Power Distribution for audio, lighting and stage use
Power Distribution is the way you distribute power safely and in a controlled manner to your audio and lighting equipment. In professional setups – such as live stages, mobile DJs, events, theatres and conferences – stable and well-planned power distribution is just as important as the mixer, the speakers and the light show itself. At SoundStoreXL you will find products for power distribution in the form of rack-mounted power distributors, CEE distributors and robust powerboxes, developed for demanding use where reliability and safety are crucial.
In this guide, we go through how to choose the right Power Distribution for your setup, which types of products you can find in the range, and what you should pay particular attention to in terms of load, connector types and safety.
Choose the right Power Distribution
When choosing power distribution for audio and lighting equipment, it’s first and foremost about matching your installation to the right type of power distributor or CEE distributor. This applies to small DJ setups, fixed rack installations and larger stage productions with three-phase power. Therefore, you should start by mapping out your needs and the power source you have available.
- How many units need to be powered (amplifiers, lighting, controllers, console, effects, etc.)?
- Do you mainly use standard Schuko plugs or CEE plugs (3-pin or 5-pin)?
- Do you have single-phase or three-phase power available, and do you know what load is expected?
- Should the power distribution be mounted in a 19" rack or used as a free-standing powerbox/distributor on stage?
- Do you require individual switching, fuses and visual monitoring of phases?
Once you have these points under control, it becomes easier to choose between a compact rack power distributor, a mobile CEE distributor or a more advanced Power Distribution for a three-phase installation. This means clearer installations and less risk of errors, outages and overloads.
Rack-mounted power distributors for audio and lighting racks
For fixed installations in 19" racks – for example amplifier racks, FOH racks or installation racks – rack-mounted power distributors are a simple and effective solution. In SoundStoreXL’s range you will also find compact units from Eurolite and Adam Hall, developed specifically for professional use.
- Eurolite R-19-8 1U Rack Power Distributor (Schuko) – 1U rack-mount power distributor with 8 outlets and switch
- Adam Hall 1U Rack Power Distributor (Schuko) – 19" power distribution unit with 8 Schuko outlets and illuminated 2-pole switch
These units centralise the power supply in one place in the rack, so you avoid loose power strips and chaotic cable runs. You get a tidy installation where you can easily switch the entire rack off and on via a front-mounted switch, and where the outlets are grouped on the rear for permanent cable routing.
CEE distributor – when you need to split high-power electricity into multiple outlets
For larger productions where you are supplied with high-power electricity via CEE connectors, a CEE distributor is a key component in your power distribution. A CEE distributor makes it possible to split one high-power feed into several outlets, so you can supply multiple loads in a safe and structured way.
- CEE Distributor 16A 1x5P -> 3x5P – distributor with 16A 5-pole input and 3 pcs. 5-pole outputs
- CEE Distributor 16A 1x3P -> 3x3P – distributor for 16A 3-pole with 3 outputs
- CEE Distributor 32A 1x5P -> 3x5P – heavier-duty distributor with 32A 5-pole input and 3 pcs. 5-pole outputs
With CEE distribution units, you can adapt your power distribution for both small and mid-sized events where the load is higher than standard household sockets can deliver. This means you can distribute power correctly between, for example, lighting, audio and stage technology and avoid overloading individual circuits.
Power distribution in a 19" rack
For more advanced installations where you work with three-phase power and need both visual monitoring and multiple safety outlets, the Eurolite SB-1000 CEE Power Distribution (16A) is a good example of professional power distribution in a 19" format. The unit is designed for mounting in 19" racks and takes up 2U in height.
- 16A three-phase power input and output via pre-mounted connectors
- Indicator lights showing each phase for easy visual monitoring
- 3 safety sockets on the front (one per phase)
- 6 safety sockets on the rear (2 per phase)
With this kind of power distribution, you get a clear overview of how the power is distributed across the individual phases, and you can run large setups with a high load safely. This is particularly relevant for touring racks, stage lighting installations and permanent AV installations, where operational reliability is a high priority.
Power boxes and discrete power distribution on stage
In addition to rack-based solutions, there is often a need for flexible and discreet Power Distribution directly on stage, in backstage areas or on the production floor. Robust powerboxes are an obvious solution here. They are typically placed on the floor or along the stage edge, from where they distribute power onwards to the equipment positioned nearby.
- Powerbox 5Pol CEE Plank – heavy-duty powerbox with 5-pin CEE connection, robust construction and overcurrent protection
- Powerbox 5Pol CEE Distribution Unit – light and compact powerbox with 5-pin CEE plug and 6 x 3-pin CEE outlets with 2 outputs on each phase
These powerboxes are suitable for discreet Power Distribution, where you want to distribute power close to the loads while keeping the heavy CEE connections grouped together and easily accessible. This means shorter cable runs to each device and therefore clearer and safer installations.
Control and simple Power Distribution with a switch panel
In smaller setups, a simple switch panel can be a practical way to manage Power Distribution. Switch panels typically give you multiple outlets combined with individual switches and fuses, so you can turn specific parts of your setup on and off without cutting power to the entire installation.
- Eurolite Board 6-S Switch Panel – panel with 6 switches and 6 Schuko connections, fully wired with 6 safety plugs and 6 fuse holders
A switch panel like this is suitable for smaller sound and lighting setups where you want simple, quick control of power to selected devices. It can be for a DJ setup, a small stage setup, or installation solutions where you often need to switch off individual devices separately.
Safety, load and practical considerations in Power Distribution
Stable and safe Power Distribution is not only about having the right products, but also about using them correctly. It is important to respect the specified current ratings and connector types so that both equipment and users are well protected. All products in SoundStoreXL’s range are developed for professional use, but the specific application still requires careful consideration.
- Always observe the specified ampere ratings (for example 16A or 32A on CEE distribution units)
- Ensure correct phase balancing, especially with three-phase Power Distribution
- Use suitable cables and connectors that match both the power source and the connected loads
- Position powerboxes and distribution units so they are protected against moisture, impacts and mechanical strain
- Avoid overcrowded power strips and improvised solutions in critical installations
When you factor in safety and load from the start, you get a power system that is both more stable and easier to troubleshoot if problems arise during an event.
Who needs professional Power Distribution?
Professional Power Distribution is relevant for anyone working with larger audio and lighting setups where ordinary power strips are no longer a sufficient solution. This applies to both fixed installations and mobile productions, where the equipment is often moved around.
- Mobile DJs and event companies that set up complete audio and lighting solutions for parties and events
- Venues, clubs and bars with fixed systems and stage lighting
- Theatres, cultural centres and conference venues with changing productions
- Audio and lighting rental companies that need flexible and robust solutions
- Companies and institutions with AV installations in meeting rooms or auditoriums
Common to these environments is that Power Distribution must be clear, safe and reliable, so there are no outages in the middle of a concert, presentation or performance.
Practical examples of Power Distribution setups
It can be an advantage to think in concrete scenarios when planning Power Distribution. By combining products from SoundStoreXL’s range, you can build solutions that fit your situation precisely, whether you want a compact DJ set or a full stage show.
- Smaller DJ setup: 1 rack power distributor from Adam Hall or Eurolite in a small rack, supplying the mixer, controller, small effects and possibly a couple of active speakers.
- Medium-sized stage: CEE Distributor 16A 1x5P -> 3x5P from the input to multiple power boxes on stage, plus a Eurolite SB-1000 in a tech rack for phase distribution and safety sockets.
- Large production with a focus on lighting: 32A CEE distributor that splits the main feed into multiple 16A circuits, combined with 5-pin power boxes placed close to lighting bars and truss for short cable runs.
By planning your system this way, you ensure that capacity, overview and physical placement of the Power Distribution are well thought out from the start, reducing setup time and the risk of errors.
Frequently asked questions about Power Distribution
Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about Power Distribution in connection with audio and lighting setups. The answers are based on the product solutions you can find at SoundStoreXL.
How do I distribute power safely to both audio and lighting?
A good rule of thumb is to separate power for heavy loads such as lighting from more sensitive equipment such as audio. You can do this by using CEE splitters for the larger groups and then routing power onwards through power boxes and rack power distributors. For example, use a CEE splitter to create multiple separate circuits, and let each circuit supply either audio or lighting. That way, you avoid lighting loads negatively affecting audio equipment.
When do I need three-phase Power Distribution?
You will typically need three-phase Power Distribution when total loads become so high that a single phase is not sufficient, or when you need to supply several powerful lighting or amplifier installations. Products such as Eurolite SB-1000 CEE Power Distribution (16A) are developed for exactly this purpose and allow you to distribute the load across multiple phases, with visual monitoring of each phase via indicator lights.
What is the difference between 3-pin and 5-pin CEE splitters?
A 3-pin CEE splitter is typically used for single-phase installations with higher current ratings than standard household plugs, while a 5-pin CEE splitter is used for three-phase power, where you work with three phases plus neutral and earth. In SoundStoreXL’s range, you’ll find both types, so you can match your power source and your equipment correctly.
Can I use a rack power distributor as a regular power strip?
A rack power distributor from, for example, Adam Hall or Eurolite can in principle serve the same function as a power strip, but is designed to be mounted in 19" racks. The advantage is that you get a much more organised installation with fixed outlets in the rack, a central power switch and often better mechanical protection than with loose power strips.
Buy Power Distribution from SoundStoreXL
When you choose Power Distribution for your audio and lighting setup, it is crucial to choose solutions developed for professional use and able to withstand everyday wear on stages, in vans and in installation environments. At SoundStoreXL, you’ll find a carefully selected range of rack power distributors, CEE splitters, power boxes and breaker panels from established manufacturers such as Eurolite, Adam Hall and specialised CEE solutions.
That way, you can build a Power Distribution setup that fits your exact type of production – from a compact DJ setup to full stage production with three-phase supply, power boxes on stage and dedicated distribution racks. Consider combining your Power Distribution with other equipment from SoundStoreXL’s categories in audio, lighting and cables, so your entire setup works together optimally.
Buy your Power Distribution from SoundStoreXL – 100% Danish retailer.
