How We Set Up Pit Power (Simple, Clean, and Fast)
One of the most common questions we get from event organizers is:
“How do you handle power in the pits?”
We covered the why in our previous post — Planning Your Pit Layout for a Smooth Robot Event — but here’s exactly how we set things up in practice.
The Goal
Our philosophy is simple:
Every pit table should have power available immediately when competitors arrive.
If teams are searching for outlets, running their own extension cords, or setting up power strips, you’re losing valuable time before the event even starts. We want teams focused on getting their robots through safety.
That 5–10 minutes per team adds up quickly — and can delay safety and first matches of the day.
Our Setup
We focus on a system that is:
- Fast to deploy
- Clean and organized
- Safe and consistent across all tables
1. One Main Power Run Per Row
For each row of pit tables, we run a 25 ft, 14-gauge extension cord with 6 evenly spaced outlets down the length of the tables.
This acts as the backbone for that entire row and allows us to:
- Drop power exactly where we need it
- Avoid long, messy cable runs
- Keep everything consistent from table to table
Because the outlets are evenly spaced, it naturally lines up with pairs of tables.
2. Power Split Between Two Tables
At each outlet along that main line, we plug in a compact power strip that serves two to four tables at once.
Each unit provides:
- 4 standard outlets
- USB charging ports
This gives teams everything they need right at their table — no extra adapters required.
3. Pre-Taped and Ready Before Doors Open
One of the biggest advantages of this setup is that we install and tape down all cabling before competitors arrive.
That means:
- No last-minute scrambling for power
- No loose cables across walkways
- A much safer and cleaner environment
Teams walk in, set their stuff down, and plug in immediately.
Why This Works
This approach consistently delivers:
- Faster load-in – No setup friction for competitors
- Cleaner pits – Minimal cable clutter
- Improved safety – Secured cables, fewer trip hazards
- Scalability – Easy to repeat for any event size
Pit Power Setup: Exact Parts List
If you want to replicate this setup, here’s exactly what we use.
Main Power Runs (Per Row)
- 25 ft 14-gauge extension cord with 6 evenly spaced outlets Used as the backbone running down each row of tables Quantity: 1 per table row
Extension Cord to Main Power Runs (Connecting each row)
- 25ft Extension Power Cord Used to bring the power to the main power runs Quantity: 1 per 2 rows + 1 to main outlet
Table Power Splitters (Per 2 Tables)
- Power Strip Box (4 outlets + USB ports) Powers two tables at once and provides built-in USB charging Quantity: 1 per 2-4 tables
Cable Management (Highly Recommended)
- Gaffer tape or floor-safe tape - Used to secure all cables before competitors arrive
- For high traffic areas, we use these Cable Covers
Example Setup (40 Tables)
Here’s what this looks like for a typical event:
- 5 × main extension runs (one per row of 8 tables)
- 16 × splitter units (2-4 tables per splitter)
- Tape for all walkways and cable paths
A Few Quick Tips
- Tape everything down before doors open
- Keep runs along the backs or edges of tables
- Avoid crossing main walkways whenever possible
- Bring 1–2 extra splitters and extension cords as backup