A question of power...

i would suggest splitting them into 2 groups and try to get 2 outlets for power that way you would have less problems with power

well thats my 2 cents

Check out my 'power' posts in an old topic "Lotus" from Sept 25, 2002. (Use search at the top of the page and search using my member number.)
If you are a working LJ you need to educate yourself about power distribution. Get some books or do some web searches and read up. Pro LJs know what their system power requirement is (and should know what the audio power requirements are so they can work with the sound guys should there be limited power.) It's not a bad idea to have a back-up lighting plan if there is limited power available. Note: if you use the same circuit as the sound you will likely cause some hum/buzz in the sound system.

Thanks! I remember that post, but had not been able to locate it. I certainly don't plug into the sound circuit. I have also searched around the internet, however I have not come up with a whole lot that relates to what I am doing. I have had problems in about 2 cases out of 50 or so. What do you think about the 12 outlet surge protector/suppressor idea to hook everything up to since usually there is only a single separate circuit to power lights outside of sound.

You are definitely pushing it on one circuit.
Most of your lights and such should have amp ratings either on the
label or in the manual. One circuit can genarlly provide 15-20amps.
Just the fogger alone is going to use 6 amps.
Power is one thing that sometimes takes some doing, but I've
to find a location where I couldn't find 3 circuits to use.
Of course, I carry a couple of 50' heavy duty Romex extension cords
and a 25' one. (The long cords need to be thick to carry a lot
of power.)

As far as the surge protector, do you have one rated for
20 amps or better? Do you need surge protection, or just power distribution?
I run my computers and other electronics through surge protectors
but not my lights.

Ray

Basically I was just looking for power distribution. Something to be on the floor next to the dimmer packs...
The protector I was considering is rated at 15 amps.

I agree with Raymor. and the larger romex cords are great too (I use 10 gauge). I would definetly get surge protection that is rated at 20 amp. I've had several 15 amp ones get flaky when I got near the load limit. I also agree that there isn't much need to run lights/dimmers through surge protection - just the "micro-electronic" stuff like controllers/computers.
I usually have my distribution already set up in the back of my road cases. I just have a single "pig-tail" 12g power cords that comes out when I open up the back. Plug it up and I'm ready to go!! I typically don't have more than three road cases so I use a heavy duty three way tap and then run my heavy gauge ext cord to a (hopefully!) 20 amp outlet.