Quick answer
Choose the 24.7 ft cable for most studio setups where the ballast sits near the stand base. Choose the 39.5 ft cable when you need to run the head overhead on a boom, across a room, or through a wall to a separate power location.
Why length matters for Forza lights
Nanlite Forza 720, 720B, 500 II, 500B II, 300 II, and 300B II all use a detachable DC head cable between the light head and its power supply (ballast). The included cable is often short, limiting where you can place the ballast relative to the head. Adding a longer cable gives you more flexibility without moving the heavy ballast.
The two extension options from Nanlite—24.7 ft (7.5 m) and 39.5 ft (12 m)—cover most real-world distances. The shorter one handles typical studio stands; the longer one is for booms, high ceilings, or running cable through doorways.
Trade-off: portability vs reach
A longer cable adds weight and bulk to your kit. The 39.5 ft cable is noticeably heavier to coil and pack than the 24.7 ft version. If you rarely need the extra length, the shorter cable saves space in your bag and is easier to manage on set.
On the other hand, if you frequently rig lights overhead or need to isolate the ballast in another room for noise or heat reasons, the 39.5 ft cable is the only way to do it without daisy-chaining extension cords.
Decision rules: 24.7 ft vs 39.5 ft
- Standard studio stand (6-10 ft height): The 24.7 ft cable is enough. The ballast sits on the floor near the stand base, and the cable runs straight up to the head.
- Boom arm or tall stand (12+ ft): Choose the 39.5 ft cable. The extra length lets you route the cable along the boom and down to a floor-level ballast without tension.
- Ballast in another room or behind a wall: Only the 39.5 ft cable can reach through a doorway or wall pass-through to a separate power location. Measure your actual path before buying. Always measure the full cable path, not just the straight-line distance from head to ballast.
- Travel or compact kit: The 24.7 ft cable coils smaller and weighs less. If you rarely need more than 25 ft, it's the better choice for a mobile bag.
Product facts
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Nanlite Head Cable / DC Connection Cable (24.7ft) for Forza 720, 720B, 500 II, 500B II, 300 II, 300B II: 24.7 ft (7.5 m) DC head cable compatible with Forza 720, 720B, 500 II, 500B II, 300 II, and 300B II. It gives you enough reach for a standard stand or short boom without excess cable to manage.
Nanlite Head Cable / DC Connection Cable (24.7ft) for Forza 720, 720B, 500 II, 500B II, 300 II, 300B II
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Nanlite Head Cable / DC Connection Cable (39.5ft) for Forza 720, 720B, 500 II, 500B II, 300 II, 300B II: 39.5 ft (12 m) DC head cable for the same Forza models, designed for long runs such as rigging overhead or placing the ballast in a separate room. Use it when you need the head far from the power source, like a high ceiling grid or a soundstage with a separate power closet.
Nanlite Head Cable / DC Connection Cable (39.5ft) for Forza 720, 720B, 500 II, 500B II, 300 II, 300B II
Which cable fits your setup?
Best for
- Studio shooters who keep the ballast near the stand and want a manageable cable
- Gaffers rigging lights overhead on booms or high ceilings
Not for
- Run-and-gun operators who need the light head more than 40 ft from the ballast (consider a different power solution)
- Anyone who already owns the 24.7 ft cable and rarely exceeds its reach (stick with what you have)
