The electricity formula for lighting a set is a basic algebraic equation that will surely prove useful before you light your set. Because studio lights have considerably high wattage, preparing ahead of time will not only help you decide the room’s outlets you’ll need to use, but help save you the embarrassment of the horrific episode of tripping the circuit breaker or blowing a fuse, or even worse, creating a fire!
When you’re busy doing multiple things at once on a set, sometimes it may be easy to forget the importance of checking the lamp-voltages ratios. Electrical requirements vary depending on the location and your lighting equipment. By using this simple mathematical formula, you will save money and even perhaps time! Because it’s an algebraic formula, you can substitute each of the inputs so that the equation may be either a simple multiplication problem or a division one. As long as you have two of the inputs, you’ll be able to solve for the other input.
What is the formula?
W(watts) = V (volts) A (Amps)
Other variations:
V= W/A; A = W/V
Let’s take a look at each of the elements found in the formula above.
Wattage (aka Watts) = is a measurement of the amount of electricity power consumed by the light source; the rate the electrons travel in the wire.
Voltage (aka Volt(s)) = a measurement of the electricity pressure
Ampere (aka Amp(s)) = the actual amount of power that travels in a conductor per one coulomb per second
How do I Know Which Formula to Use?
The first thing to consider before plugging in any figures in this formula is to find out how many amps the facility has. Usually, in the US, the common circuit breaker holds between 15 to 20 amps. (Open the circuit breaker or fuse box; the amp rating should be listed inside, usually on the inside of the door panel.) Also, the standard amount of voltage in the US varies, usually from 120V to about 240V. The voltage usage should be listed inside the circuit breaker or fuse box as well. (If you’re planning to shoot in another country, find out this information beforehand.)
