2000 watt Arri light... on a home circuit?

Heero

Heero

Active member
Hello everyone. I would like everyone's help on this question.

I just recently purchased a 2000k Arri light, but I wanted to know if it'll have trouble running on a regular home outlet? ( As long as everything else is unplugged on that outlet? )

I know about the whole 2000k requires 20amp rule, but the average household is 15 amps.

After doing research and also being told by some electricians, it shouldn't be a problem running a 2000 watt Arri on a regular outlet.

Can someone vouch for this? Thanks!
 
It will run fine on a 20 amp, on a 15 you will just trip the breaker. The average home has several 20 amp circuits in every room. If you are having trouble in a house use the bathroom or kitchen.
 
I've run both my Mole & Desisti 2ks on regular house circuits, but not at the same time! Once in a while it will trip the breaker but overall it works out.... that's a lot of light. The 2k puts out a search light type beam at night... fun for hitting tall tree tops and searching for enemy bombers flying overhead.
 
2000w/120v = 16.67 Amps
Actual outlet voltage can be approximately 115-125v (+/-) so your mileage may vary.
 
I have a Mighty Mole (2k open face) and yes, you can use it on house circuits. Sometimes. Depends on what else is on the circuit, these size lights MUST be the only item of any kind because you are riding the ragged edge of the circuit holding usually.

Enjoy!

Dan
 
you can run up to a 5k on an average house without having to tap into the main line. You have to plug into the oven outlet but the option is always there.
 
KKeller said:
you can run up to a 5k on an average house without having to tap into the main line. You have to plug into the oven outlet but the option is always there.
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I have a couple of 5ks on crankovators I never use except when gennies are available, they're huge!

So are you talking 220 outlets for dryers & ovens?

Could 2, 110 outlets off different circuits combined together work?

What size cable would you use?
 
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Barger Baglite is the way to go if you want 6k in a house with no panel tap and no generator. It just spreads the love over multiple circuits. Love that freakin' light, it is genius.

Dan
 
10s said:
I have a couple of 5ks on crankovators I never use except when gennies are available, they're huge!

So are you talking 220 outlets for dryers & ovens?

Could 2, 110 outlets off different circuits combined together work?

What size cable would you use?
Click to expand...

I think dryers are usually on 30 amp circuits. As far as cabling goes I am not sure, you will be safe with 8 gauge. Wiring 2 different circuits together is extremely dangerous, don't even try it.

puredrifting said:
Barger Baglite is the way to go if you want 6k in a house with no panel tap and no generator. It just spreads the love over multiple circuits. Love that freakin' light, it is genius.

Dan
Click to expand...

Sounds similar to a 9-light.
 
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The 2 circuit idea wasn't wiring together, it's some other use of more than one circuit to gain additional power. I use to play in a rock band years ago and we used 2 circuits for the light system... it worked. I wish I remembered what the set up was. Yes, I would definately have an electrician help me on this one! I'd love to use my 5 ks w/o having to drag around a gennie.
 
Wow! Great advice from everyone! It sounds like the kitchen or the bathroom is the safest bet. Thanks everyone.
 
puredrifting said:
Barger Baglite is the way to go if you want 6k in a house with no panel tap and no generator. It just spreads the love over multiple circuits. Love that freakin' light, it is genius.

Dan
Click to expand...

I'll have to check this out. I've never heard of anything like it.


I have a 2k Mighty Mole, and it blows out some circuits in my house and not others (they're all 20amp). If I leave it plugged in too long (~45 min) it usually blows even the circuits that worked. The rule of thumb that I've heard is that you need a 20amp circuit for a 2k even though it technically only requires about 16-17 amps. Just do the math as if you're using 100 volts.
 
Drew:

The Barger is not cheap but well worth it. A DP friend of mine owns one and I have used it several times. You should try to see or rent one, you will want to own one for sure.

Dan
 
To the OP, use a 1.5k bulb in your Arri unit. Slight loss of footcandles but works great on 15 amp circuits.
 
http://www.filmtools.com/babagt6.html

It sells for about 2k. I wonder if this is a better buy than a Cool Lights 1.2k HMI. I can't really tell if the $1,912 price tag would get everything you need for the light.

Jeff, I can probably get you one if I get enough Christmas money. I'll let you know.
 
Thanks Drew - just PM when you are ready to ship :)

I think that's everything but the bulbs ready to use as a bare fixture. I thik all the parts and stuff at the Barger site are just spares/replacements. Not sure what the beam pattern looks like so it may need a modifier like the softbox shown at filmtools or sometihng. Also not seeing any barndoors available for this. So some flags may be in order too.

As for this or the coollights HMI... I'd prefer the HMI for a few reasons - its Daylight balanced, looks a bit smaller, and only uses 1 circuit. Also will act as a fresnel where I'm not sure how the barger acts when bare. There's of course the chance of ballast problems with an HMI though. In the end probably just depends on what you are doing. Get enough Christmas money and you can buy me both - I'll let you know which one I prefer!
 
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