Insights into Lighting Safety

 

Safety: Film sets of any size are accidents waiting to happen to those in too much of a hurry and not focused on safety. When dealing with Power know what you are doing or hire someone who does. The information below is for perspective, not a replacement for properly trained personnel

Lighting set up and cabling

Match the amount of lamp(s) wattage with the size of the cable and the available power at the wall source. This not a guessing game you need to understand these basics or risk a fire. A short or over load can turn an entire wall in to flames right now or simmer unseen and turn into a blaze later.

Note 1: The Ratings below are “safe use” not real ratings.

Most house circuits are 15amp (except kitchen 20amps) or 1500wt and 2000wts.  Most business are 20 amps. Keep in mind that there are normally several wall receptacles per circuit – Check the fuse box and trace the circuits if you are using lots of large lights and are unsure. Better yet hire a certified electrician/Gaffer

 

You should be using #12 cable (20 amps) or (3) 500wt lights

Other sizes, but watch wt demand:

         #14 will handle 15 amps or (2) 500 wt lights

          #16 normal lamp cord is good for 10 amps or (1) 500wt

 

Note 2: The best cable is #12 rubberized with stress relief plug and receptacle under 50 ft long.

Note 3: Long run cables will put more electrical stress on the cable and circuit.

Note 4: Always under use the power never push its limits

Note 5: Never use ungrounded cables, use ground lifts only when you have no other choice and use them correctly.

 

            Keep your cables trimmed and neat: Let some cable hang at the wall with the extra (never use lengths that do not give you extra) lightly rolled at the base of the light stand ready to move or teak the lights position. Keep them from forming  tipping hazards, bag or tape strap them at doorways and walk ways. Run the cable under one of the legs of the stand an up the stand using a cable safety tie at the light yoke.

 

Watch the heat: Always work with gloves, Let lights cool on stands, never set hot lights on any surface that will melt, burn or scorch. When working with gels always place them so that air can draft between the gel and the lamp keeping the gel as far (arched away) from the lamp as possible.

 

Wet Conditions: When working outdoors or near wet conditions always, use GFI plugs or connectors. It is the law and common sense. And use lights that are rated for outdoor use, especially if weather it threating.

 

At the wrap: take your time and carefully put things away neatly (use cable ties) they will last longer. Look for frayed cables and cracked plugs and repair or replace any you find.

If you have a question or  tip to share, contact Roger at rschut8293@aol.com (and memo it, insights and tips)