Test your lighting knowledge!

Last week while cleaning my neighbors basement, we came across some old video lighting he had. After testing some of it, most of the lights still work. The only problem is, I have no idea what any of the different lights are called. So here's where your knowledge comes in. I am just curious as to what the actual names are for each different piece of equipment.

1.

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We also came across a set of lights called "Stik Ups"

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Interesting. I don't know any of them but they look pretty old.

ni$mo350 wrote in post #11961090
Interesting. I don't know any of them but they look pretty old.

Haha yes, yes they are. I believe he said #8 came off the Sesame Street set from back in the 80's

7. 220 volt outlet
http://rentafridge.com​/gfx/220vOutlet.jpg

thalo wrote in post #11961828
7. 220 volt outlet
http://rentafridge.com​/gfx/220vOutlet.jpg

NO - Absolutely DO NOT plug this into a 220/240v outlet !!!
I wish people would be absolutely certain when they offer up advice here.
What is shown in image #7 is simply a twist-lock male connector. They are VERY, VERY common. Typically, they are used on electrical cords that get tugged often, and the twist-lock arrangement of the blades simply prevents the cords from inadvertantly unplugging. They are quite common on commercial grade power tools and industrial equipment.

You can purchase a standard adapter like this one HERE if you wish to use a standard 120v outlet or extension cord. But whatever you do, DO NOT plug that into a 220/2v0 v outlet!! If you force the blades into a 220/240v outlet, that light will burv REALLY, REALLY bright, and will burn out very fast. It may also cause a fire.

The thing in number 1 looks like a tota light to me which is like a video journalist quick pack ez-go light (like strobist for video)

To me the others look like theater lights. The electrical connections are both standard fare. My fiance has a degree in theater tech and i've spent enough time around her to know those things for sure.

As to what the individual components are called... i'll see if i can get her to post.

Fiance says they look like video lights and theater type lights being used for video or film.

Also that they're older style. Some more than others. That one light with the cast yoke seems very old to her.

Re 6,7:

The twist lock is common in theater lighting as well as the other applications Craig in LA mentioned. The other connection is called a 'stage pin' connection which is a fairly specialized theater only type thing. (but common in that world)

She agrees not to plug the twist lock into 220.

(she's an apprentice electrician as well)

Here's a link to a tota:
http://www.amazon.com …Tota-brella/dp/B0009BZ190
It's the sort of thing you bring along if you're going to do a video interview in someone's house... like for the 6oclock news. I saw them used on an internship. The things got wicked hot in use. Tota ligts it seemed to me were VERY common... like the vivitar 285 of the working video journalist's world. Just shove a couple into your bag with your betacam and you're good to go.

3,4, and 8 are called Fresnel's (pronounced Fra nell) in theater lingo. Pretty common fare in theater lighting. (no reason why they wouldn't work for video after all... light is light )

thalo wrote in post #11961828
7. 220 volt outlet
http://rentafridge.com​/gfx/220vOutlet.jpg

BUZZ!!! Sorry, that's incorrect, but thanks for playing "My Bad Advice is Gonna Get Somebody Killed". Tell him what he's won Johnny!

Craig in LA wrote in post #11961979
NO - Absolutely DO NOT plug this into a 220/240v outlet !!!
I wish people would be absolutely certain when they offer up advice here.
What is shown in image #7 is simply a twist-lock male connector. They are VERY, VERY common. Typically, they are used on electrical cords that get tugged often, and the twist-lock arrangement of the blades simply prevents the cords from inadvertantly unplugging. They are quite common on commercial grade power tools and industrial equipment.

You can purchase a standard adapter like this one HERE if you wish to use a standard 120v outlet or extension cord. But whatever you do, DO NOT plug that into a 220/2v0 v outlet!! If you force the blades into a 220/240v outlet, that light will burv REALLY, REALLY bright, and will burn out very fast. It may also cause a fire.

While the plug pictured will not fit the outlet linked, this is not restricted to standard 120V. They make twist-locks for a lot of different voltages, and I've personally used them for the over 24 years I worked in machine maintenance on 220V equipment. They are also quite common in simple equipment like floor buffers and such.

And, bad advice aside, any moron who tries to shove a twist-lock plug into a spade outlet should get what they deserve.

But what we're all missing here... the BIIIIIGG question... what was your neighbor videoing in his basement? (Some of that stuff looks like it was set up.)

the socket is twist lock. if it's in the USA most likely 100-120 V. There are two types new type and old type. plus different amps sizing too.
EDIT: not named new type and old type. the place i work for just calls them that

111t wrote in post #11962172
But what we're all missing here... the BIIIIIGG question... what was your neighbor videoing in his basement? (Some of that stuff looks like it was set up.)

Haha, he hasn't used this stuff in years, but he knows I'm going to school for photography. He used to do set lighting for PBS, NBC and CBS. This was different lighting he had acquired over the years that has just been collecting dust, and he said he'd rather let me have it then to try and figure out e-bay, so I was going to do some research, see what I can and cant use and try to unload whatever i'm not gonna need

That's not a drier plug, it's a twist-lock. Dryer plugs are spade-type, and are not interchangeable. You couldn't even fit that plug into the typical dryer plug receptacle.

Dryer Plug Receptacles

4th one from left on top row and all but the first from left on bottom row are not typical dryer and welder receptacles. They are twist-locks and are not used for dryers.


Dryer Plugs

Twist-locks are designed for safety in applications where the plug might wiggle loose due to vibration, or may be pulled loose accidentally. A completely different type of plug than the standard used for dryers. If your home has a twist-lock receptacle then your home is wrong. While you can find twist-locks rated for 220V, they are not the standard for homes and your home is probably violating home electrical codes.

Might be easier to cut the end off and just put a replacement 3 prong on from Home Depot