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 electrical services provided or depreciated 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.
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.
120 Volt, Floor/Overhead Services
- Island Booths - All electrical outlets will be installed to one main location per the Electrical Layout provided by the exhibitor. Any change in location, or additional distribution of power will be charged on a labor and material basis.
208 Volt, Floor/Overhead Services
- Price does not include labor and/or materials (e.g. extension cable cords, power strips and cord caps) for installation and removal.
- Labor is required to inspect and hook up equipment that is prewired.
- 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.
- For floor power greater then 60amps please email GESElectrical@ges.com your requirements and a representative will contact you with options.
480 Volt, Floor/Overhead Services
- For all 480 Volt floor power please email GESElectrical@ges.com your requirements and a representative will contact you with options.
- Price does not include labor and/or materials (e.g. extension cable cords, power strips and cord caps) for installation and removal.
- Labor is required to inspect and hook up equipment that is prewired.
All Services & Light Fixtures
- To receive the discount rate on outlets and labor, the Electrical Layout or a scaled plan in CAD or PDF format must include service locations for power, orientation, outlets, fixtures, and all 1000 watt overhead Parcan focus points and must be submitted with your order by the discount deadline.
- An Electrical Layout is required for all island booths. Electrical Booth Layouts are required for in-line and peninsula booths where distribution of power will be required.
- All Electrical Booth Layouts (CAD files or PDF) must be submitted to GESElectrical@ges.com. They can also be faxed to 630.259.6176. 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.
- 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.
- Power will be turned on 30 minutes prior to show open daily and will be turned off approximately 30 minutes 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. Please contact GESElectrical@ges.com to make arrangements. Additional charges may apply.
- For distribution of power within your booth, prices do not include materials (e.g. extension cords, power strips and cord caps).
- If carpet is installed prior to electrical installation, additional labor charges may apply.
- Dismantle labor and equipment (lifts) will be charged as a percentage of the installation labor (50%).
