularly those incorporating numerous high-powered fixtures, may benefit from three-phase distribution.

Can sound, lighting and video equipment share the same electrical supply?

Yes, provided the supply and distribution system have been properly designed and have sufficient capacity. Individual circuits should be appropriately protected, and the electrical requirements of all connected equipment must be considered.

What happens if a generator is too small for an event?

An undersized generator may experience excessive loading, unstable electrical output or protective shutdowns. This can interrupt sound, lighting and video equipment during an event. Correct generator sizing is essential for reliable operation.