Motion Labs L21-30 Twistlock Cable, 10/5 SOW, 75ft

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

L21-30 Twistlock Both Ends
120/208V 3-Phase Wye
30A Connectors
10/5 SOW Cable
Extra Hard Usage
Labeled Heat Shrink Ends
75 ft

In short: The Motion Labs L21-30 Twistlock Cable carries 120/208V three-phase power on a multi-conductor SOW cable with L21-30 twistlock connectors on both ends. This version uses 10/5 SOW cable and is 75 ft long (part number 1400-03-16-02-002). Motion Labs rates its power distribution cables for Extra Hard Usage, and each end has a 6 in clear heat shrink sleeve with the part number and length labeled.

Why Motion Labs

Why choose a Motion Labs L21-30 cable?

L21-30 is a common way to move three-phase power to distro, hoist controllers and stringer boxes. Motion Labs sizes each cable so the correct voltage reaches the equipment at the end of the run, and offers two conductor sizes in eight lengths so you can match the cable to the load and the run.

L21-30 twistlock both ends

Locking L21-30 connectors on both ends for 120/208V three-phase wye power, 4-pole 5-wire grounding.

10/5 SOW cable

Five 10 AWG conductors, three hots, a neutral and a ground, in a flexible, oil-resistant SOW jacket rated for outdoor use.

Extra Hard Usage

Motion Labs rates all its power distribution cables for Extra Hard Usage, built for the abuse of load-ins, trucks and sets.

Sized for the run

Motion Labs sizes its cables so the correct voltage reaches the equipment at the end of the run.

Labeled ends

Each end has a 6 in clear heat shrink sleeve, and the cable is labeled with its part number and length.

Eight lengths, two sizes

Available from 10 ft to 200 ft in both 10/5 SOW and UL Listed 8/5 SOW constructions.

On set & on show

Where is an L21-30 twistlock cable used?

Production electricians and crews use L21-30 cable to distribute three-phase power to:

Stringer and breakout boxes such as the Motion Labs L21-30 breakered stringer box
Chain hoist controllers with L21-30 power inputs
Distro boxes and dimmer packs fed from three-phase 120/208V service
Film and TV sets, running power from distro to a lighting position
Concert, touring and live events needing fast, locking three-phase connections
Venue and studio power drops from L21-30 receptacles

Using it well

How do you choose and use an L21-30 cable?

Size the load to the cable. The L21-30 connectors are rated 30A, but the cable sets the assembly's limit. Motion Labs rates the UL Listed 8/5 SOW version at 28A, and 10 AWG cable carries less. Check the 10/5 cable's ampacity with your electrician against your load and local code.
Pick the right length. Use the shortest cable that reaches. Longer runs mean more voltage drop, so for long runs or heavy loads, the 8/5 SOW version keeps more voltage at the far end.
Check the connectors. Make sure the source and equipment both use L21-30. L21-30 will not mate with L14-30, L21-20 or L22-30 devices.
Lock and route it. Twist each connector fully to lock, keep the cable out of walkways and protect it with cable ramps where crews or carts cross.
Inspect before each job. Check the jacket, connectors and strain relief for damage, and take any damaged cable out of service.

Three-phase power distribution should be set up by a qualified electrician following local code and venue rules.

Full specifications

Motion Labs L21-30 cable specifications

Technical information
Part number	1400-03-16-02-002
Manufacturer	Motion Labs
Connectors	L21-30 twistlock on both ends
Configuration	120/208V, 3-phase wye, 4-pole 5-wire grounding
Connector rating	30A
Cable	10/5 SOW
Usage rating	Extra Hard Usage (Motion Labs rating)
Ends	6 in clear heat shrink sleeve on each end, labeled with part number and length
Length	75 ft

Lengths & versions

What lengths and cable sizes are available?

Motion Labs makes the L21-30 Twistlock Cable in two constructions and eight lengths. The 8/5 SOW version is a UL Listed assembly rated 28A.

Motion Labs L21-30 Twistlock Cable part numbers
Length	10/5 SOW	8/5 SOW UL
10 ft	1400-03-16-07-002	1400-03-49-07-001
25 ft	1400-03-16-04-002	1400-03-49-04-001
50 ft	1400-03-16-03-002	1400-03-49-03-001
75 ft	1400-03-16-02-002	1400-03-49-02-001
100 ft	1400-03-16-01-002	1400-03-49-01-001
125 ft	1400-03-16-08-002	1400-03-49-08-001
150 ft	1400-03-16-09-002	1400-03-49-09-001
200 ft	1400-03-16-10-002	1400-03-49-10-001

Questions

Motion Labs L21-30 cable frequently asked questions

What is the Motion Labs L21-30 Twistlock Cable?

It is a three-phase 120/208V power cable with L21-30 twistlock connectors on both ends. This version uses 10/5 SOW cable, is 75 ft long and has part number 1400-03-16-02-002. Each end has a 6 in clear heat shrink sleeve labeled with the part number and length.

What is an L21-30 connector?

L21-30 is a NEMA locking configuration for 30A, 120/208V three-phase wye power with 4 poles and 5 wires: three hots, a neutral and a ground. It will not mate with L14-30, L21-20 or L22-30 devices.

What does 10/5 SOW mean?

10/5 means 10 AWG conductors with 5 conductors in the cable. SOW is a portable cord type for extra hard usage with an oil-resistant jacket rated for outdoor use.

What is the difference between the 10/5 SOW and 8/5 SOW UL versions?

The 8/5 SOW version uses heavier 8 AWG conductors and is a UL Listed assembly rated 28A. Heavier conductors also mean less voltage drop on long runs. The 10/5 SOW version is lighter and suits shorter runs and lighter loads.

How much load can I run on this cable?

The L21-30 connectors are rated 30A, but the cable sets the assembly's limit. Motion Labs rates the UL Listed 8/5 SOW version at 28A, and 10 AWG cable carries less. Check the 10/5 cable's ampacity with your electrician against your load and local code.

What lengths are available?

Motion Labs makes the L21-30 Twistlock Cable in 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150 and 200 ft lengths, in both 10/5 SOW and 8/5 SOW UL constructions.

What does Extra Hard Usage mean?

Extra Hard Usage is the heaviest-duty class of portable cord. Motion Labs rates all its power distribution cables for Extra Hard Usage, for the wear of load-ins, trucks and sets.

Power distro advice from people who actually run cable

Barn Door Lighting Outfitters has supplied film lighting, grip and power distribution since 1995. We're still a small, family-owned shop in Beaufort, South Carolina. Not sure whether you need 10/5 or 8/5, or which length fits your run? Call 888-276-3667 or email info@barndoorlighting.com and a real person will help you spec it.