Speedotron + 20 amp powerstrip to avoid tripping circuit breakers?

[jeffcallen]

I've tripped circuit breakers in the past on location with my Speedotron blackline stuff, even sometimes with the lower-powered 805, by firing too fast.

I know that the blackline packs pull more than 15 amps, therefore, a normal 15 amp power strip/surge supressor would trip it's internal breaker too often to be useful.

I'm wondering if I can use a 20 amp surge supressor strip like these:
http://www.nextag.com/20-amp-power-strip/search-html

to avoid tripping a location breaker, instead tripping my own, easily reset breaker in side the surge supressor in case I fire too fast.

I do know that the 2401 pulls up to 30 amps, but I'm not sure if:

1. the 805 pulls only 15-20 amps, (I know it can pop a 15 amp breaker, I've done it by shooting too fast)

2. would this cause any damage to my 805 pack?

3. is it worth just trying? Is this a crazy idea, should I just learn to shoot slower?


I've also go an old 810 pack, it probably pulls more amp power than the 805, as it recycles faster.

-Jeff Callen
www.jeffcallenphoto.com

[michaelnotar]

hi
i have the 805, 2405cx and 2403cx. the 805 is the only one that doesnt have a slow/fast switch for recycle. actually just got back today from a location shoot with the 805- no problems. perhaps you can look at one of these packs. they may pull more amps, but they do it slower, which seems to be the issue.

its just a switch somewhere, if its the item you buy, its more convienant but still a switch. i dont have a problem with circuit breakers personally.

[michaelnotar]

may want to check gage of cord on the surge suppressor strip too. make it atleast as big as the speedo AC power cable.

[jeffcallen]

ah, I may try my 810 in slow recycle mode next time, though strangely enough, the 810's "slow" setting is actually the same as the 805's "normal" setting in time it takes to recycle. The 810 is a lead lunchbox, heavier, but somehow nicely solid... it does only go Full or Half, no precise adjustment....

It could be the old wiring, as I do seem to shoot in older buildings....

[michaelnotar]

best to find a high amb circuit too, not a subsidary or lower amp one like a bathroom or something, try hallways. nice when you can find the GFI lines with a switch on the outlet. bring extra extention cords- do spend some money here, get large gauge/small number cords.

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