portable power distribution box require GFCI protection?

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Context is important- is the power used on the stage (for sound, lighting, etc)? What is the "stage" anyway (a plot of dirt or a constructed scaffold)? Where is the performance?

Most production company power distribution systems do not have GFCIs for "stage power" (amps, etc), but they're supplying a limited and controlled set of gear and are usually well-grounded. OTOH, I've often dropped a spider box at a stage and the sound company just plugs right into the GFCIs.

The motion-labs link makes some interesting points but I need to reread/digest when I have more time.
 

jap

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Electrician
The article seems to be hung up on the "Temporary" aspect of the whole thing.

Point is, 210.8 (b) indicates GFI protection is required outdoors period, and, that's where most of these types of events are held.

As far as the comment about

"Nuisance tripping of GFCI devices, on stage, could be a catastrophe during a performance.

I can see it now… 20,000 fans in an auditorium, each paying $100 to $300 a ticket for a major rock concert.

The first strum on the guitar, the GFCI trips… Now you have a serious problem"

!

I would say a GFI tripping is not a catastrophic event.

In fact, a GFI's whole purpose is to try and head off a catastrophic event.


JMHO

JAP>
 
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