How to make an affordable Quad Power Drop: Durable and great for stage use

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In this video I show how to make an inexpensive power drop that's great for use on stage and general use around a shop or rehearsal space.
I've never purchased one so I did some searching online today and was shocked to see how expensive these were. $100 for the drop and $100 for the cable on some sites. You can build the cable and drop combined for $40 using this method and these are incredibly safe and reliable when constructed correctly.
I would recommend going to a commercial electrical supply distributor that would normally sell to tradespeople. You will be able to find better quality parts than the big box stores and the cost will likely be less but not by a lot. Either way a hardware store will also have these parts. The power connectors like the PowerCON NAC3FCA and NAC3MPA-1panel mount can be found at www.parts-express.com
PowerCON male connector
www.parts-express.com/neutrik-nac3fca-powercon-cable-connector-power-in-blue--092-280
PowerCON chassis mount connector
www.parts-express.com/neutrik-nac3mpa-1-powercon-chassis-connector-power-in-blue--092-284
Parts Express also has the 4-40 machine screws you'll need but they do not seem to have the nuts with the external tooth lock washer. These make life much easier! Especially since it will be difficult to get the bottom screw in place if you have big fingers. You can find 4-40 external tooth lock washers from Fastenal or even Amazon.
4-40 External Tooth Lock Washer (package of 100)
Fastenal
www.fastenal.com/products/details/1137403
Amazon
www.amazon.com/Stainless-Locknuts-External-Tooth-Washer-100-pieces/dp/B078TDFF5L
4-40 machine screws
Fastenal
www.fastenal.com/products/details/29375
Parts Express
www.parts-express.com/4-40-x-3-8-machine-screw-zinc-100-pcs--081-3207

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Опубликовано:

13 июл 2020

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Комментарии : 64

@michaelalfonso1070 3 месяца назад

The most comprehensive video I've seen! I am building an extension just like the one you are building. In a band and a Sound Engineer for 66 years (and counting) what you are doing and your method makes sense. I believe in soldering as much as possible. It helps when you actually know how to solder, (my brother told me soldering is similar to welding, heat up the thicker material first). As a guitar player, I am all about Tubes and Point to Point wired amps! It saves money when you get vintage (pre-circuit board) amps and a good friend who repairs and custom built my Point to Point wired "Head". Actually he uses me for my "ears.'" It is a modified Fender Champ circuit. I usually play with a sound system, so loud enough to be my monitor. I subscribed and will be watching your videos!

@wolfgangkirby6820 4 года назад

As a former electrician, thank you for showing people safe easy right way.

@helmanfrow Год назад

Dunno if I'd consider soldering power connectors as the right way. Crimped connectors won't melt.

@WJCTechyman 8 месяцев назад

I hate to say it, a couple of concerning things in this video: I would run a ground wire regardless if the box is PVC, painted or metal. It's better to be safe than sorry. Two, it doesn't hurt to do the wiring the right way with pig tails from the PowerCON to each outlet properly terminated with wire nuts or just running two pig tails soldered to the PowerCON to each outlet.

@WJCTechyman 8 месяцев назад

@@helmanfrow Soldering is a better mechanical connection than spade style connectors. It's not if they melt, it's if they are exposed to bumps and vibrations causing the metal to create resistances, heating up and not forming a solid connection in the future causing equipment malfunction, damage or possibly a fire. That's one of the reasons I also don't like Wago lever connectors, same problems. That said, you should get into the habit of inspecting your power taps and extension cords each time before use.

@helmanfrow 8 месяцев назад

@@WJCTechyman I agree that solder connections are a better electrical connection. I agree that cracks from vibrations could form, increasing resistance and cause the joint to overheat (and potentially melt). I'm not sure, however, that I agree about Wago connectors. How would resistance in the cage clamp change with vibration? The only way that could happen is if the spring lost tension, right? Generally speaking, though, it's not like these boxes are strapped to a jackhammer. A secure connection is sitting pretty in the box, which is taking most of the abuse on stage. The only other vibration I can think of is riding around in a trailer, which really isn't the kind of stress that would shake loose a secure connection. Still, I'd have crimped them to be sure. ;)

@robpuke 3 года назад

Haha, I loved it "Steal from another trade on the job site" now I know you were definitely in the trades because that's what we all do. LOL

@VaultEntertainment 3 года назад

Love it! We made about 3 dozen or so a couple years ago with in/thru connections to use at our events. Running 12/3 SJOOW cable and 12/3 SOOW and they have worked great!

@patrickskinner704 2 года назад

Thanks! Great vid. I’m an FOH guy and Tech director has me doing exactly what you’re showing… except my skills in this area are a bit weak so this is just what I needed.

@adamwberanek 3 года назад

I was literally looking up parts for this exact build yesterday and today this video pops into my feed. Great video!

@KevinWorrell 3 года назад

Cool video. I'm going to build some of these myself. But I won't solder the wires to the powercon because - NEC says it's illegal. Proper connectors and crimping tool do a fine job.

@MattyBeeProductions Год назад

I'm pretty sure that electrical code only prohibits soldering on the ground terminal, but yeah, def just fine to use the crimp and maybe even heat shrink it if you wanna be spicy

@AccuracySpeaks 3 года назад

Killer video!! I had no idea if I'm understanding you correctly, that you could run 2 rigs off of 14ga wire! I figured the amps would require 10 or 12. but then again, I know very little about electricity/electronics! Thanks for sharing!!

@purgasound 3 года назад

It really depends on the distance. A 14AWG wire can handle 20A if it's short enough. In most cases I would try and keep the runs 50' or under and you should be good up to about 15A. The distance from the socket to the breaker matters as well. A 100W guitar amp isn't going to draw more than 4A so you could likely run three without any problems.

@AccuracySpeaks 3 года назад

@@purgasound Excellent, thank you for your response! I really enjoy your channel and your playing, you seem like a really cool guy! I guess we're kind of neighbors, well at least Virginians! I live in SW Virginia, just south of Roanoke. I must admit, I missed out big-time on the GWAR thing back in the early days, my stupidity! I had friends that got to partake in the early days, and I kick myself in the ass for not going to some of those shows back then!

@austinfarley4971 Год назад

I love the speakon/Powercon mini-rant. Fuck not soldering those.

@robertharker 8 месяцев назад

I have started gluing PowerCon and other chassis mount connectors into the box or panel with epoxy before drilling the two screw holes. It avoids the drill wandering while trying to drill the two small holes.

@thesawisthelaw5413 4 года назад

this is great stuff ,always liked the electronic aspect of audio,especially customizing my own basses and guitars.

@shag377 4 года назад

Love the Guinness sign in the background.

@andrewbrewer3050 4 года назад

Cant wait till the next video. Can you show us some of the stuff you've done to your gear (amps,guitars or even effects) love the channel, huge fan. When are we get a signature guitar?

@SirShottyScotty 4 месяца назад

My dude... rad shirt!!

@nathanstumpf6288 Месяц назад

Super helpful. Thanks!

@oscaravelar3749 5 месяцев назад

Look at your video and it’s interesting, what is the name of the part that is soldiers..

@jambam6176 2 года назад

Question... What's the benefit of using a power powercon connector instead of just wiring the extension cord to the receptacles?

@purgasound 2 года назад

A direct wired connection will pull loose and likely fail over time with heavy use. Every hardwired one I've seen out on the road is in desperate need of repair. Being able to disconnect the cable makes storage safe and easy.

@RegentTheatreVideo 2 года назад

Allows you to have different lengths of power cable, being able to swap out a spare and avoids dealing with installing strain relief. This is a huge help especially if you're building the type with the through/output powercon connection. Also as Purgasound noted below, the direct wired one's need consistent maintenance to keep them tight and in good condition.

@jambam6176 Год назад

@@purgasoundThanks!

@mightyquinn5135 11 месяцев назад

What is the difference/ advantage of this compared to a power strip or a surge protector? Seems like a lot of work when you can buy a strip for $10. I can see how this metal box would be hold up better esp in a touring application but is there any other advantage?

@purgasound 11 месяцев назад

A power strip doesn't have a 40' cord attached to it. They are bulky and don't sit right on a stage. Some can trip as they aren't rated for much amperage. If a normal power strip works for someone than that's fine. There's nothing wrong with it. They're throwaways though, that plastic stuff can't be repaired and I don't like having a switch or breaker directly on a power drop like that. To each their own.

@Generationstrengthbarbellclub 2 года назад

Love your shirt

@DAMOOSESQUADDJs 3 года назад

Thanks I am a mobile dj looking to inhance my setup and this will be perfect 👌

@jacelandadventures1523 2 года назад

excellent build my friend thanks for sharing nice score

@kronk358 3 года назад

You think solder is a stronger connection than a screw?!

@ELGATOLANCASTER 3 года назад

this is killer. thank you

@DJDXD 2 года назад

Is there a way to add truss clamps to these?

@deathrattleriffs8161 4 года назад

This is good shit for the budding musician.....save that extra $60 for a kick ass show!

@ivanravello5687 Год назад

hello /// how many outlet can i set up for one powerCON ??/ i need to build one small power distro with six outlet with a thermal switch using a powerCON //// greetings from Peru /////////

@purgasound Год назад

Type A Blue end PowerCON's are rated for 20A. You can use as many outlets as you need as long as the max current draw does not exceed 20A. Make sure internal wiring and the cord are also sized appropriately for the intended load.

@Jhambone Год назад

Thanks, you rule!!

@donwershba2319 3 года назад

Excellent: Educational _and_ entertaining

@blockisle9 2 года назад

Just came across this. Excellent job! One thing, those outlets need a ground wire attached, they are not self grounding type.

@phatman808 Год назад

7:15

@blockisle9 Год назад

@@phatman808 I missed that,

@Heywoodj1969 3 года назад

Did i miss the part where you attached the panel mount blue powercon ground to the outlets? Going to just the box isn’t code…

@purgasound 3 года назад

Probably. I typically will use a grounding lug screw in the box and tie in the outlets and the incoming ground together.

@gabrielcarpenter6770 4 года назад

that is really cool... thanks for sharing...

@stevehurt8632 3 года назад

What do you do to stop the knockouts from getting knocked out?

@leoschneider3570 Год назад

I use a hubbell box specifically meant for this purpose

@martylesmeister2785 2 года назад

If going this route, I would highly recommend instead of standard powercon, using powercon True1 instead (True1 TOP is what the newest generation is called, as of this post). That connection can be connected and disconnected under load - meaning ground is the first to be connected and last to be disconnected, this is the reason that most ground pins on other plugs are slightly longer, and standard powercon (either blue or white connectors) do not have this feature, so your connection can arc if you need to connect or disconnect while pulling a moderate load. True1 is also IP65 rated, so should things get a little wet, the side of your box shouldn't let water in through this connection. Another thing you can do is add an additional thru connection and wherever you drop this power, you can easily extend off of it without occupying any of the top outlets. True1 also features mate-able connectors on their plugs (a male and a female that can connect to eachother), where standard powercon does not, you only have plugs (male) and mounted jacks (female) and two different colored connectors that don't connect to eachother for extension purposes.

@RockNRoller66 3 года назад

What about sneaking some noise filters in there?

@robertfoster625 2 года назад

Wnic came first? This one or one of the 3 or so other "originals"?

@purgasound 2 года назад

I'm not following you. I didn't invent this thing. Never claimed to. First time I saw something similar was Exit/In in Nashville which is where I got the idea. Pretty sure I mentioned it in the video.

@prizmwizard 3 года назад

Thanks dude!

@helmanfrow Год назад

I don't understand why the box has to be removable. Why not hardwire it?

@purgasound Год назад

Every one I’ve ever seen hardwired has frayed ends and is coming out of the box with the leads exposed. Likely from stagehands and audio crew constantly picking them up by the cable. Better for storage. Better for maintenance. Worn cables are easily replaced without ever having to open the box. Box never has to be opened again period.

@helmanfrow Год назад

@@purgasound And they can be daisy-chained if you use two Powercons.