Power solutions

[edmondredd]

tried to look up some info on the interwebs, about electrical power solutions for the studio.
Without going too technical, how do you guys and gals go with your sockets/plugs and all electrical stuff?
I've seen the Furman power conditioner, but in this region of the world we use the British-style 3-pin electrical plugs (Type G), which is not the one on the Furman.
Just for info I need around 10 power sockets..

[LOCK88]

Hey Edmond, I am embarrassed to admit that I've got nothing in the way of power treatment. Between power amps, converters, compressors, summing boxes........nothing. Just plugging everything straight into the wall, or using cheap power strips where needed. I'm interested to see what the response is here.

[cassmcentee]

Hey Edmond!
Maybe you could use one of these if there is a similar version for the UAE: https://www.tripplite.com/products/surg ... udio/Video

I keep my DAW on one like this: https://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-Line- ... tripp-lite

I'm in the mountains where power outages and spikes/surges are common, my computer is linked to the protector so that it will softly shutdown during an outage and is protected from spikes/surges

Amps and monitors are on standard surge protectors

[cosmicdolphin]

Erm.... nothing much !

I do have a Belkin surge protector but other than that ..nothing but some ordinary extension cables in the oft mentioned "star" formation

https://www.soundonsound.com/forum/view ... 24&t=57730

[Len911]

https://dubaimachines.com/ups/accessori ... _lite.html

It probably depends on your locale and power supplier. Where I'm at, a small town, this side of town the electricity is regulated very well, no real problems, but the other side of town has a different electric company and not as good. Do you have a lot of power surges or brownouts?

[edmondredd]

Thank you all for your answers
Electricity is very well regulated in here. I might have badly formulated my question: I am not looking for power conditioners. Just a way of organizing/optimizing the plugs and the socket and not to worry about extension cables and the fire/damage hazard that might ensue.
@CosmicDolphin: I've seen the Belkin 8 socket surge protector! hence my question but very interesting article. I'm daisy chaining my extensions

[Len911]

Generally, watts=amps x voltage

Your equipment will probably have a watts rating somewhere in the specs.
Here in the states we use 110-120volt systems, circuit breakers are rated at 15-20 amps. You need to know how many plugins are wired into the same circuit breaker.
By using the above formula you can figure out where you are, for example, if you have an appliance rated at 100 watts and you are
on 240 volts, 100= a x 240, or 240/100= 2.4 amps, and if you have a 20 amp circuit breaker, you have used a little over 10% of it's capacity.
Also extension cord ratings. a guide https://www.homedepot.com/c/factors_to_ ... s_HT_BG_EL

If you overload a circuit breaker it will shut off, or if a fuse it will blow a fuse. Amps, anything with tubes will probably be your biggest power draw, hopefully you don't have air conditioners or heaters on the same circuit.

You can test what is on a circuit by turning of the breaker and checking to see what doesn't work if the breakers aren't labeled. Usually it's rooms, sometimes the lights are on a different circuit...

HTH

[Len911]

on 240 volts, 100= a x 240, or 240/100= 2.4 amps

Sorry to be pedantic, but there's a slight error here.
On 240 volts, 100W= a x 240, or 100/240 = 0.42 amps (neglecting power factor)

That's even better! I lost my calculator and was trying to make it simple, and I should have checked my work. Good catch!

[fuzzbox]

Hey Edmond!,

I wouldn't worry too much about the finer details of loading it will only some out to 3-4 amps difference (probably less) , especially at a higher voltage. The calculations given are for resistive loads, which is not the case here. Unless you're running your sound through a three-phase 50,000W PA. LOL Then power factor may be of a concern. However, it is taken care of by the following.

Have a look into getting one of these: https://www.scan.co.uk/products/1300va- ... vD_BwE&v=b There are several types on the market. These are good and so too is APC.

It regulates the power, has surge protection and a battery back up in case of a power cut. There are UK style sockets on the rear. Go to the website and on there you'll find a power calculator to help you with your loading. https://www.cyberpower.com/uk/en/product/selector
On my system for example, I have my PC, 2 x PC monitors, pair of near fields + sub, 2 x set of cheaper monitors, studio controller, audio interface, PSUs for external hard drives, keyboards, plus other stuff like a fan and a small LED light. If the power goes out you want a little light eh!?

If you don't have enough sockets, just buy a extension socket(s). The on-site calculator will help with how long you want to keep working in the event of a power failure. I have one that is sized for 25 mins. I've had one for just under four years and it has been useful once. In the UK there are strict regulations for up-power times. Anyway, it may be useful!

Cheers Edmond

[edmondredd]

on 240 volts, 100= a x 240, or 240/100= 2.4 amps

Sorry to be pedantic, but there's a slight error here.
On 240 volts, 100W= a x 240, or 100/240 = 0.42 amps (neglecting power factor)

Oh Graham! no you're not, it's called attention to details