3-Wire – an indication of the number of conductors in a power feed cord, likely includes a ground wire for safety
500 Watts - a unit of measurement of electrical current or the amount of electricity, the base amount of electrical service that most events managers will offer as part of a booth plan
Amp(s) – a unit of measurement of electrical current or the amount of electricity (5 amps are a common base power level assigned to each booth, but read the fine print in your contract)
Volt(s) – the practical unit of electric pressure…most trade show layouts will be 120-volt systems, same as your office or home
Watt(s) – the basic unit of measurement of electricity (general trade show rule is that 100 watts = 1 amp)
Back-light – a source of light that throws light from behind a fixture such as in a tradeshow display graphic light box, header signs are commonly backlit
Cable Troughs – a hard plastic, traffic cross-over device that keep feed cables and water lines orderly and protects them from foot and automotive traffic, commonly called “yellow jackets”
Duplex Outlet – an electrical receptacle with two outlets
Electrical Contractor – the company hired by show management to provide electrical services and equipment to trade show exhibitors
Electrical Order Form – the document issued by show management or the service contractor to communicates the offering of electrical services, with costs, to the individual trade show exhibitors
Extra Power – additional power required to service your exhibit booth demand, expressed in amps, (example: 20-amps are needed to operate most microwaves)
Feed Cable – a heavy insulated electrical conductor used to bring electricity from an electrical feed panel to your booth location
Fiber Optics – the transmission of light through extremely thin fibers of glass, plastic, or other transparent materials often used in tradeshow displays and booth lighting
Flood Light – creates a widespread distribution of light for illuminating a tradeshow exhibit booth wall, graphic sign or large product displays
Floor Order – an order for electrical services for a tradeshow booth placed at show site during exhibit move-in and installation; costs are usually significantly higher than for orders placed in advance
Floor Port – a utility box located in the trade show hall floor that contains electrical, telephone, or plumbing connections for distribution of services to exhibit booth spaces
Fluorescent Lamps – lamps that operate by creating an electric arc inside a gas-filled tube, usually used in trade show graphic light boxes
Generator – a portable electrical supply unit, used to supplement house power or power outdoor events where the electrical supply is unavailable or limited
Halogen Lamp – an intense incandescent lamp with halogen gas fill; used for highlighting trade show graphics or creating environments within the exhibit booth
Hard Wire – when a permanent electrical connection is made to an exhibit booth fixture, like a hot tub, connecting it directly to an electrical source rather than receiving power via a cord and plug
Junction Box – a point of distribution for electrical power to exhibitor booths
Lighted Display Case – an enclosure furnishing with lighting fixtures positioned behind or under a translucent facing material; used to highlight high cost trade items such as jewelry
Low Voltage – electrical currents of 24 volts or less usually used in data transfer, animation and specialty lighting for trade show displays; alarm systems, cable TV and Internet all use low voltage systems
Nameplate – an identification label found on most electrical devices that lists data including: the name of the maker, the model, item number, and expected electrical usage expressed in Amps or Watts
Overload – when the existing electrical infrastructure fails, usually caused by an unsafe device or an unbalance of device demands, too many items plugged into one junction box or feed cable
Power Strip – an electrical cord made up of multiple electrical outlets, a switch and a short cord
Power Cord – an insulated electrical conductor used to bring electricity from a feed outlet to your device
Pre-Show Pricing – A discounted rate offered to incent exhibitors to order power needs in advance, allowing for saving and efficiency for both the show management and exhibitor
Quad Box – a power box with four electrical outlets
Spotlight – a lamp that provides a defined beam of light used to highlight trade show display graphics or items within a trade show exhibit booth
Sub-Panel – a housing with plugs and breakers that permits placement of multiple circuits in one location for electrical distribution within a exhibit floor or booth space
Standard Pricing – orders placed at show site during exhibit move-in, charges are usually significantly higher than for orders placed in advance, and may delay set up for the exhibitor
Tape – a plastic adhesive strip that comes in many colors and variation, used for insulation, fastening, color coding and conductor protection
Track Lights – a combination of electrified track and quick-attaching lighting fixtures used for lighting booth displays and common areas on a show floor
Wire Management – ties, holders, and coverings that managing the placement of electrical wires or computer cables within a trade show exhibit so they are accessible to the exhibitor where needed, but hidden so as not to detract from the exhibit
Zip Cord – a light use inexpensive power cable sold at large retailers, usually only 2 conductors and no ground wire, making it risky for the rigorous conditions on a trade show floor
Zip Tie – a plastic fastener used to secure, and organize cables and many, many other items, sold in many sizes, holding strength capacity, and colors
Compiled by Vitas Normantas and Bob Burdick.
