A little dazed by the electrical service form? Keep in mind that electrical service forms are designed for electricians, not exhibitors. If your brain freezes when you begin to look at an electrical form know that you are not alone.

To begin you must keep good records of your electrical needs from show to show. Take a copy of each electrical order form to the show, and write notes on them. Specify what was and was not ordered correctly, along with any other notes on electrical pertaining to labor needs, booth layout and so on.

Contact a local electrician to help you review your notes, your forms, and the layout of your display including all electrical equipment. Your electrician can explain the forms’ electrical language. He will know how to calculate your electrical needs and how to describe those needs in writing on the form. Additionally, your exhibit house should be able to take you through this process. Always ask for ideas on saving money.

Think about using a distribution or junction box for larger installs. The distribution box allows you to combine the electrical supply into a single drop and simplifies the electrical purchase, since you just add up your electrical needs and make one entry on the form. Using a distribution box comes in handy if power is lost somewhere in your exhibit as you will have one place to go to check what has happened, otherwise it is the long wait for the union electrician to arrive mid-show.

When ordering your electricity it is not the time to skimp. When you order 1500 watts, that is what you will get … not 1750! Keep in mind that there will always be the additional laptop computer, cell phone chargers, or the forgotten lead retrieval machine that can take you over the top and leave you completely in the dark!