Touring Power Distro Built Into a Rack Case On tour, the distro has to go up and come down every day, and it has to do it from the same case, with the same circuit layout, that the crew learned on the first show.
We build the unit into a 12U, 16U or 22U rack case with the incoming section, breakers and outlets in fixed positions. Camlock or powerlock tails come in at the top, socapex and 16A / 32A outlets leave at the bottom, and every way is engraved to match the drawing. Nothing is re-patched because a label fell off between cities.
Protection and Discrimination for Live Shows
A distro that trips the whole stage on one bad lamp is a problem on any tour. We set the protection scheme so the smallest breaker trips first and the upstream device holds, and we fit 30 mA RCDs on socket circuits where the site demands them.
- 400A or 630A camlock / powerlock incoming, 3-phase 5-wire
- Socapex 19-pin ways, 6 channels per connector, individually protected
- 16A and 32A CEE outlets for backline, video and work light
- MCB or RCBO per way, upstream MCCB with adjustable trip
- Digital voltmeter and ammeter per phase
- Spare breaker kit and labelled cable schedule on file
Typical Touring Distro Specifications
| Parameter | Options |
|---|---|
| Incoming | 400A / 630A camlock or powerlock, 3-phase 5-wire |
| Case | 12U, 16U or 22U rack case with shock mounts |
| Lighting Ways | Socapex 19-pin, 6 channels per connector |
| Utility Ways | 16A / 32A CEE, or NEMA for North America |
| Protection | MCB or RCBO per way, MCCB incomer |
| RCD | 30 mA socket protection with time-delayed upstream |
| Metering | Per-phase voltmeter and ammeter, optional data logging |
| Neutral | Full-size neutral for non-linear LED and dimmer loads |
| Documentation | Cable schedule, single-line diagram, test record |
| Standards | Assemblies to IEC 61439-1 / -2, BS 7909:2023 practice |
How We Build and Test a Touring Distro
- We work from your single-line diagram and cable schedule, or produce one for you if the show is still being designed.
- Assemblies follow IEC 61439-1 and IEC 61439-2, with component coordination checked for the short-circuit level at the generator or house supply.
- Event configurations follow BS 7909:2023 practice: 30 mA RCD protection on socket outlets, time-delayed upstream devices for discrimination, and clear identification of every circuit.
- Routine tests on every unit: protective earth continuity, insulation resistance, RCD trip time, polarity, and a functional check of each outlet under load.
- A test record, wiring diagram and spare label set ship inside the case, so the same unit can be re-tested on site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size of distro does a touring production need?
Add up the connected load for lighting, video and audio, then compare it with the supply the venue or generator can give you. Most mid-size tours run a 400A three-phase distro with socapex ways for lighting and separate utility outlets, and step up to 630A where video and rigging motors are included.
Can you copy an existing distro layout?
Yes. Send photos of the front panel, the single-line diagram if you have it, and the connector list. We rebuild the same layout in a new case, which is how most rental houses add a second or third identical unit to the fleet.
Do you supply the flight case and connectors together?
Yes. The rack case, camlock or powerlock tails, socapex connectors and CEE outlets are supplied as one tested unit, so there is no matching work to do when it lands.
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