Looking for Information About Electrecity...

Jordan Scott Price

Jordan Scott Price

Veteran
...as it pertains to lighting.

I am gaffing a feature right now, and we are halfway wrapped. Since it is micro-budget ($10,000), I am also set electrician. I have a decent electrical background, but I am looking to learn more.

I have noticed of late that it would behoove me and the crew to know how to fix specific lights or electrical equipment, should something go wrong. But in general I would like to know more about the science behind various lights and electricity. On set currently, we are using a wide range of incandescent lights, Kino Flo's, and an HMI.

What would you recommend a set electrician and/or gaffer know and be able to do on a set? Do you have any favorite resources or links? The post is pre-Google search, but I prefer to start fishing here for obvious reasons.

FYI, we are shooting in houses, a few establishments, and one office building. No gennies.
 
I'm not very knowledgeable in this area either, but I would say have a basic understanding of the limits: how much one house outlet can handle, how much one fuse can handle in a house, etc. Know the power draw of the lights. Basically, know how not to trip a breaker.
 
Joe Calabrese said:
I'm not very knowledgeable in this area either, but I would say have a basic understanding of the limits: how much one house outlet can handle, how much one fuse can handle in a house, etc. Know the power draw of the lights. Basically, know how not to trip a breaker.
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That I definitely do know :D

We are doing a lot of night for day in the houses, so we're utilizing two 2K Mighty Moles, one 1K, two 4-bank Kino Flos, a 1200W (power draw) HMI, and various tweenies/peppers. Had I not done due diligence, we'd have tripped a breaker every setup.

I am just trying to expand on my knowledge to be better at my job. Thank you for taking the time to reply!
 
There's a great book called the Set Lighting Technician's Handbook Fourth Edition by Harry C. Box. It's the bible for motion picture electrics.
 
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