Recently 2 of my band mates dropped some coin on new QSC K series powered speakers. Two 12 inch units for the mains (used in conjunction with a Mackie Sub) and three 10 inch units for floor wedges. We run Roland e-drums and and do not use a backline for my bass. (Sansamp) The setup sounds awesome and our first gig with the QSC's went flawless. However the last 2 gigs our Monster power distribution has been maxing out and the output breaker has tripped a couple of times. This is at moderate volume, we don't crank it up and always get compliments from club owners on our ability to control the volume. The QSC's have great fidelity and I don't think we are even pushing them much but un-beknownst to me they are rated at 1,000 watts each and can draw a couple of amps per speaker! (x5) As many venues only provide one 15 amp circuit this is going to present a problem. Anyone else run into this type of problem? It looks like we will need to downsize or find multiple circuits at venues, which may be hit or miss at some venues.
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Powered Speakers Tripping Breaker!
- Thread starter Hammer99
- Start date
Multiple circuits.
How many bands actually try to run everything off a single 15 amp service? I'd think that was pretty rare.
Randy
How many bands actually try to run everything off a single 15 amp service? I'd think that was pretty rare.
Randy
I can run our PA off one solid 20 amp circuit, and that's about 4500w, but I've popped a 15 amp circuit with a small powered head and 1 powered sub (about 1500w).
To be safe, I'd split the system between 2 circuits.
To be safe, I'd split the system between 2 circuits.
Well, 15 amp circuits are pretty standard, at least in this area. We play a variety of venues, some have minimal electrical facilities hence our use of a power conditioner. Multiple branch circuits are not always available in stage areas at smaller venues. I've been gigging for a number of years and previous setup's (2000 watts and less) have never presented a problem unless lighting was also used. Guess I'm just disappointed that our new setup introduces some new challenges not readily apparent to me. The specs on these smallish QSC cabs is quite amazing. A lot of bang for the size.
Lose the power conditioner and plug your speakers straight into the wall. If the monster power crapitioner only has a 10-15 amp circuit breaker then it will trip.
