Printable Instructions

The standard electrical system in use at most convention facilities in the U.S. is 120/208-volt three-phase with a neutral and 480-volt three phase. Most countries outside the U.S. use a different voltage and plug configuration from the US. To use anything that requires electricity that is made for use outside the U.S., you must take both the voltage and the plug configuration into account. 208-volt three-phase connections are not intended to be used with ANY international power needs and should never be ordered without calling the phone number provided on our order form or calling 1-800-553-3536 for more information.

Equipment Power
	Most 220-volt equipment will operate at 208-volts. Almost all 230 and 240-volt equipment and some sensitive 220-volt equipment will not operate properly at 208-volts and will require a transformer to boost the voltage to approximately 230-volts.
	Determine the amount of power each piece of equipment requires by looking at its rating stamp. This stamp can be found on the back or bottom of most equipment, but sometimes, manufacturers choose to make it more difficult to find. For example; you may have to look at the transformer plugged into your laptop to find its rating. For objects such as refrigerators and microwaves, the rating can be found inside the door.
	The ratings placed on the equipment will indicate VOLTAGE, AMPERAGE and PHASING. All three ratings are required in order to order the correct service. Example rating stamp for small European Electronic Equipment 100-240V~ 1.6A 50-60Hz* This rating indicates the equipment runs on 1.6 amps with a range of 100 to 240 volt single-phase a.c. (~) power. This can be powered by ordering either a 5A 208 volt single phase connection or ordering a 500W 120V outlet and using an adapter to the standard US outlet. Example rating stamp for European Coffee Maker 1200W 220-240 Volts 50Hz* This rating indicates the equipment runs on 1200 watts with a range of 220 to 240-volt single-phase power. To convert 1200 watts to amps, divide 1200 (the wattage) by 200 (the voltage) = 6 amps 208-volt single-phase. Example rating stamp for small European Machinery 240V 15A 50Hz* This rating indicates the equipment runs on 20 amps of 240-volt single-phase power. Because the voltage is over 220-volts, you will need to order a transformer to boost the voltage to approximately 230-volts. Example rating stamp for large European Machinery 26A 220-240V 3PH 50Hz* This rating indicates the equipment runs on 30 amps with a range of 220/380 to 240/415-volt three-phase power. 208-volt three phase will NOT work for this application. If your equipment requires 380-volt thru 480-volt power, please contact the phone number provided on our order form or call 800-553-3536 for more information. Exhibitor’s requiring 380-volt power must contact the Edlen office producing the event for additional order information. *Note regarding 50Hz. Most equipment for use outside the U.S. is designed for use at 50Hz or 50 hertz. The U.S. electrical system is 60Hz and almost all 50Hz equipment operates at 60Hz. Please check with an engineer who is familiar with the equipment to determine if your 50Hz equipment will operate at 60Hz.
Lighting Power
There are two items to look at on your lighting that determine what to order so it can be used in the US.
	The first item to look at is the voltage of the bulbs. 220-volt bulbs are made for use outside the U.S. and will operate properly on a 208-volt single phase connection from Edlen. 120-volt bulbs are made for use in the U.S. and will operate fine on a 120 volt outlet form Edlen. To order a 208-volt connection for your 220-volt lighting, add the wattage of all your bulbs together and divide the total by 200. The answer is the total amperage you will need to order. Order the amperage you need under 208-volt single phase. No more than 15 amps (3000 watts) can be drawn on a multi outlet strip. If you need more than 15 amps for lighting, order the appropriate number of 15 amp connections that you need based on your total lighting amperage.
	The second item to look at is the type of electrical plug on the end of your lighting fixtures. The standard outlet we provide for 208-volt power under 20 amps is a NEMA 6-20R. This is NOT the standard US 120-volt outlet that can be converted to with a common travel adapter. We can provide an adapter to a standard European Schucko outlet or strip only. Please bring any power strips and extension cords you will need and an adapter to either a standard European Schucko outlet or a NEMA 6-20R. You may also contact the Edlen office producing the show where you are exhibiting to order a European adapter or strip. Any distribution under carpet or concealed wiring must be performed by Edlen electricians using Edlen’s equipment and cords.