For a simulator event, the power question that matters is how many separate circuits you have, not how many outlets. Each rig combines a PC, one or more displays, a wheelbase and, on full-motion rigs, a motion system, and several rigs on one circuit can trip a breaker. Plan circuits with the venue, use proper cords, and if you need a generator, keep it well away from people and buildings.
What draws power in a rig
- The computer that runs the simulation.
- Displays: one large screen or three.
- The wheelbase. Direct-drive wheelbases have their own power supply. Simucube, for example, lists a 450 W peak power supply for its Simucube 2 Pro.
- The motion system on full-motion rigs. Our full-motion rigs use SIGMA Integrale platforms, which run on electric servo motors; SIGMA describes its DK2 system as using a 75-volt DC system with American-made servos.
The total depends on the exact components, so ask us for the power plan for the rig mix you book rather than relying on a generic per-rig figure.
Circuits, not outlets
A standard U.S. household or meeting-room circuit is 120 volts on a 15- or 20-amp breaker. Watts equal volts times amps, so a 15-amp circuit tops out at 1,800 watts and a 20-amp circuit at 2,400 watts. Two code rules reduce what you should actually plan on:
- A single piece of cord-and-plug equipment that is not fastened in place may not be rated above 80% of the branch circuit's rating, as EC&M explains in its guide to branch circuits.
- The National Electrical Code treats a load that runs three hours or more as continuous and sizes protection at 125% of it, which works out to loading a standard breaker to 80%, as the International Association of Electrical Inspectors explains.
Many events run longer than three hours, so plan to about 80% of each circuit: roughly 1,440 watts on a 15-amp circuit and 1,920 watts on a 20-amp circuit. Outlets on the same wall are often on the same breaker, so ask the venue's facilities team which outlets share a circuit.
Convention centers and hotels
Some venues sell power as a service. The Palm Beach County Convention Center, for example, takes exhibitor orders for electrical services through an online portal and asks exhibitors to order in advance. Ask us what to order, and order early.
Cords
OSHA notes that flexible cords can be damaged by door edges, staples, abrasion and age, and that its construction standard requires cords rated for hard or extra-hard usage, with the rating marked along the cord. See OSHA's page on flexible cords. At events, route cords away from walkways or under proper cord covers, and do not run them through doors that close on them.
Outdoors and generators
If there is no building power, a generator can work, with care. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission advises operating generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet from homes and buildings, with the exhaust pointed away from windows, doors and vents, and recommends models with a carbon monoxide shut-off. For guests, that also means keeping the generator well away from the waiting line. Size the generator with us so it covers the full rig mix with headroom.
Questions to ask your venue
- How many separate circuits are near the rig area, and what are their breaker ratings?
- Is anything else on those circuits, such as catering equipment, lighting or a DJ?
- Do we need to order power, and from whom?
- Is there covered space if we are outdoors?
Tell us the answers and we will confirm the plan. SimsForHire delivers, sets up, staffs and tears down. Full-motion rigs are $2,750 per rig per day, with a $2,000 event minimum, all plus tax and insurance. More planning help is in our venue guide.
Call (754) 228-5654, email hello@simsforhire.com, or check your date. We reply within 24 hours, and we can book with as little as 24 hours of notice.