Motion Labs L21-30 Twistlock Cable, 8/5 SOW UL, 75ft

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

L21-30 Twistlock Both Ends
120/208V 3-Phase Wye
UL Listed Assembly
Rated 28A
8/5 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 heavier 8/5 SOW cable and is a UL Listed assembly rated 28A. It is 75 ft long (part number 1400-03-49-02-001). 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 the Motion Labs 8/5 SOW 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. The 8/5 SOW version uses heavier conductors than the 10/5 version, so it carries more current and loses less voltage over long runs, and it is a UL Listed assembly.

UL Listed, rated 28A

The 8/5 SOW version is a UL Listed assembly rated 28A, so you know exactly what the complete cable is rated for.

Heavier 8/5 SOW cable

Five 8 AWG conductors, three hots, a neutral and a ground, in a flexible, oil-resistant SOW jacket rated for outdoor use.

Less voltage drop

Heavier 8 AWG conductors keep more voltage at the far end of the run, which matters on a 75 ft cable feeding heavy loads.

L21-30 twistlock both ends

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

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.

Labeled ends

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

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 28A. The L21-30 connectors are rated 30A, but this UL Listed 8/5 SOW assembly is rated 28A. Keep your load within 28A and within the breaker feeding the circuit.
Pick the right length. Use the shortest cable that reaches. Longer runs mean more voltage drop, and the 8/5 SOW conductors help keep 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 8/5 SOW cable specifications

Technical information
Part number	1400-03-49-02-001
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	8/5 SOW
Assembly rating	28A, UL Listed assembly
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 8/5 SOW Twistlock Cable?

It is a three-phase 120/208V power cable with L21-30 twistlock connectors on both ends, built on 8/5 SOW cable. It is a UL Listed assembly rated 28A. This version is 75 ft long, part number 1400-03-49-02-001, with a 6 in clear heat shrink sleeve on each end labeled with the part number and length.

How much load can I run on this cable?

This UL Listed 8/5 SOW assembly is rated 28A. The L21-30 connectors are rated 30A, but the complete cable assembly is rated 28A, so keep your load within 28A and within the breaker feeding the circuit.

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 8/5 SOW mean?

8/5 means 8 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 8/5 SOW UL and 10/5 SOW versions?

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

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 8/5 SOW UL and 10/5 SOW 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.