Dimmer Wiring

[Corbettlight]

We are about to purchase some more dimming capacity. We are looking at an NSI 8-channel pack - due to our venue limitations we need something portable that is not hardwired. We have an available 50A circuit with a big appliance-style plug - I'm not sure exactly what it is.

The problem lies in my ignorance. I don't know what I need in order to successfully get the dimmer pack wired with power cable (they said it does not come with one) and make an "extension cord" of sorts to run the power from the wall to the pack. I don't want to hardwire a very long cord into the pack for portability's sake.

If anyone has any insight into what kind of cable and plugs I nedd, it would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

[avkid]

Honestly, you probably need an electrician or other qualified individual.

If you can figure out exactly what plug and how much power you have available we might be able to help you order the right thing.
Start here:
http://www.frentzandsons.com/Hardwar...nfiguratio.htm

[Corbettlight]

It is either the NEMA 10-50 or the NEMA 14-50. I will be able to find out for sure on Monday. What about cable?

[avkid]

At least #6 AWG.

[derekleffew]

What model of 8-ch. dimmer pack (as the ones I'm finding are not significantly less-expensive than an ETC Smartpack or other quality dimmer)?

A NEMA 10-50 receptacle would not be permissible, as it is lacking an equipment ground. As Phil said, if the supply breaker is 50A, you'd want at least 6/4 SO (or its derivatives) cable as feeder. You're also likely to need a qualified electrician.

[JD]

Good idea whenever you have a "mystery" receptacle to have it checked out by an electrician! I have seen some pretty weird aberrations on those. Want to make sure it does contain two hots, a neutral and a ground of the correct gauge. Might also want to have it changed to a pin & sleeve connector. The "range" type receptacles should not be used. (A sin I have committed myself!) Using the Pin & Sleeve approach, a three to six foot cable on the pack, then maybe a 25 foot 6/4 so portable cable. I believe there are a few companies selling those pre-made, but I don't remember any links at the moment.

[Corbettlight]

It's not a "mystery plug". The breaker it's wired to is right above it. I just looked at it, and it's a NEMA 10-50.

[JD]

A 10-50 would require a change-out. (No ground) Still suggest changing it to a Pin & Sleeve. Also insure that a ground line is available.

[SHARYNF]

Make sure you go with a DDS instead of an NRD since NDR is MICROPLEX only. if you decide to go with NSi

Sharyn

[Corbettlight]

There's no way I can rig an external ground?

Actually, Microplex is better for me. I have an Element, but all my other dimmers are MPX, so I have an I/F 501 converter. I could run DMX to it, but I'd have to buy a lot of cable, as I could not daisy chain the DMX with the MPX.

[mrb]

There's no way I can rig an external ground?

Actually, Microplex is better for me. I have an Element, but all my other dimmers are MPX, so I have an I/F 501 converter. I could run DMX to it, but I'd have to buy a lot of cable, as I could not daisy chain the DMX with the MPX.

you absolutely can not "rig a ground". Just get an electrician over there to install a 14-50 receptacle for you, and you will be good to go.

[SHARYNF]

you absolutely can not "rig a ground". Just get an electrician over there to install a 14-50 receptacle for you, and you will be good to go.

The way you are trying to connect this up, IMO a 14 50 is only going to get your part way there, the problems is you really want a receptacle, then a plug and then you want a Cable based Female connector and then another plug. IF you just want to have a long extension cord on the dimmer thenthe 14-50 will be fine

If you look at a Marine solution, exactly what you want to do is done all the time.

Take a look at the Marinco 50 amp 125/240 family.

50 Amp Shore Power Products | Marinco
These will lock in place instead of just plugging in

Sharyn

[Corbettlight]

Alright, thanks for all the help!

[mrb]

The way you are trying to connect this up, IMO a 14 50 is only going to get your part way there, the problems is you really want a receptacle, then a plug and then you want a Cable based Female connector and then another plug. IF you just want to have a long extension cord on the dimmer thenthe 14-50 will be fine

If you look at a Marine solution, exactly what you want to do is done all the time.

Take a look at the Marinco 50 amp 125/240 family.

50 Amp Shore Power Products | Marinco
These will lock in place instead of just plugging in

Sharyn

slight correction there. If he wants to use 50 amp twistlocks should be using CS type (hubbell and leviton p/n 6364, 6365) these are the standard for 50 amp twistlocks for portable and temporary power. The marine CR type is pretty much only found on boats.