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.
• 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.
• 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 eleactrical servmices provided por deprecliateed value of Goods, whichever is less. All electrical installations and connections to all electrical service should 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.

If you have any questions, please Contact Us.

Frequently Asked Questions    (Go back to Top)

Where will my outlet be located?

There are four different types of trade show booths.

• In-Line Booths
• Peninsula Booths
• Back-to-Back Peninsula Booths
• Island/Pavilion 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. One drop will be provided within the booth when power source is in the ceiling or one location on perimeter when power is in the floor. Main drop locations must be indicated on the floor plan as MDL:

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 drape line.

For Island or Pavilion 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.

Note: No electrical services will be pulled from utility ports in aisles (no exceptions)

Important Information    (Go back to Top)

• In-Line and Peninsula Booths – Price includes labor and materials for each electrical outlet that is installed on the floor at the draped back wall. Any change in location, or additional distribution of power will be charged on a labor and material basis.
• Island Booths – Price includes labor and materials for each electrical outlet that is installed on the floor to a single designated location based on the floor plan provided by the exhibitor. Any changes in location, or additional distribution of power will be charged on a labor and material basis. If a floor plan is not provided, your electrical outlet will be placed at one location at our discretion (center of booth) and any changes in location, or additional distribution of power will be charged on a labor and material basis.
• 30 Amp outlets may require additional labor and materials. Labor is required to inspect and hook-up equipment that is pre-wired.

• Price does not include labor and/or equipment (lifts) for installation and removal. Materials (cable and extension cords) are included in the cost of the electrical outlet. Any change in location, or additional distribution of power will be charged on a labor and material basis.
• 100 and 200 Amp 208 Volt 3 Phase will require a transformer within your booth space. Please provide location of transformer within your floor layout.

• Price does not include labor and/or equipment (lifts) for installation and removal. Materials (cable and extension cords) are included in the cost of the electrical outlet. Any change in location, or additional distribution of power will be charged on a labor and material basis.

• Price does not include electrical outlet, labor, materials and/or equipment (lifts) for installation and removal.

• Price does not include labor and equipment(lifts) for installation and removal.
• The cable utilized for initial outlet location is included in electrical outlet price to a Main Drop Location (MDL). Any changes in location, or additional distribution of power will be charged on a labor and material basis.
• Labor is required to inspect and hook-up equipment that is pre-wired.

• For distribution of power within your booth, prices do not include materials (e.g. extension cords, cable, power strips and cord caps).
• If carpet is installed prior to electrical installation, additional labor charges may apply.
• Dismantle labor for electrical outlets will be charged at 40% of the installation labor hours.
• Labor is required to inspect and hook up equipment that is prewired.
• Dedicated and 24 hour power rates are listed on each line item. Please indicate the 24 hour quantity and use the appropriate rate when placing your order.
• To receive the discount rate for electrical outlets - Floor service:
     ○ Order and payment must be received by the discount deadline date
     ○ You must submit the Electrical Booth Layout form or a scaled floor plan in CAD or PDF format for the following scenarios:
         ■ In-Line and Peninsula Booths - for any outlet location in the booth other than the draped back wall
         ■ All Island Booths
• To receive the discount rate for electrical outlets - Overhead service:
     ○ Order and payment must be received by the discount deadline date
     ○ You must submit the Electrical Booth Layout form or a scaled floor plan in CAD or PDF format
         ■ Include designated Main Drop Location (MDL) for overhead outlets
         ■ Include locations for electrical outlets, light fixtures and orientation of booth
         ■ Include all overhead PARcan focus points
• All Electrical Booth Layout forms (CAD files or PDF) must be submitted to GESElectricalChicago@ges.com. They can also be faxed to 630.339.7310. Please include your booth number, show name and email address.
• Exhibitors are not allowed to use power unless it is ordered. Exhibitors found using outlets without an order will be subject to the regular rates for outlets used - no discounts will be given. Sharing power or plugging into facility outlets is strictly prohibited.
• Power will be turned on one hour prior to show opening daily and will be turned off approximately one hour after show closes daily. Power will be turned off immediately after final show closing. If you require power outside the actual show hours, arrangements should be made in advance and additional charges may apply. Please contact GESElectricalChicago@ges.com to make arrangements. For 24-hour power refer to Electrical Outlets - Floor Service and Electrical Outlets - Overhead Service.