Electrical Circuit

Understanding Electrical Circuits for LED Walls

Proper circuit planning is fundamental to safe and reliable LED installations. Understanding circuit requirements prevents failures and ensures code compliance.

Circuit Basics

**Components:**

• Breaker (overcurrent protection)
• Conductors (wires)
• Connectors
• Load (LED panels)
• Ground path

**Sizing Principle:** Circuit must safely carry maximum load with margin for safety.

Calculating Circuit Requirements

**Step 1: Total Load** Add maximum watts of all panels on circuit.

**Step 2: Convert to Amps** Amps = Watts ÷ Voltage

**Step 3: Apply 80% Rule** Continuous loads (>3 hours) limited to 80% of circuit rating.

Required Rating = Load Amps ÷ 0.8

**Example:**

• 8 panels × 500W = 4,000W
• 4,000W ÷ 208V = 19.2A
• 19.2A ÷ 0.8 = 24A minimum
• Use 30A circuit

Standard Circuit Sizes

**20A Circuit (208V = 3,328W usable):**

• Small walls
• Individual distro runs
• Common in small venues

**30A Circuit (208V = 4,992W usable):**

• Medium walls
• Standard for many applications
• Common in touring

**50A Circuit (208V = 8,320W usable):**

• Larger walls
• Single-feed options
• Less common, more efficient

Wire Gauge Requirements

**Based on Amperage and Distance:**

| Amps | 50 ft | 100 ft | 150 ft | |------|-------|--------|--------| | 20A | 12 AWG | 10 AWG | 8 AWG | | 30A | 10 AWG | 8 AWG | 6 AWG | | 50A | 6 AWG | 4 AWG | 3 AWG |

*Larger gauge (smaller number) for longer runs*

Distribution Strategy

**Single Feed:** One high-amperage circuit to distro, then branch to panels.

• Simpler cable runs
• One point of failure
• Requires quality distro

**Multiple Feeds:** Separate circuits to different wall sections.

• Redundancy
• More cable runs
• Partial failure still allows show

Balanced Loading

**For Three-Phase:** Distribute panels evenly across phases:

• Prevents neutral overload
• Maximizes available power
• Reduces voltage imbalance

**Example:** 30 panels ÷ 3 phases = 10 panels per phase

Venue Coordination

**Advance Questions:**

• What circuits are available?
• Where are power locations?
• What voltage and phase?
• Any limitations or restrictions?

**Documentation:**

• Circuit locations
• Breaker numbers
• Amperage ratings
• Measured voltages

Common Mistakes

**Under-sizing:**

• Tripped breakers
• Overheated cables
• Fire hazard

**Ignoring Distance:**

• Voltage drop
• Brightness variation
• Panel malfunction

**Ignoring 80% Rule:**

• Code violation
• Nuisance trips
• Potential failure

Troubleshooting

**Tripped Breaker:**

• Verify load calculation
• Check for shorts
• Inspect connections
• Consider inrush current

**Voltage Drop:**

• Measure at panel vs. source
• Should be <3% drop
• Use larger gauge or shorter run