The Los Angeles Auto Show

Los Angeles Convention Center

Friday, November 30 - Sunday, December 9, 2018

The deadline to order for this Show has already expired

Electrical Equipment Rental

ORDER EARLY AND SAVE! By placing your order BEFORE the advance rate deadline date you can SAVE up to one-third on your electrical order.

Select the "Ordering" tab below to order outlets and electrical labor after reviewing electrical information.

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Electrical Code

Because the safety of exhibitors and attendees is of paramount importance to us, electrical requirements for an exhibit at all convention facilities are based on national electrical codes and local ordinances.

In the interest of public safety, exhibits at all convention facilities may be inspected to determine if any violations exist. If any problems exist, qualified electricians are available to correct the problems. This corrective work will be performed on a time and materials basis. If the exhibitor does not wish to have the fault corrected, electrical service to that booth will not be connected. If an exhibitor is not informed, or does not understand basic safety standards for electrical wiring, a professional electrician should be consulted before shipment is made to convention facilities.

By taking the following important steps and understanding the basic requirements, we can all work together to uphold the highest standards of safety.

  • All wiring must have a 3-wire grounded cord with a minimum of #14 gauge.
  • Spot or flood lighting is a hazard when lamps are too close to fabrics or other material that can be affected by heat.
  • The use of clip-on sign sockets, latex, or lamp cord wire in displays, or the use of 2-wire clamp on fixtures is PROHIBITED by order of fire prevention bureaus at trade shows and conventions.
  • Zip cords or 2-wire cords are ungrounded and could result in safety hazards. Their use is forbidden in all convention facilities. Don’t leave home with them.

Use Timesaving Wiring Methods and a Distribution System

Whenever possible, and in conformance with the electrical code, use multi-conductor interconnecting cables with approved quick-connect plugs or fittings.

The following is a list of the plugs that match our equipment receptacles:

  • 15 amp 120 volt: Standard U-ground plug
  • 20 amp 208 volt 1Ø or 3Ø: Leviton 3521 plug or equivalent
  • 60 amp 208 volt 1Ø or 3Ø: Daniel Woodhead Plug Y560P plug or equivalent
  • 100 amp 208 volt 1Ø or 3Ø: Litton-Veam Plug CIR01GRH plug or equivalent

Exhibitors who require many standard outlets may choose to incorporate a power distribution system into their booth. Please contact our staff for more information. Labor is also required to inspect equipment pre-wired to plug into our system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will my outlet be located?

There are four different types of trade show booths.

  • Line Booths
  • Peninsula Booths
  • Back-to-Back Peninsula Booths
  • Island Booths

Each type of booth has its own standard method of installation. In the following diagrams, the symbol [X] represents the approximate location of power outlets. Main drop locations must be indicated on the floor plan as MDL:

Electrical Drop Locations
Electrical Drop Locations
Electrical Drop Locations

For Line Booths, Peninsula Booths, or Back-to-Back Peninsula Booths your pre-ordered electrical outlet will be installed to the rear of your booth at the perimeter.

For Island Booths, you will need to designate one location for each outlet you order. Multiple outlet locations will be charged on a labor and material basis. For facilities with power originating in the floor, your electrical outlet will be placed at one location at our discretion. All other distribution will be done on a time and materials basis. If you fail to provide us with a floor plan, we will bring your power to one location at our discretion.

How much power do I need?

Calculate your lighting needs by adding wattage in each location. For other equipment, read the ratings from the metal plates attached to each unit.

Electrical Plates
Electrical Plates
  • Dedicated and 24-hour power will be a 50% increase over the current listed price. Please indicate "24 HR. QTY" in the line item calculation.
  • GES is not responsible for voltage fluctuation or power failure due to temporary conditions. Exhibitor is responsible for providing surge protectors for their Goods.
  • GES is not responsible for loss or damage resulting from power surges. Furthermore, GES' liability for any and all loss or damage is limited to the value of the cost of electrical services provided or depreciated value of Goods, whichever is less.
  • All electrical installations and connections must be made by a GES electrician. GES will not be responsible for any damage or loss to any equipment, component, computer hardware or software, and/ or any damage or bodily injury to any person caused by the installation, connection, or plugging in of any electrical outlet by persons other than a GES electrician.
  • Electricity will be turned on 30 minutes prior to show open and will be turned off within approximately 30 minutes after show close daily.
  • All electrical outlets will be installed on the floor at the back wall of In-line and Peninsula booths. All electrical outlets for Island booths will be dropped to one main location per the Exhibitor’s floor plan. If no plan is provided, the outlets will be installed at our discretion. Any change in location and/or additional power drops are chargeable on a time and material basis. Distribution and connection of outlets are chargeable on a time and material basis
  • The first ninety feet of cabling to deliver power to your booth is free. If additional cabling is necessary to power your booth, it will be charged at a time, material and motorized equipment basis. See Electrical Labor Form.

GES JURISDICTION (Requires labor and/or material)

  • All under-carpet distribution of electrical wiring.
  • All facility overhead distribution of electrical wiring, including coaxial cable, fiber optics, twisted pair, etc., and the distribution of same from product to booth and from booth to booth.
  • All motor and equipment hook-ups requiring hard wiring connections.
  • Installation and/or repair of electrical fixtures.
  • Installation of electrical motors and electrical apparatus to be energized.
  • All outlets over 20 amps and/or with a voltage over 150 volts will require electrical booth work labor.
  • Labor is required to inspect and hook-up equipment pre-wired to plug into our system.
  • Exhibitors are not permitted to use power unless ordered. Exhibitors found using outlets without an order will be subject to the regular rate for outlets used. Sharing power or plugging into facility outlets is strictly prohibited.

ELECTRICAL LABOR

  • Labor rates are subject to the labor contract effective at time of show.
  • Starting time can only be guaranteed when labor is requested for the start of the working day at 8:00 AM. The minimum charge per booth is one (1) hour for installation and half (1/2) hour for dismantle. Time will commence per Exhibitor’s request. Failure to start labor at requested time will result in a one (1) hour charge per electrician requested.
  • Unless 24-hour advance notice is provided in writing, Exhibitor will be charged at a time, material and motorized equipment basis.

POWER

  • How do I know how much power I need?
    First, gather a list of all electrical equipment to be powered on in your booth. Consider some of the following elements: lighting, computer equipment, plasmas, company products, AV equipment, and lead retrieval machine. Next, you will want to notate where in your booth space the items will be placed and retrieve the power required for each item. The power voltage/wattage/amperage can be found on the equipment tag located in the back of the item. Typically most items require 110/120 volt power. Machinery leans more towards the 208 or 480 volt power ordered either in single phase or 3 phase. Now you can start calculating how power will be required in each area in your booth space. Start by combining the wattage for the 110/120 volt devices in each area and select an outlet that meets or exceeds this total. It is safer to slightly overestimate your power requirements to help minimize tripping or outages. You must order separate outlets for the 30 amp 120 volt, 208 or 480 volt power as these are single point connections only.

  • Is the price listed for power per Day?
    No, the prices listed on the Electrical Rental Order Form (E-2) or 24 Hour Electrical Rental Order Form (E-2 24) are for the duration.

  • Where does the power come from?
    At the Los Angeles Convention Center, the power source comes from different areas depending on the halls. The North and Central Halls have catwalks available which means the power will drop from the ceiling. In the South Halls, the power comes from the columns placed throughout the exhibit space, meaning the power is run along the floor. For the outdoor lots of the Los Angeles Convention Center, power is pulled from building and is run along the floor.

  • Where will my power be located?
    For inline and peninsula booths, you will find your power located on the back side of your booth space. Island booth exhibits will need to submit a diagram indicating where your main power source needs to start from. If GES does not receive this information, the power will be installed in the center of your booth. Any movements of the main power source after installation will be chargeable on time and materials.

  • What is a Main Drop Location (MDL)?
    MDL is the main power source located in your booth. Power is then distributed from this point. You may choose to request additional drops within your booth space billed on a time and material basis. The location of the main drop should be placed in area that can either be hid or kept out of sight, i.e. closet or storage area.

  • How many places do I have to plug into?
    You will have two connection points to plug into. Power strips can provide additional sockets but keep in mind of the power you have reserved for your booth space. Additional sockets do not mean additional power. Power strips are designed to trip at 1500 watts/15 amps. Use of the power strip on a 2000 watt outlet location will drop the use in that location to 1500 watts/15 amps.

  • Do I need 24hr power?
    If you have equipment that requires power service to be on throughout the entire show, i.e. refrigerators, programmable equipments, we would recommend ordering 24 hr services. Power is turned off ½ hour before the show opens and turned off ½ hour after the show closes.

  • When will my power be turned on during move-in?
    Every attempt is made to have power installed by the end of day on exhibitor’s assigned target date. Freight hold areas (typically by freight doors) are done as space becomes available. Any special requests should be communicated to the GES Electrical Department.

  • Why are my power outlet rates in the outdoor exhibits higher?
    The rates are double the indoor price because the outdoor lots have minimal available power source locations. The cost is inclusive of getting power to multiple strategic power source locations in the lots. Getting the power from these locations to your booth is chargeable on a time and material basis, outside of the first ninety feet of cabling that is free. This may include cables, ramps, transformers, etc.

LIGHTING

  • Do I need lighting?
    Full facility lights will be turned on during show hours; however, some exhibitors choose to enhance the look of their booth or product by directing light to these areas.

  • Can I hang my own lights?
    Exhibitors not EAC’s may hang up to 4 arm lights per total booth space as long as the power does not exceed 2000 watts/20 amps.

  • Do I need to order power for the lighting I use in my booth?
    Any lights brought in by an exhibitor or EAC will need to order power. Lights ordered on the Electrical Lighting, power is included. Lights ordered on the Standard Exhibits System, power is not included in the lights provided in the packages.

LABOR

  • How do I know if I need to order labor?
    Referencing the Show Site Work Rules, for safety and liability reasons, electricians at the Los Angeles Convention Center are required to provide distribution of all electrical wiring from the main power source (MDL) to other power locations in your booth typically run under carpet. This is considered Floor work labor. Any connection of an electrical apparatus in your booth space exceeding total combined wattage of a 2000 watt/20 amp service must also be performed by electricians. This includes but not limited to, hook-up of electrical equipment, distribution above carpet, installation of lights, plasmas, hanging signs, and electrical booth structures. This is considered Booth work labor. Both types of labor can be ordered on forms Electrical Labor - Floorwork or Electrical Labor - Boothwork. Labor orders submitted for Floor work – Exhibitor Supervised and Booth work must provide date and time. GES does not accept will calls. Floor work – GES Supervised does not require a date and time as this labor will be performed and completed prior to your arrival, dependant on receiving power, floor plan and payment.

  • Do I need to order labor to hang my lights?
    Referencing the Electrical Lighting, for GES lights: For inline and peninsula booths that require placement in the back of the booth, booth work labor is included in the price of the lights. For peninsula and island booths that require placement away from the main power source and throughout the booth space, exhibitors are required to order booth work labor. Keep in mind, depending on location and height, equipment may be required and billed accordingly. If the lights are exhibitor owned, outside of the 4 arm light rule, a booth work labor order is required. If the lights are EAC owned, a booth work labor order is required.

  • What if I want to use my own cords and plug strips?
    Exhibitors may use their own extension cords and power strips under the regulations provided on the Electrical Rental Information. Be sure to advise the electricians working in your booth that you have brought your own materials to use in the booth.

  • What is an electrical floor plan and why do I need one?
    An electrical floor plan must be received with all floor work labor orders in order to receive the discount deadline date and more importantly for the electricians to provide the work requested in your booth space. A floor plan must have the following components: must be scaled, have orientation (call out the surrounding booths in accordance to front/ back/sides in your booth), MDL, and power distribution points (provide specific measurements of these locations). GES must also receive an electrical floor plan for placements of the of the 1000 watt overhead lights.

  • How can I ensure that I receive the discount rates on my electrical order?
    Be sure to submit the following by the electrical discount deadline date:
    Complete and valid Payment and Credit Card Authorization.
    Electrical Rental
    24 Hour Electrical Rental
    Electrical Labor. If distribution is required or for the hook up of electrical apparatus.
    Electrical Lighting
    Booth Layout. If floor work labor has been ordered or 1000 watts overhead lights. This can also be submitted in pdf or CAD format.
    All of the forms listed above must be received on or before the discount deadline date in order to receive the discount rates. If one form is incomplete or missing, the order is considered incomplete and the outlet rates will be placed at regular rates and the labor rates will be based on when a complete order is received. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

  • What else should I know?
    If labor is scheduled and the electrician shows up and there is no one there to direct them, there will be a 1 hour not ready charge billed per worker requested. You will need to go to the service desk when you are ready to place a new order. Show site labor rates may apply. Two electricians are required when ordering booth work labor for installation of plasmas over 37” and over and when cords need to be fished under carpet for floor work labor.

    Materials are charged on an as needed basis and are added to your invoice. Be sure to budget for these incidentals like extension cords, plug strips and tape. GES Electrical can assist you in estimating, though it is difficult to predict the length and amount needed until work is actually performed.