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.