Publication date: 18 December 2007
ITT’s VEAM Powerlock connectors, designed for field installation of power distribution systems, have been installed at the O2 Dome in London’s Docklands, making life simple for touring riggers and roadies as each new show rolls through.
Jim McCarthy, director of ME Building Services & IT Consulting Engineers who designed the mechanical and electrical fittings takes up the story: “The O2 dome and other venues host a continuous program of events – currently, Barbra Streisand is performing. Each tour arrives with its own lighting and sound riggers and every tour has different requirements from the last one. When we were specifying the power distribution system for the O2 dome we looked at other big UK venues – Earls Court, Wembley, Belfast - and liaised with our sister operation in the USA to see what they use. American bands and performers tend to use a system called CamLock. However, this is not compatible with many other European systems, so they have to compromise with some kind of on-the-spot lash-up.” Anyone remember Meat Loaf starring in ‘The World’s Greatest Roadie’ movie?
Continues McCarthy: “Having looked at systems that would avoid the need for any kind of ‘fix’ we came across Powerlock, which is the UK equivalent of Camlock, making life simple for everyone, and ensuring clean power distribution.”
Powerlock field-installable power distribution connector systems from ITT provide a very high level of safety and reliability and can handle the most severe operating conditions. Applications include three-phase motors, heavy industry, electric supply companies, generators, load banks, lighting distribution panels and in-house supplies, outdoor TV broadcasts, sporting events and concerts.
Powerlock connectors use a bayonet mating method and come in four standard formats: panel source, panel drain, line source and line drain. Source connectors are supplied with a male contact that incorporates a rigid finger-proof nose and a slot for the secondary locking pin. Drain connectors include a female contact with a spring-loaded finger-proof nose and an O-ring. Line or panel connectors support cable attachment or panel mounting, respectively.
All Powerlock series connectors are rated to 1000V (max) and are available in 400A and 660A versions. Designed to withstand harsh environments, the connectors provide IP67-rated sealing, electric shock protection to levels specified by IP2X, and operation over the -30 to +125degC temperature range. The range supports contact termination sizes from 35 to 300mm2. The line connectors use either screw or crimp termination and can be used for daisy chaining. The panel drain and line drain connectors use an insulator fitted with a spring-loaded secondary locking pin. Panel receptacles come fully assembled with contacts. An M12 nut and spring washer are also supplied, which fit loosely onto the contact. Housed in a rugged, high temperature thermoplastic shell, Powerlock connectors are rated for flammability to UL94-V0 and available in a range of colours: green, black, red, blue, yellow, brown, grey and white.
Adds McCarthy: “Powerlock connectors that we have selected include versions with increased neutral conductors to accommodate the increase in current due to the harmonic distortion caused by the concert lighting. The lighting power and audio power are separated electrically, so concert attendees at the O2 dome - which cost £350M to refurbish – are ensured of perfect sound with no distortion.”
Powerlock connectors and accessories are detailed in a new 31 page catalogue.
ITT is an international supplier of connectors, including circular, rectangular, fiber optic, RF, power and high voltage, audio and application custom specific connectors, PCMCIA and Compact Flash Card connectors and enclosures, and cable assemblies. http://www.ittcannon.com
