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 J5100PFGP 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:

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 or Pavilion booths, you need to designate one location for each outlet you order. All drop locations will be charged on a time, equipment, and material basis.

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.

What is an electrical floor plan and why do I need one?

Floor plan provides electricians with the necessary information to perform the work requested in your booth space.

• Scaled
• Orientation (call out the surrounding booths in accordance to front/back/sides of your booth)
• Main Drop Location (MDL)
• Power Distribution Points (provide specific measurements of these locations)

What else should I know?

All floor plans are reviewed prior to show site in order to circuit a hall print for installation of power. A fee of $59.00 will be billed for this time. 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 monitors over 37" 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.

• Dedicated and 24-hour power will be at double the 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

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.
• 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. The minimum charge per booth is one (1) hour for installation and half (1/2) hour for dismantle. Dismantle labor is charged at 50% of installation labor based on show close/move-out days/time (overtime rates may apply) with a minimum of 1 hour on dismantle for all equipment and does not need to be scheduled. If electricians are required in the booth at a specific time for dismantle, please notify the GES Electrical Service Desk at the show.
• Unless 24-hour advance notice is provided in writing, Exhibitor will be charged at a time, material and motorized equipment basis.