Basic understanding for beginner Electric

M

musehead

Member
Hello,

I am interested in learning to become an electric. May I get advice on what is the most basic information that may be expected from me to know stepping into the role of a 3rd electric on set?
Interestingly enough, I have always stayed away from electrical power as that was something that always scared me but now I wish to go into learning about this field.
I have just recently ordered the Set Lighting Technician book ( waiting in the mail) but in the meantime, can someone suggest me some kind of "breakdown" of some of the major parts that I can get start researching/reading on upon?


Such as: 3-phase power, Generator distribution...


Advice will be highly appreciated.

Thank you
 
Here:
http://www.mole.com/pdf/power/power_distro.pdf

Memorize what those things are. I don't think they're covered in great detail in the box book. Don't worry about pages 5, 6, 8, and 16, we don't really use that stuff.

Learn how to coil cable! Not just your normal extension cord, but heavier types (can you name some from that PDF???).
 
Do you live near a community college? If yes, enroll in a basic electrician program. A lot of those programs are certificate programs and do not take a lot of core classes and take less time than an associates degree program. If you can not actually attend the classes, see if you can get a copy of the curriculum requirements and study them on your own. There should be sources for on-line courses also.
 
Location is VERY important because in Europe, for example - we have very similar products, but the terminology, control, connectors and power supplies are very different. I'm up to speed here, but would fail miserably in the US because everything is so different.

Actually, the people who look after electrics in TV and Movies are often the most detached from the production process. Their aim in life is to provide power - what people do with it it often of no interest to them whatsoever, hence why many are 'proper' electricians who are experienced in higher current gear than a domestic sparks.
 
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