Scoreboard power

Power for your new scoreboard

Do scoreboards require 3-phase power?
  1. We will design your scoreboard electrical system to suit what is best for your club (either single or 3 phase).
    1. Scoreboard power draw will vary with the size & spec of your proposed scoreboard.
    2. If your scoreboard is going to be near your electrical source (ie. clubrooms?) then single-phase might be suitable. Both for ease, and for budget. Ideally, your sparky calls Solid direct for a discussion (03 9708 2992).
    3. If the power needs to be run around to the other side of your ground then 3-phase is the best option.
    4. If 3-phase is not an option then a discussion has to take place with the stakeholders.
    5. As "standard" our systems (with Power Distributors) are setup as 3-phase.
      1. If your project is planned as single-phase then please let us know early.
How much power do we need?
  1. Solid will usually include the power requirements with your quotation. Or, you are welcome to call us and ask!
  2. The amperage number that we give you will be for the maximum load possible
    1. This load will be calculated for your video screen, 1. display a FULL white image for the entire screen (every pixel), and 2. at 100% brightness. This is the maximum draw (which we will quote you).
    2. Don't let this large number scare you. In normal "scoreboard mode" your screen should only draw about 30% of this load.
    3. Loads on scoreboards vary up & down (live) as the screen contents & colours change. 
  3. Here's an example
    1. Currently our 8m square systems are rated at 31 amps for single-phase, and 11 amps for 3-phase.
      1. In scoreboard-mode the draw on this will be about 10a for single-phase, and 4a for 3-phase.
        1. FYI - cost wise, it will vary depending on your power provider. Roughly, in this case, $1.20AUD per hour.
        2. Should a customer play a full white advert with a little Toyota logo in the middle then the draw will temporarily jump up to 30a (single) or 10a (3-phase).
For your sparky...
  1. The amperage quoted will refer to what our scoreboard needs AT the final scoreboard site. 
  2. It is your job to:
    1. Advise Solid which scoreboard post/leg you will be aiming at
      1. Our terminology is left or right. If you are standing in the middle of the ground looking at the scoreboard site.
      2. We will then provide access ports on this side, and also locate the isolator & distributor on this side.
    2. Calculate the voltage-drop, and the cable size
    3. Provide the breaker at the source. In most cases we recommend a D-curve breaker to better cope with inrushes on cold mornings (you need to plan ahead as this breaker might not be off-the-shelf locally)
      1. If your scoreboard has a Power Distributor included, this will include RCD protection. So your breaker at the source can just be a circuit breaker.
    4. Complete the full cable run including pits, conduit, trenching/boring, scans, etc.
      1. Solid will usually have underground scans detailing services near the scoreboard.
    5. Carry out the final connection into our isolator at the scoreboard end.
    6. Provide a certificate of electrical safety
  3. If you run the cable BEFORE the scoreboard installation
    1. Ideally you coil up the cable in a pit 1-2 metres away
    2. Allow 5m of cable from the footing base (to pull up through into the isolator)
    3. during the Solid install we will pull the cable through the footings & up the post (ready for your final connection)
        
  4. If Solid installs the scoreboard BEFORE your cable run
    1. Solid will install conduits and leave drawcords accessible.
    2. You will need to connect our conduit (outside of footing) into your pit.
    3. You can then pull the cable through and connect to the isolator when ready
Please call Solid if unsure about any electrical detail - 03 9708 2992