By Full Compass LiveAs schools reopen, many are coming up with creative solutions to keep students and teachers safely distanced. Auditoriums and sports complexes are being repurposed into lecture halls, outdoor tents and temporary structures are being built both as additional classrooms and to process students as they come and go. With these new setups comes new and unusual power supplyDefinition:
A device (internal or external to another device) that provides power for active circuitry. Can be AC, DC or battery-powered. demands.
What’s more, many schools have incorporated additional video and audio equipment to stream to students learning from home. These come with their own significant power requirements. Let this serve as a primer for what you need to know to make sure you have safe and adequate power running to these new spaces, and to this new equipment.
And know that Full Compass has been providing schools and universities with AV, networking, and power distribution equipment for over 40 years. We’re here to answer your questions and find solutions that best suit your school’s specific needs and budget. Your personal Full Compass Professional is just a phone call away: 800-356-5844 (Monday-Friday, 7:00am-5:30pm Central time).
Proper Planning: Essential for Temporary Structures & New AV Equipment
Before distributing or tapping into power to increase your capabilities, it’s essential to have a licensed electrician know your electrical services’ exact capacity and specifications. A licensed electrician is needed to inspect and approve all power distribution and modifications. Even in specialDefinition:
A lighting instrument for an effect in a performance, and not part of the general lighting plot. circumstances like these, conforming to local codes is important.
Every school has different power types and distribution. Installed power in the U.S.A. is likely to be 110V or 220V service. Larger schools typically have integrated three-phaseDefinition:
Sound waves are variations in air pressure that, like water waves, have peaks and troughs. Phase is the waveform's position in its current cycle. For example, if two versions of the same waveform are both at their peak, or at their trough, they're considered in phase. If one is at its peak and one is at its trough, they are considered out of phase. If one is at its peak and the other is at zero (between the peak and trough), then the two waveforms are 90 degrees out of phase. Cf. Polarity power, with various services located throughout the building. Spaces designed for performance (such as auditoriums and theaters) often have high-voltageDefinition:
Also called electro-motive Force (EMF). The "charge potential" or pressure of electrons that causes current to flow in a circuit. fixed distribution boxes; these act as electrical services for the stage or performing space.
Understanding your needs is crucial in determining the safest and most stable solutions for your campus. Do you need to supply power to 30 well-spaced students and their laptops in a makeshift space? Maybe a portable Public AddressDefinition:
See PA. system is being used in a tent and will require power run from the building. Have many classrooms been outfitted with new audio and video gearDefinition:
Musical or performance equipment., or is there just one central hub for all of the live streamingDefinition:
A form of live broadcast using internet services. equipment? Fortunately, there are straightforward solutions for each of these scenarios.
The Importance of Power Conditioners
Power conditioners provide multiple output receptacles with surge protectors, which avoid equipment damage caused by unexpected power surges. This is highly recommended when working with delicate equipment, such as computers, projectors, and loudspeakers. Power conditioners are available for all needs and budgets.
Furman M-8X AR
15A Voltage Regulator
SurgeX SX-1120-RT
8-Outlet Surge Eliminator & Power Conditioner with RemoteDefinition:
A broadcast from the field, not from the studio. A Remote Control., 1 RackDefinition:
A frame for holding gear that meets an industry standard for enclosures. This specifies a 19 inch width, and a height that is some multiple of 1.75 inches. A rack frame can be open or enclosed, and has rails drilled with standardized screw holes for attaching rack equipment.. Unit, 20A
Mobile Power Distribution
For mobile power distribution, Bento Boxes are a trusted standard that’s known for dependability and flexibility. Available in a variety of sizes, and with multiple connection options, these “breakout” units usually provide mounted circuit breakers for easy circuit resetting. They also prioritize heavy-duty construction, for protection against falls and other environmental hazards.
LEX BNB2-3B
30A Bento Box with L21-30 Inlet & Feed Thru, (3) 5-20A DuplexDefinition:
Signal transmission in both directions at once. See Half Duplex and Simplex. Receptacles
Whirlwind PL2-213023E6P00
Power Link PL2 Stringer with L2130 Chassis Inlet, 3-20A Duplex Receptacles
Breakout Cables & E-Strings are proven cable solutions for quickly supplying power outlets to hard-to-reach places. These heavy-duty cables can withstand foot traffic and wear-and-tear, which makes them ideal for distributing accessible power to anything from temporary classrooms to sub-stations. To accommodate changing needs, E-Strings come in a variety of sizes.
LEX 50123B
25ft 15A Black E-String with 3 NEMA 5-15A Receptacles
Additional Solutions
Modern problems require modern solutions, and you may need unique solutions for your campus. Fortunately, custom power distribution systems can be designed easily, and over the phone. Full Compass offers a wide range of products to distribute power where you need it. We’re here to answer questions and propose solutions that best suit your needs. To connect to your personal Full Compass Professional, call 800-356-5844 (Monday-Friday, 7:00am-5:30pm Central time).
Important Information
It’s of utmost importance to proceed safely and with forethought. Always ensure that any modifications made to your power infrastructure are done in accordance with all electrical safety specifications and performed by a licensed electrician/engineer. If you are not a licensed electrician or engineer, do not attempt to modify any building’s structural power or service.
