# Event power distribution.

> Electricians specialised in events: power distribution from the stand power box to the power distribution cabinet, on grid, generator or battery.

Source: https://www.darkside-energy.com/en/power-distribution/ · Dark Side Energy · Updated: 2026-10-06

From the stand power box to the power distribution cabinet.

Based in Hauts-de-France, northern France, Dark Side Energy has a team of electrical technicians specialised in events, working in France and internationally. Our projects are varied, which is just how we like it: from trade shows to exhibitions, from live shows to conventions, from sporting events to open-air festivals.

[Request a quote](https://www.darkside-energy.com/en/contact/?objet=distribution)
[Run a power assessment](https://www.darkside-energy.com/en/power-assessment/)

## Your equipment or ours, your plans or ours.

We install your equipment or the equipment you have hired, following your plans or ours, drawn up with our [engineering office](https://www.darkside-energy.com/en/engineering/).

From small distribution set-ups to large power distribution cabinets, on the grid, a generator or a battery, we take care of the whole chain. We can also help you build your teams through our [technical management](https://www.darkside-energy.com/en/technical-management/) service.

- **Complete distribution**: distribution cabinets and boxes, cables, [P17](https://www.darkside-energy.com/en/glossary/#p17) and [Powerlock](https://www.darkside-energy.com/en/glossary/#powerlock) connectors.
- **Single-phase, three-phase and three-phase plus neutral**, from stand power boxes to power distribution cabinets.
- **Stand power boxes** for trade shows, fairs and exhibitions.
- **Generators**, including Twin zero-interruption configurations.
- **Temporary grid connections** on *tarif bleu* (French grid connection up to 36 kVA) and *tarif jaune* (36 to 250 kVA), and *compteurs forains* (temporary metered grid connections for events).
- **Electrical standby** during the show, and a GroupMan (generator technician) to monitor the generators.

*Trade show, Lille Grand Palais.*

## You don't power a trade show the way you power a concert.

Every event is unique, and so is its configuration. Event power distribution means starting from the venue's main supply (or supplies) and distributing electricity to the places the organiser asks for, in compliance with safety standards.

### Shows, concerts and live events

The distribution cabinets sit behind the stage. Ideally, each department has its own source, with its own cabinet or cabinets, to avoid “buzz” and other electrical interference caused by the electronics in some equipment.

### Trade shows, fairs and exhibitions

Each stand must have its own power box fitted with a 30 mA RCD to protect people. Running an extension lead from the neighbouring stand, known in France as *ilotage*, is refused every time by safety officers. A trade show with 300 powered stands means 300 power boxes.

[Why *ilotage* is banned](https://www.darkside-energy.com/en/did-you-know/event-power-distribution/)

## From design to derig.

1. **Site survey and requirements**: Site visit, requirements gathering and power assessment.
2. **Design and plans**: Choice of sources, distribution diagram and site layout plan by our engineering office.
3. **Installation**: Installing cabinets, boxes and cables, in line with standards and the approved plans.
4. **Show**: Electrical standby during the event, generator monitoring and call-outs.
5. **Derig**: Taking down and packing up the equipment at the end of the event.

## When even the briefest micro-interruption is not an option.

Two synchronised generators run at the same time, each supplying 50% of the load and each sized to carry the whole load on its own. If one fails, the other takes over and, because it is already running, there is no interruption at all: consoles, computers and control rooms stay powered.

[The Twin zero-interruption generator set explained](https://www.darkside-energy.com/en/did-you-know/twin-generators/)

### Power reference values

- **P17 32 A three-phase**: 22.2 kVA
- **P17 63 A three-phase**: 43.6 kVA
- **P17 125 A three-phase**: 86.6 kVA
- **Powerlock 400 A**: 277.1 kVA

Theoretical calculation at 400 V: `S = √3 × U × I`, with no diversity factor or margin. [All the reference values in the electrical calculator](https://www.darkside-energy.com/en/electrical-calculator/).

## Need power distribution?

Send us your plans, your power assessment or simply your requirements: we will prepare the right solution.

[Request a quote](https://www.darkside-energy.com/en/contact/?objet=distribution)
[contact@darkside-energy.com](mailto:contact@darkside-energy.com)