Powering your exhibition stand is probably one of the most important parts of event preparation.
Whether you need power for TV monitors, laptops, lighting or coffee machines, choosing the right electrical supply helps ensure your stand operates safely and efficiently throughout the show. By understanding your electrical requirements before the event, you can avoid unexpected costs, on-site delays and power shortages during build and show opening hours.
Which exhibition socket or power supply do you need
Choosing the correct exhibition power supply is essential for powering your equipment safely and avoiding overloaded circuits. Before ordering, consider how many devices you'll be using and their power requirements.
The examples below provide guidance on the most common electrical requirements for exhibition stands.
- 500W socket (2 amps max)
- Monitor (up to 42")
- Laptops
- Phone chargers
- 1kW socket (4 amps max)
- Monitor (up to 60")
- Lighting (max 1kW)
- Upright fridge/cooler
- 2kW socket (8 amps max)
- Microwave
- Domestic coffee machine
- Small vacuum cleaner
- 3kW socket (13 amps max)
- Kettle
- Iron
- Countertop oven
A 500W socket will be sufficient for two laptops, one phone charger and one small TV monitor.
Top tip: The wattages given here are for guidance only. Always check the name plate on the appliance or the manufacturers' manual to find the maximum wattage consumption, where possible.
A quick way for you to figure out how many watts you'll need is:
How many amps your appliance uses x 240 (UK volts from mains power)
A 42" TV monitor uses 1.6 amps x 240 = 348W. You will need a 500W socket.
Using extension leads safely
Extension leads do not increase the amount of power available to your exhibition stand. The total load connected to the extension lead must remain within the capacity of both the extension lead and the ordered electrical supply.
You can use 4-way switched extension leads, but please keep the following in mind:
- You can only use one extension lead per 500W socket
- Extension leads are not permitted with 2kW or 3kW sockets due to health & safety
- The cumulative watts of the stand items plugged into the extension lead must not exceed the watts of the socket
- Any extension lead must have a flexible cord of no more than 2 metres in length
- Do not daisy chain multiple extension leads together
- Multi-way plugs (cubes) cannot be used
Top tip: Trailing cables across your stand and lumpy floors are quite unsightly, so consider ordering a platform. A platform will allow you to place sockets in any position on the stand with the cables hidden underneath.
Exhibition lighting requirements
The general rule for a shell scheme stand is one spotlight per 3 sqm of stand space. Space only stands often have more bespoke stand designs and therefore require more complex electrical requirements. Check out our Show Ready exhibitor stand packages.
Some shell scheme stand packages have electrical packages included by the event organiser. If you're unsure, please contact the organiser of your event for more information.
Mains power for space only stands
Some exhibitors require a dedicated mains supply rather than standard socket outlets. This is typically required for when your competent, appointed contractor wishes to distribute power or lighting from their own RCD-protected distribution unit or if they wish to order a direct machine main.
If you are supplying your own distribution unit, it is appointed contractor's responsibility to provide the correct distribution unit and official documentation to the event's official electrical partner.
Top tip: To guarantee power for event build and breakdown, it is strongly recommended to order a temporary power supply. Standard power supplies are only guaranteed during official event opening hours only.
What to include on your grid plan
A grid plan is a 2D drawing which clearly displays the positioning of order items within your stand. Typically, if you've purchased graphics, electrics (including lighting, mains, and sockets) or stand extras (shelving, storage areas, etc.) you will need to submit a grid plan. If you've ordered multiple services you only need to submit one grid plan - just make sure you include all items.
If you're unsure of where your electrical mains cable will arrive from, you can contact the Customer Care team to provide you with a snippet of your stand space showing the venue electrical duct positions.
Important details to include on your grid plan:
- A clear orientated plan
- Mark the open and closed sides of your stand
- Height, where possible
- Symbols and labels
- Raised platforms
Top tip: A grid plan is a requirement for every order or shell scheme stand and must be submitted directly to the event's official electrical partner. It is important that grid plans are submitted as early as possible to avoid on-site delays.
Find out how to create a grid plan with GES.
Pricing & charges for electrical services
Exhibitors that order early with GES benefit from a 20% discount because it really helps plan how the events are built. After that electrical items are charged at the standard rate and on-site purchases are subject to surcharge.
Top tip: Ordering the correct electrical supply as early as possible will prevent additional charges when arriving on-site.
Health & safety of electrical items
With the introduction of BS 7671 (17th Edition) in 2012, the UK's electrical regulations changed and insisted that all installations undergo increased testing - domestically as well as in the workplace. To cover the cost of testing electrical items to ensure they are safe, each stand is subject to a testing charge.
You're welcome to use your own lighting if it has been tested to the required standard (BS 7671) or, if the lighting is terminated with a domestic plug, then it must be P.A.T tested. These tests should be carried our prior to arriving on-site by a qualified electrician.
Top tip: It's hard to "love thy neighbour" when they've plugged in more items than their stand supply allows, thus blowing the fuse to your stand and the entire block of stands you're on. This is the main reason for power outages at trade shows since all supplied are now tested, it'll be quickly rectified but it's a real pain for you and your fellow exhibitors. So, if you're not sure what supply you need, just ask!
Feel empowered or not sure what electrical services to order? Contact our team today or read our exhibitor FAQs for more information.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lauren McLean
Lauren is a marketing and events professional focused on helping exhibitors create impactful, results-driven experiences on the show floor. She specialises in developing engagement strategies and branded activations that attract audiences, drive meaningful interactions, and maximise ROI.