Power Feeder & Camlock
**********************

This SOP defines the standards and procedures for inspecting, handling, connecting, operating, and
resetting **feeder cable and Camlock (single-pole) power systems** used by Maryland Productions (MP)
and Event Revolution (RV). Feeder and Camlock systems are **high-risk, safety-critical** components
and may only be handled by trained and authorized personnel.

Incorrect use of feeder or Camlock systems can result in serious injury, equipment damage, or
facility outages.


Purpose
=======

- Ensure safe and correct use of feeder and Camlock systems.
- Standardize connection and disconnection procedures.
- Prevent phase reversal, neutral failure, and ground faults.
- Protect personnel, venues, and equipment.
- Establish clear expectations for inspection and operation.


Who This SOP Is For
===================

- Power technicians  
- Technical Directors  
- Department leads interfacing with power  
- Warehouse staff prepping feeder systems  
- Authorized freelancers with power approval  

Only personnel explicitly approved by MP/RV may connect or disconnect feeder or Camlock systems.


Scope
=====

This SOP applies to:

- Single-pole Camlock connectors (Series 16 / standard)
- Feeder cable (5-wire systems)
- Temporary power tie-ins
- Generator-to-distro connections
- Venue-provided Camlock interfaces

This SOP does **not** cover permanent electrical installations.


Feeder & Camlock Safety Rules
=============================

- Treat all feeder as **live until proven otherwise**.
- Never connect or disconnect under load.
- Never connect without verifying phase, neutral, and ground.
- Always connect **ground first** and disconnect **ground last**.
- Never force Camlock connectors.
- Stop immediately if anything feels wrong.

No schedule or show requirement overrides safety.


Feeder Cable Identification
===========================

Standard color coding:

- **Green** – Ground  
- **White** – Neutral  
- **Black** – Phase A (Hot)  
- **Red** – Phase B (Hot)  
- **Blue** – Phase C (Hot)  

All feeder cables must be clearly labeled with:
- Ownership (MP / RV)
- Length
- Voltage rating


Warehouse Prep & Inspection
===========================

Before deployment:

- Inspect cable jackets for:
  - Cuts  
  - Abrasion  
  - Exposed conductors  
- Inspect Camlock connectors for:
  - Cracks  
  - Loose pins  
  - Burn marks  
- Verify correct color coding and labeling.
- Confirm full feeder sets are present.
- Remove damaged cables from service immediately.

Feeder with compromised insulation is unsafe.


Connection Order (Critical)
===========================

Always connect in this order:

1. **Ground (Green)**
2. **Neutral (White)**
3. **Hots (Black → Red → Blue)**

Always disconnect in reverse order:

1. **Hots (Blue → Red → Black)**
2. **Neutral (White)**
3. **Ground (Green)**

This order prevents shock and equipment damage.


Tie-In & Source Verification
============================

Before connection:

- Confirm source type:
  - Generator  
  - Venue service  
- Verify:
  - Voltage  
  - Phase configuration  
  - Neutral integrity  
- Confirm breaker is **OFF**.
- Coordinate with venue or generator operator.

Never assume a source is correct.


Load Planning & Phase Balance
=============================

- Verify expected loads before energizing.
- Balance loads across phases.
- Avoid overloading neutral.
- Confirm distro ratings match feeder capacity.

Improper load planning causes failures.


Energization Procedure
======================

- Confirm all connections are fully seated.
- Clear personnel from feeder area.
- Communicate before energizing.
- Energize source breaker.
- Observe:
  - Distro indicators  
  - Smell or sound anomalies  
- Shut down immediately if issues are detected.

Never ignore warning signs.


Operation & Monitoring
======================

During operation:

- Periodically check:
  - Connector temperature  
  - Cable routing and protection  
- Prevent vehicle or foot traffic damage.
- Do not modify live systems.

Feeder issues escalate quickly if ignored.


Strike & Disconnection
======================

- Power down all loads.
- Open source breaker.
- Verify system is de-energized.
- Disconnect following proper order.
- Inspect cables during strike.

Strike is a critical inspection point.


Handling & Storage
==================

- Coil feeder neatly without twisting.
- Protect Camlock connectors.
- Store feeder in designated racks or cases.
- Keep sets complete and labeled.

Good handling extends feeder life.


Roles & Responsibilities
========================

Power Technicians
-----------------

- Perform all feeder connections.
- Verify safety and correctness.
- Monitor systems during operation.

Warehouse Staff
---------------

- Inspect and prep feeder systems.
- Remove unsafe cables from service.

Project Managers
----------------

- Ensure qualified personnel are assigned.
- Support safety-driven decisions.


Quality Control
===============

- Feeder inspected before and after use.
- Correct connection order followed.
- Loads verified and balanced.
- Issues documented and addressed.

Feeder safety is non-negotiable.