installing a lighting bar in a school hall

[mellykp1]

Hi everyone I have a question I am installing a lighting a lighting bar in a school to run about 6 lights onto a stage they are not your usual 15a lights they are going to be LED lights pulling a max of about 2000 watts I was wondering if I could spur off a ring main with a switched fuse box to wire up to the lighting bar or do I have to extend the ring main or even have to take it from a DB box but the DB is in another part of the building, any suggestions welcome thanks
Mel

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I suggest that given things like EAWR, local authority performance licencing, public liability issues etc etc, the school gets someone who knows what they are doing.

 

[mellykp1]

Hi thanks for the suggestion my company has got all the relivent documentation licenses and liability to work in schools as its our profession our main area is audio visual such as projectors electric screens and sound systems, the reason I ask the question is that I haven't wired a lighting bar before just usually mains sockets and DB boards thanks
Mel

 

[holmslaw]

..

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Hi thanks for the suggestion my company has got all the relivent documentation licenses and liability to work in schools as its our profession our main area is audio visual such as projectors electric screens and sound systems, the reason I ask the question is that I haven't wired a lighting bar before just usually mains sockets and DB boards thanks
Mel

So you, and your company, think that the fact you don't know how to do something and are having to ask on a DIY forum is perfectly consistent with the legal requirement in EAWR 16.

Interesting.

Are the people who are paying for your services aware of what you're having to do?

 

[OwainDIYer]

they might be LED lights now, but anything might be plugged in later, bought or hired for events.

Do the job once, do it properly, stick in 32A supply and fuse down for the LEDs.

I assume things like SWL and safety chains have been considered.

 

[SUNRAY]

Hi thanks for the suggestion my company has got all the relivent documentation licenses and liability to work in schools as its our profession our main area is audio visual such as projectors electric screens and sound systems, the reason I ask the question is that I haven't wired a lighting bar before just usually mains sockets and DB boards thanks
Mel

So you, and your company, think that the fact you don't know how to do something and are having to ask on a DIY forum is perfectly consistent with the legal requirement in EAWR 16.

Interesting.

Are the people who are paying for your services aware of what you're having to do?

Lovely use of words BAS

 

[SUNRAY]

they might be LED lights now, but anything might be plugged in later, bought or hired for events.

Do the job once, do it properly, stick in 32A supply and fuse down for the LEDs.

I assume things like SWL and safety chains have been considered.

CHAINS?? Not for about 5 years!!

 

[timtheenchanter]

CHAINS?? Not for about 5 years!!

only 5, thought it was closer to double that.

Please consider getting someone with experience in the world of theatrical/performance lighting in to at least give some advice. I don't know what models you are spec'ing, but these LED fixtures can be very good, but on a budget can give very little useful lighting.
Ive worked in too many small halls and schools that have bought some of this "wonderful" LED stuff, only to find out it is near useless at actually lighting anything. not to mention cheaper LEDs give a nasty "white" and are very hard to get people to be lit nicely without looking ill without using some sort of conventional fixture.

 

[bernardgreen]

If the lamp relies on a nut and bolt clamp to keep it on the bar then a safety chain should also be fitted. ( I find it hard to believe they are not compulsory ). Lighting bars are difficult to reach to inspect and therefore confirming that all nut and bolt fixings are still tight and secure may not happen on a regular basis.

 

[Spark123]

What type of LED lighting are you putting up? They have got to be massive if pulling 300w> each!

I use proper safety wires as a secondary fixing making sure they are rated for the capacity of the light.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Hi thanks for the suggestion my company has got all the relivent documentation licenses and liability to work in schools as its our profession our main area is audio visual such as projectors electric screens and sound systems, the reason I ask the question is that I haven't wired a lighting bar before just usually mains sockets and DB boards thanks
Mel

So you, and your company, think that the fact you don't know how to do something and are having to ask on a DIY forum is perfectly consistent with the legal requirement in EAWR 16.

Interesting.

Are the people who are paying for your services aware of what you're having to do?

Lovely use of words BAS

Thankyou.

 

[SUNRAY]

If the lamp relies on a nut and bolt clamp to keep it on the bar then a safety chain should also be fitted. ( I find it hard to believe they are not compulsory ). Lighting bars are difficult to reach to inspect and therefore confirming that all nut and bolt fixings are still tight and secure may not happen on a regular basis.

Yes they are compulsory BUT chains have been outlawed for a number of years in this particlar application. Safety wires are now required which need to be tested and marked with a safety rating [just like all safety and lifting equipment].

 

[JohnD]

I didn't know about the chains being outlawed

is there a regulation I can look at?

 

[OwainDIYer]

According to thsi, safety chains are not outlawed, but must be marked with a SWL.

http://www.blue-room.org.uk/index.php?showtopic=51266&pid=425670&st=0&#entry425670