- #1
telephoneman
- 6
- 1
I have been wondering for some time about the power systems used in carnivals and fairs to power the rides. Is there a standard voltage used, like 480 VAC for instance, or is it even standardized?
It looks to me like it is 3 phase, based on the cables I usually see. Typically 4 individual cables that look to be at least 2AWG or larger, with cam lock connectors. One is usually green for the ground.
The local fair is powered from semi trailer generator sets that feed the rides directly and also seem to supply 120/240 and maybe 208 for smaller stuff.
Article 525 of the NEC doesn't really give me a clue to this, but has some good insight on how a fair SHOULD be set up, not that the local one that comes here is! :S
As for amperage, I'd guess the bigger rides can go into 100-200 amps or more, depending on the ride.
It looks to me like it is 3 phase, based on the cables I usually see. Typically 4 individual cables that look to be at least 2AWG or larger, with cam lock connectors. One is usually green for the ground.
The local fair is powered from semi trailer generator sets that feed the rides directly and also seem to supply 120/240 and maybe 208 for smaller stuff.
Article 525 of the NEC doesn't really give me a clue to this, but has some good insight on how a fair SHOULD be set up, not that the local one that comes here is! :S
As for amperage, I'd guess the bigger rides can go into 100-200 amps or more, depending on the ride.