Generic Fixture Rigging

A generic fixture is a lighting fixture that does not have any additional functions. This distinguishes it from an intelligent, or moving light, which has additional functions such as movement and colour.

Generic fixtures are not connected to DMX directly, instead they are powered by a dimmer through 15 A cable with round-pin plugs. The dimmer is connected to DMX and controls the brightness of the fixture by varying the voltage/current of the supply.

Before Rigging

Before rigging the fixture, ensure the fixture and rigging point are prepared.

Check Rigging Point

Check the area you will be rigging the fixture in. Ensure there are no obstructions or hazards that could make rigging difficult or dangerous. If you are rigging the fixture close to other fixtures, be aware that these may be hot if they have been switched on recently. Take extra care when rigging lights near to intelligent fixtures, as these will move when in use so require additional clearance around the fixture.

Prepare Fixture

Ensure the fixture is ready to be rigged. The fixture should be fitted with the appropriate size/type of clamp for the rigging point.

G clamps are the most commonly used within Venue 1, as these allow quick, easy and safe rigging onto all trussing and lighting bars, including the stage rig, octagon, and LX1/2/3 bars. There are a number of different lengths of G-clamps available, and the correct length for the rigging point/desired fixture position should be chosen.

Fixtures to be rigged on the space frame should be fitted with a smaller size of G-clamp, commonly referred to (within Ents) as a space-frame clamp. These smaller clamps should only be used for rigging fixtures to the space frame, and cannot be used to rig fixtures onto trussing or lighting bars.

Whichever type of clamp is used, it should be checked to ensure it is fitted with a bolt to allow it to clamp onto the rigging point and hold the light safely. This should be a wingbolt, which has a large, flattened head allowing it to be easily tightened by hand.

The clamp should be attached to the yoke of the fixture using a bolt. The correct size bolt should be used, which should slide easily through the hole in the clamp and yoke, but should not give any play when tightened. It is desirable to use a wingnut, as this allows easy adjustment of the fixture when rigged. Note that the clamp should be attached as shown in the image, as this allows full rotation of the fixture when rigged. Finally, the clamp bolt should be unscrewed partially, so that it can be easily hooked onto the rigging point when rigging.

Ensure that that clamp is attached to the yoke correctly. Failure of the attachment when the fixture is rigged could result in damage and/or injury.

A safety chain appropriate to the fixture is also required. If the fixture is to be rigged at height, it is useful to attach the safety chain to the yoke for ease of transport.

All rigged fixtures MUST be fitted with an appropriate safety chain. Failure to do so could result in damage and/or injury

Finally, it is easier to fit any gels/gobos/barndoors required to the fixture before it is rigged. Ensure these are secured and will not fall when the fixture is being rigged.

Test Fixture

It is a good idea to flash test the fixture on the ground before rigging. This ensures that the fixture functions correctly, and any maintenance can be performed. It is much easier to change a lamp on the ground than up a ladder!

Avoid Surprises

Make sure that anyone controlling the lights is aware that you're rigging, and they don't shine lights in your face while you're up a ladder. Ensure the UV cannons and strobes are switched off if you're working at height.

Rigging

Working at Height

If working at height ensure you follow the correct procedure.

Raise Fixture

The first step is to raise the fixture to the rigging point. If the fixture is light enough, and the rigging point is close to the ground, the fixture can simply be carried and placed on the bar by hand. If the rigging point is at height, or the fixture is too heavy to carry safely, then a rigging rope should be used. The rope used must be a rigging rope, which is capable of supporting heavy fixtures and will not snap under the load.

The rope should be looped around the bar that the fixture is going to be rigged on, then one end connected to the fixture. The safest and easiest way to do this is to use a figure-8 knot around the yoke of the fixture. This is a strong knot used for climbing and rigging that can be untied quickly and easily once the fixture is secured on the rigging point. Ensure the knot and fixture are secure before lifting, if in doubt, ask a senior member of the crew

The other end of the rope should also be at ground level, and this should be used to raise the fixture to the rigging point. The fixture MUST be lifted by someone on the ground, NEVER by a person at height.

Attach Fixture

Once the fixture is raised to the rigging point, it should be attached. If a G-clamp or space frame clamp is used, this can simply be hooked over the bar. Do not untie the rope yet!

Secure Fixture

The fixture is secured to the rigging point by tightening the bolt of the clamp. This should be done by hand, as over-tightening can compromise the strength of the bar. The bolt should be tight enough that the fixture is held securely in position.

The safety chain should then be attached. The chain should loop around the bar and be secured to the fixture. While some fixtures have dedicated points for connecting the safety chain, for most it can be looped through the yoke of the fixture. The safety chain should NOT be connected to the clamp.

ALL fixtures MUST have a correctly rigged safety chain. A falling fixture can lead to damage and serious injury!

Ensure both the clamp and safety chain are fully secure before detaching the rope. If in doubt, check with a senior member of the crew before removing the rope.

Once the clamp and safety chain have been removed, the rope can then be detached from the fixture. The rope can be dropped back to the floor or used to rig more fixtures.

Power Fixture

The fixture can then be connected to the power supply.

Ensure that the socket you are connecting to is not switched on/powered/live. This can lead to electrocution or damage to the fixture!

Once the fixture is connected, it can be re-tested to ensure it functions correctly.

Focus Fixture

Once the fixture is rigged and connected, it can be focussed (pointed in the right direction).

SAFETY GUIDELINES

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