Info about generator power output

[djtrumptight]

This is feedback that I got from a guy on Facebook about the YouTube video I recently posted here,any logic in what he’s saying ?

[Seth]

Hard to say without context. Did you claim you had a certain amount of watts or something?

[J_Dunavin]

Some people get wrapped around the axel when it comes to amplifiers and power output. Sure an amplifier can deliver x amount of watts, but that doesn’t mean it’s at that output all the time.
If we were talking about a full size stage rig, then yes of course a larger generator would be required, but with your set up and at the volume you were at, there is nothing wrong with that generator.

[djtrumptight]

No Seth,the guy seen the video I posted and his response is what I copied and pasted above.What I need to find is some type of guideline that will allow me to add up how much power I would need to actually run my system and have some headroom.
Thanks J,I won’t be running all of that stuff off the one generator,I don’t have a plate for my 4x8 trailer so I crammed all I could in my van.

[Seth]

No Seth,the guy seen the video I posted and his response is what I copied and pasted above.What I need to find is some type of guideline that will allow me to add up how much power I would need to actually run my system and have some headroom.

Well, some people like to blab about things in a way that seems to imply they're telling you something you don't already know. Pretty much, I just assume these people are at the limit of what they know themselves and are self impressed. I'm doing it now, see.

But on a serious note, your generator claims to be able to provide 3600 continuous watts. 3600watts / 120volts = 30amps

A point that he brings up, is that you wont be able to squeeze that much amperage through the extension cord you're using without voltage drop and potentially melting it and fire.

However, It's kind of moot point. I don't think you would need anything more than 12g for up to 100' for the equipment you're running. AND, it makes little to no difference that it's a cord plugged into a generator or a wall. I can't tell the gauge cord you're using, but it didn't look anemic to me. If it's a cheapo 16gauge, toss it and get a new one. 14ga should be okay for up to 50'. I'd just get 12.

Funny thing is he essentially said the same thing in a very self inflating manner. Block that trollish guy from your facebook. You don't need that shit. Good on you to look into it though

Just my opinion on it anyway...

[Bruce Weldy]

I'd just get 12.

I'd go with that suggestion. I only have 12ga power cables with the exception of one of those 14ga Extension cords that has an outlet every 5 feet, but it is only used for the band to power their pedals, amps and whatever crap they all think they need now....

But the PA is always on 12ga. I did a show with someone else's system recently and I got the venue to go buy 2 10ga cables since it was a long run and we had to run everything on the stage and out front with two breakers.

The good news is that the BFM stuff is so efficient that you can get tons of sound with very little juice. I've run my entire system - 10 boxes out front, 6 monitors, board, driveracks, and my trusty fan off of one 15amp GFCI plug outside.....done it for 6 years and have never blown the breaker.

So, just ignore those who don't really understand our world.

[Grant Bunter]

Old mate is right (FOR 220V)
With 220V and 3600W, amperes are 16.3.

Let me guess though, your generator is 110V, and 3600W at 110V is 32.7 amperes.

As to working out how much power you're pulling, is your generator stalling, throwing breakers or otherwise failing?
If the answer is no to any or all of these, then your rig isn't pulling as much power as you think...

[Seth]

The good news is that the BFM stuff is so efficient that you can get tons of sound with very little juice. I've run my entire system - 10 boxes out front, 6 monitors, board, driveracks, and my trusty fan off of one 15amp GFCI plug outside.....done it for 6 years and have never blown the breaker.

Modified this sales page quote to suit:

Average sensitivity is at least 6dB higher than the typical PA. What’s that mean to you? A BFM rig on a 15amp circuit is as loud as the average PA requiring a 60amp circuit.

I hadn't considered that point of view until now.

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

If you look at the specs posted for current draw by amp manufacturers it's usually stated at 1/8 power. That's because amp manufacturers are aware that's as much continuous power that an amp is likely to be run at. QSC, for instance:

1/8 power represents typical maximum operating conditions
1/3 power represents over-driven program levels
Full power is breaker limited to short periods

While your facebook troll may have a cursory knowledge about physics/electricity and all of the measurements, by no means is he as smart as he thinks he is.

[NukePooch]

Everyone above is right.
I'll throw in as well. Your gennie is fine. I've run a lot more off of my Honda EU2000i 2000w gennie (just a bit less power than a standard 15-amp wall plug), and I've run tons more than that (full stage, projector, some LED lights) off of two EU2000i gennies (my PA on my genset, the stage and assorted crap on the other...I didn't have them linked).
I also run mostly 12ga cable (other than IEC cables, etc). I used to work for a couple audio production companies that ran all 10ga cable minimum...heavy duty for sure.

[djtrumptight]

Ok,thanks fellas,I was thinking I was missing something the way the way this guy was talking.My power cable is 12/3 sjoow that corona operator suggested I go get.

[ACUA]

I have a fluke amp clamp that is part of my carry equipment as well as a nice temp gun. When I gig I use those tools to help me monitor what is going on.

I have been to some small shady spots where power was a problem and even the person running the place notified me that past djs have tripped breakers. I gig out doors in summer Arizona heat often and having those tools helps me a lot. I built a little power cable about 1.5ft long with a section I configured to have each conductor isolated so I can correctly attach an amp clamp. I will hook that contraption up inmy power line near me so I can monitor it real time. I don’t do it all the time just if the breaker that I am tapped into already is pulling some duty, or if it’s a long extension cord run or I’m on gen power or whatever odd situation I am in. The special cable gets hooked up every time so I can easily amp clamp if needed. It helps me if my client has a problem I can help them trouble shoot.

I can play my rig hard and never see over 8amps our a 120v outlet. Usually it’s more like 5amps still slamming pretty good

The temp gun has not been that useful for monitoring power and generator demands but I use it now and again to check for hot spots, when it is hot outside I use it to keep an eye on my gear, gives me a viable explanation to my client that we could have problems if I temp the table top and it reads 120degreeF. and the mixer on the table reads 130degreeF.

[J_Dunavin]

Ooo good advice on the clamp meter... i may have to get one of those.

[nick mineau]

OK, i just went threw this so here goes.
i run a rig with 2 bridged plx3102 on 8 ohm subs, a plx3402 on mids, and a smaller amp on highs.
i run 6x ev zlx12p monitors as well, and have done a lot of testing to determine the size of a generator i needed to buy.

let me start by saying that program material is everything! I have a subwoffer test track that is full of long duration sine wave bass drops,
using a track like this, the rig can easily pull over a solid 15-25 amps PER power amp on the subs (3000watts=25amps) during the drops at the threshold of clipping, however sine wave bass drops and test tones are not what your gonna have for program material at real shows with live bands.

so how much generator do you need? well... this same rig that draws 50 amps on subs alone with sine waves, will draw far far less with normal program music. let me explain

at a real outdoors rock show i have metered the rig. i always have plenty of rig for the gig, and never see clipping, however i do flicker the -10db lights quite often on the subs and tops during the musical peaks (snare hits, double kick hits). What i have seen using my lowes 40$ off the shelf kill-o-watt meter, is approximately a 300 watt (2.5amp) draw for each sub, and about a 600 watt (5amp) draw on tops . the 6 monitors draw about 5-6 amps as well . so a rig like mine you will need about 16 amps (2000watts) to run just the p/a
the thing that will get ya is the stage gear. it can vary a lot, i have seen a old tube amp 50 watt marshal drawing 800 watts alone!!

so what works for me is a generec gp3000i generator, it is super quiet, and has a clean solid 120 volts of output. it runs my rig well, with about 1000-1500 watts surge to spare for the band to soak up. as long as the band isnt useing all tube amps. and i dont ask to much from the rig, the shows always go of without a hitch . even with all tube amps on stage, lights, and fans going, the generator did a great job, but the voltage was down to about 116-118 vs the 120 ill see with less draw. still better then shore power tho at most places i play

[Tom Smit]

OK, i just went threw this so here goes.
i run a rig with 2 bridged plx3102 on 8 ohm subs, a plx3402 on mids, and a smaller amp on highs.
i run 6x ev zlx12p monitors as well, and have done a lot of testing to determine the size of a generator i needed to buy.>>>>>>>>

Good info. Thanks.