From dimmer racks to LED walls, stage power means using the right connectors and practices: Bates (stage pin) for lighting, single-pole Camlock for feeder, and Edison/NEMA for utility and backline. Black housings reduce light bounce and visual noise on set.
Flat three-pin connectors commonly used in stage, theatrical, and entertainment lighting. Known for their durability, tight-fitting contact design, and easy field repair in demanding production environments.
High-current, color-coded connectors used for large venue power, film production, and generator tie-ins. Scalable by running multiple single-pole lines.
A standard NEMA 5-15 plug in a black housing, ideal for stage and lighting applications where reflections and visual clutter must be minimized.
Entertainment power blends lighting-centric Bates, high-current Camlock feeder, and general utility Edison circuits—each with its own safety norms, color coding, and handling rules.
Low-profile connectors favored for theatrical lighting.
Color-coded, locking single-pole for feeder and high-current distro.
Utility power for backline, worklights, RF racks, and FOH.
Follow venue rules and national standards for temporary power.
| Family | Typical Use | Ratings | Pros | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bates (Stage Pin) | Theatrical lighting circuits | 20A 120V (common), 60A variants | Low profile, easy to tape/hide, rugged | Ensure correct polarity/ground; inspect pins for wear |
| Single-Pole Camlock | Feeder to distro, genset tie-ins | 200–400A, up to 600V | Quick connect, color coded, lock against pull-out | Strict connect/disconnect order; trained personnel only |
| Edison (NEMA 5-15/5-20) | Utility, backline, FOH, RF, IT | 15A or 20A, 125V | Ubiquitous, flexible distro options | Don’t overload strings; prefer 20A where appropriate |
Always follow venue policy and local code. Use listed devices and proper overcurrent protection.
2P+G, low-profile connectors for theatrical lighting. Black housings available.
Feeder connectors and cables, phase-coded with black shell options.
Utility and backline power with rugged, stage-ready builds.
Show-ready builds with labeling, testing, and documentation.
Black shells reduce reflections and visual clutter, helping hardware disappear under stage lighting and in camera frames. Use colored bands/labels to preserve phase/neutral/ground identification.
“Edison” is common slang for NEMA 5-15 (15A, 125V) straight-blade plugs/receptacles. For heavier utility runs, NEMA 5-20 (20A) is often used.
200–400A devices are common for show feeder at up to 600V. Always match connector and cable gauge to the distro rating and follow the required connection sequence.
Bates (stage pin) is the theatrical standard for dimmer/relay lighting circuits due to its low profile and ruggedness. Edison is fine for lighter loads, practicals, and utility; use locking or retention solutions where vibration or movement is expected.
