IPS is one of the UK’s leading suppliers to the events industry, offering an extensive inventory of staging structures, rigging, lighting, video, audio, and power equipment. They provide both full technical production services and dry-hire trade equipment. As a forward-thinking and sustainability-conscious event supplier, IPS continuously seeks innovative solutions to reduce environmental impact – both at their own facilities and on-site.
A prime example of this commitment is the solar-powered energy infrastructure at their new premises in Milton Keynes. And having successfully used Instagrid ONE for some time, IPS was eager to be among the first to trial LINK MAX . This system combines three compatible Instagrid ONE units with the LINK MAX to deliver 400V, 3-phase power – ideal for heavy-duty applications. Working closely with Andy Barnby, Instagrid UK’s Event Specialist, IPS team members James and Carl identified two key opportunities to test the LINK MAX system:
1. Controlled testing at IPS facility
At the IPS headquarters in Milton Keynes, LINK MAX was put through a controlled trial.
The system was used to power six identical 1000kg chain hoist motors, lifting a total load of 2,500kg.
LINK MAX performed flawlessly, raising the structure to full height without any issues – demonstrating both power and reliability.
2. On-site testing at a live event
The second trial took place at a live event in Towcester, where LINK MAX was deployed as the sole power source to erect a large 12m MPT stage roof.
This self-climbing structure – measuring 12m wide by 10m deep and rising to 6.5m – relies on six 1000kg-capacity Prolyft chain hoist motors to lift both the truss structure and the tarpaulins.
With the LINK MAX system starting at full battery capacity (6.3 kWh), the entire process used just 2% of the available power (across the 3x Instagrid ONE units).
The initial lift took just 90 seconds, followed by fine adjustments for alignment, fixing and safety checks, and the full setup was completed and secured in 45 minutes.
IPS’s owner and key account director James Mason gave his feedback:
“LINK MAX is an impressive solution. A three-phase power supply that can be quickly deployed anywhere has been a bit of a pipedream when building temporary outdoor structures. Many a time whilst waiting for the arrival of onsite power stage builders have joked that ‘all we need now is wireless power’ and this is a dream that has now been realised.
We’ve been really impressed with our Instagrid ONE stock, which have been popular with both our technicians and hire customers for several years now. The continual product innovation of first the LINK enabling increased runtime or output capacity added greatly to the system flexibility, but now adding three-phase capabilities really does change everything.
The LINK MAX system worked flawlessly onsite, and all the build team were impressed with both the performance, as well as the minimal percentage of the battery used by the structure build process. The build quality and durability of all our existing Instagrid products have been excellent, and this innovative power solution look set to be a great success.”
While Managing Director Karl Saunders added
”Whilst we have seen product demos of batteries added into all kinds of products – including chain hoists – another benefit of the LINK MAX system is that it is universally compatible and can be used with all our existing hoists and control hardware.”
The LINK MAX Advantage
Instagrid LINK MAX offers a game-changing solution for event professionals. For companies like IPS, having immediate, self-sufficient access to reliable power is a major operational advantage. It eliminates the need to wait for third party supplied mains connections or run long cables across event sites to temporary power sources – empowering teams to stay on schedule and in control.
Once lifting tasks are complete, the units can be reconfigured and used individually as portable 230V power sources, adding even more flexibility.
IPS’s successful testing of the Instagrid LINK MAX system – both in controlled conditions and on a live site – proves its potential to revolutionize how portable 400 V 3-phase power is used in event production. For those seeking sustainable, mobile, and reliable power solutions, Instagrid LINK MAX is a game changer.
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