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Katy Perry

Powering the Spotlight: SES Transformers Save the Katy Perry Tour

When time was tight and the voltage was wrong, SES delivered—fast.

Two 3-phase 170kVA step-up auto transformers delivered in just 3 days

Enabled safe 480V power for critical stage rigging on Katy Perry’s Australian tour

Rescued a high-profile live show from potential technical failure

The Customer

Event Power Solutions: Specialists in High-Profile Touring & Live Events

Event Power Solutions provides turnkey power infrastructure for major entertainment, sporting, and corporate events across Australia. From local festivals to international arena tours, they ensure every system—from lighting and sound to stage automation—runs smoothly and safely.

When global pop icon Katy Perry arrived in Australia for her arena tour, Event Power Solutions were tasked with powering a complex stage setup—including a flying harness system imported from the U.S. But just days before opening night, they discovered the equipment required 480V 3-phase power—a voltage not available at the venue.

That’s when they called SES.

The Challenge

Three Days. One Tour. No Room for Error.

With Katy Perry and her team already en route, Event Power Solutions discovered that the aerial performance rig—responsible for lifting her above the crowd during key moments—required 480V, not the standard 415V available on site.

There were only three days to design, build, test, and deliver a safe, compliant, high-capacity transformer. Any delay could jeopardise the first show and risk millions in production costs, ticket refunds, and reputation damage.

The Solution

SES Engineers Emergency Transformer Build for Touring Rig System

Southern Electronic Services immediately prioritised production, designing and manufacturing two SD480-170kVA-AUTO step-up auto transformers in record time.

Transformer Specs:

Type: 3-phase step-up auto transformer
Input: 415V @ 237A
Output: 480V @ 204A
Power Rating: 170kVA
Enclosure: IP23 powder-coated steel housing with gland plates
Standards: AS/NZS 60076 & AS/NZS 61558
Build Time: Under 72 hours

From copper winding to final test, SES fast-tracked every step to ensure the show went on.

The Outcome

Stage-Ready Power. Zero Delay. Happy Crowd.

Thanks to SES, the transformers were delivered and installed on time. The 480V harness system powered up safely, and Katy Perry’s performances—including the iconic aerial stunts—went ahead without issue.

No show delays or technical faults
Stage equipment operated exactly as designed
SES reinforced its reputation as Australia’s go-to transformer partner in critical live event scenarios
Ongoing trust from Event Power for high-pressure projects

Client Success

Brendan Girt

Deacam Operations Mgr

Nothing short of exceptional Deacam P/L were engaged to perform various project works associated with the Bayswater Level Crossing Removal (LCRP). Quick turnaround from suppliers were paramount to achieving project deadlines. After approaching multiple transformer manufacturing companies, S.E.S ( Southern Electronic Services) were the only company who were able to guarantee the manufacturing lead time required. A 60 kva transformer ordered 25/11/16 and delivered 2/12/16 was nothing short of exceptional considering we were receiving indicative lead times from other manufacturers of up to 30 days. We will be happy to engage SES again.

Charles Huberts

Purchasing Manager

Responsive and accommodating Southern Electronic Services have been supplying GBC Scientific Equipment with the majority of our Transformer and associated products for use in our range of Analytical Instruments since 1987. The Products supplied by Southern Electronic Services are an integral part of our Scientific Instruments, which enable our Customers to analyse elements in solution, up to parts per billion. We have found Southern Electronic Services to be very responsive and accommodating in times of increasing demand, always doing their utmost to get their products to GBC Scientific in a timely manner, supplying the correct product, at the right time and place with a minimum of hassle.

Delia Jones

Director

Rapid Response Dewar Electronics have been dealing with Southern Electronic Services P/L for over 30 years. Scott and his team have always provided us with quality products and prompt service. We are extremely satisfied with their service, especially when we need product in a hurry. They do whatever it takes to help us out. We highly recommend their services to anyone.

Duncan Massie

Director

Nothing too big or small Monex GeoScope has been using SES for over a decade now. We are a small manufacturing company making specialist acquisition system for which we need precision components. SES provide our transformers, inductors. We have limited runs and our products must be extremely repeatable and that is exactly what we receive from SES. SES have also provided invaluable advice and insight into designing induction coils with unique properties again with limited quantities. Given our size we have never felt that we are not important to SES; they provide a competitive quote and timeframe and adhere to it. We have and continue to find dealing with SES extremely pleasing

Scott Callander

Production Manager

Highest quality products Southern Electronic has been the main supplier for our transformer coils for over 10 years. Our transformers come with a four-year warranty period; we are able to offer this due to the quality workmanship of Southern Electronic. Their staff have always been there to help us with any technical enquiries, and their service has always been great. I would recommend Southern Electronic to anyone looking for transformers/winding service.

Stewart Johnston

Managing Director

Reliable products for over 30 years I would like to express our company’s pleasure in our dealings with Southern Electronic Services, which has extended now to nearly 30 years. We have always been dealt with in a professional and efficient manner, be that from yourself or your staff. Your products have been reliable and to my knowledge, I’m not aware of even one failure. So, thank you from PIC Australia and we will keep on using and recommending Southern Electronic Services.