Ever walked into an exhibition and found yourself drawn to a stand? Maybe it was the bright lights, a big screen playing a cool video, or even a coffee machine offering a warm welcome. None of that works without electricity.
When planning your exhibition stand, you don’t want to leave power to chance. Without the right power, your stand could fall flat. No lights, no screens, no tech, it’s a bit like a shop with the lights off. People walk past without even noticing you. That’s why planning your exhibition electrics is just as important as planning your display or printing your flyers.
Did You Know?
Exhibitions are a big deal in the UK. They’re a great way for businesses to meet new people and show off what they do.
And having reliable electricity plays a big role in making that happen. See why?
WHAT ARE EXHIBITION ELECTRICAL SERVICES?
So, what exactly are “exhibition electrical services”? Basically, they are the services that ensure your stand has the power it needs, where it needs it. That includes things like:
- Planning where plug sockets go.
- Making sure there are enough outlets.
- Installing lighting.
- Running safe cabling.
Testing everything before the doors open. It’s like setting up a small temporary event, but in a busy exhibition hall where everyone has different needs.
WHY DO YOU NEED ELECTRICAL SERVICES FOR EXHIBITIONS?
Think of your exhibition like a mini pop-up shop. You’ll likely need:
Lights to highlight your products
- A TV screen to display a demo video.
- Laptops or tablets for presentations.
- A fridge for drinks or giveaways.
- Charging points for your phone or devices.
All of this needs electricity. And since exhibitions have strict rules and safety standards, you’ll need to plan your electrical services ahead of time.
| 💡 Quick Advice: Every small item, like phone chargers or coffee machines, needs to be counted. Better to overplan than be caught short on the day. |
CHOOSING THE RIGHT POWER SUPPLY FOR YOUR EQUIPMENT
Every appliance needs a specific amount of power. Plug in too much without planning, and you risk blown fuses or worse, a stand that doesn’t function on the day. So, before the big day, take a few minutes to walk through what your stand will look like. Will you have spotlights on your products? A TV screen? Laptops or tablets for product demos? Write down every single item that needs power.
Here’s a handy breakdown of what type of socket you’ll need based on your equipment.
| Socket Power | Max Amps | Ideal For |
| 500 watts | 2 amps | Small TVs, laptops, phone chargers, LED lighting. |
| 1000 watts | 4 amps | Medium TVs, upright fridges, halogen spotlights. |
| 2000 watts | 8 amps | Microwaves, commercial coffee machines. |
| 3000 watts | 13 amps | Kettles, ovens, industrial vacuums. |
To calculate the required wattage, multiply the appliance’s amps by 240. For example, if your TV uses 1.6 amps:
1.6 x 240 = 384 watts -> You’ll need a 500-watt socket minimum.
If in doubt, EMS Events can help calculate your exact needs during the book time, saving you money and stress.
HOW DO YOU GET CONNECTED?
Once you know what you need power for, the electricians at the venue will install the sockets you need. Exhibition halls usually have large main power sources. From there, professionals set up smaller power outlets for each stand, kind of like a big extension lead, but done properly.
| 📝 Important Note: In the UK, only qualified electricians are allowed to carry out this kind of work to keep everyone safe. And EMS Events technical team includes certified electricians who are fully trained to handle all event power requirements safely and professionally. |
HOW MUCH LIGHTING DOES YOUR STAND NEED?
Lighting is not just about visibility. It sets the tone, highlights key areas, and draws visitors in. As a rule of thumb, one spotlight per 3 square meters is recommended for shell schemes.
Have a bespoke or space-only stand? EMS Events can design a tailored lighting layout with just the right amount of brightness, drama, and professionalism to suit your brand.
WANT TO BRING YOUR OWN LIGHTS? HERE’S WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Yes, you can use your own lighting as long as it’s safe. However, all lighting with UK domestic plugs must be PAT tested before it can be used at your stand.
EMS Events offers pre-approved, safety-checked lighting hire solutions. So, whether you’re creating a high-end showcase or a simple, functional space, we’ve covered the lighting from uplighters to dramatic spotlighting.
MIGHT THINKING? CAN I USE AN EXTENSION LEAD?
Yes, you can use an extension lead at exhibitions, but only if you follow strict safety guidelines:
- Only one extension per socket.
- Keep total usage under the socket’s wattage.
- Max length: 2 metres.
- No multi-way plug cubes.
| 💡 Tidy Tip: Consider installing a platform floor. It allows cables to run underneath, keeping your stand sleek and professional. EMS Events provides flooring and cable management solutions that make your stand look seamless and professional. |
WHY IS ELECTRICAL TESTING MANDATORY? (SAFETY FIRST)
All appliances must be tested on-site to comply with British safety standards (BS 7671). This ensures everything is safe to operate in a public space. Contractors usually charge a small fee for this service and make sure that:
- Your stand is safe for visitors.
- No faulty devices trip the system.
- You meet British Safety Standard BS 7671.
If your lighting or appliances haven’t been PAT tested beforehand, you could be refused connection. So, it’s best to confirm with them ahead of time.
DON’T LET SOMEONE ELSE TRIP YOUR POWER
You might have everything sorted. But what if your neighbour doesn’t? One of the most common causes of stand power failure is overload from nearby stands.
To protect your display:
- Accurately calculate your power needs.
- Avoid overloading sockets.
- Use approved extension leads only.
Partner with a professional like EMS Events, who coordinates with organisers to ensure safe, stable setups.
YOUR ESSENTIAL ELECTRICAL CHECKLIST
Before showtime, make sure you’ve got these electrical essentials sorted:
- Correct socket sizes for all appliances.
- Sufficient lighting for your space.
- Extension leads (if allowed and safe).
- 24-hour power (if needed).
- PAT-tested equipment.
- Cable management plan (e.g., raised floor).
- Power layout agreed with the venue.
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be, EMS Events takes care of all of this for you.
WHY EMS EVENTS SHOULD BE YOUR FIRST CALL
Need more than just power? EMS Events offers end-to-end exhibition services, including:
- Exhibition electrical planning & installation.
- AV and LED screen hire.
- Lighting, staging, and sound.
- Furniture and modular stand solutions.
- Cable management and power testing.
- On-site support before and during the event.
We’ve worked with some of the UK’s biggest brands, and their reputation for reliability, speed, and professionalism makes us a go-to partner for exhibitions of all sizes.
MAKE YOUR STAND SHINE (THE EASY WAY)
Electricity might not be the flashiest part of your exhibition planning, but without it, nothing works. From coffee machines to LED displays, you need a power setup that’s safe, strong, and smart.
Save yourself the stress. Let EMS Events handle all the technical stuff. So, you can focus on what really matters: your brand and your audience.
We’ll help you power up your next exhibition.
