Safely using HMIs in the rain...

[shadowcaste]

Hi,

I was wondering what sort of safe rigging techniques are out there for using HMIs in the rain.
I assume that covering the head with blackwrap or tar paper is not enough, at least I wouldn't feel safe with just that.
How about protecting the connectors on the feeder cable?
And the ballast? That one really has me concerned....

I have a shoot coming at a location where rain is forcast and I need the HMI's out about 50' from the building we're getting power from.
These are school-rented Arri 1200 and 575 fresnels with magnetic ballasts and one 25' feeder each unit.

 

[Kevin_Zanit]

You typically cover the heads with a material called Celo Flex (http://cinemasupplies.stores.yahoo.net/celoflex48x50.html) by making a hood that is clipped to the yoke of the light. You want the celo to come over the lens of the light and also over the back.

Then, place some heat shield (or light color) tightly to the barn doors to keep rain from splashing into the lens and causing it to explode.

For the connectors (head feeder and power), wrap them in plastic (usually visqueen, but a trash bag will work), and then place them on apple boxes, off the ground.

For the ballast, keep it off the ground on an apple box, and also covered with celo, though it is best to just keep it out of the rain by running more head cable.

You can also use a 6x6 griff to cover the lights (as additional protection), just make sure you angle the frame in way that the water drains away from the lights/ ballast.

Kevin Zanit

 

[Agenda Productions]

Hi,

If you have less equipment then what Kevin has said just try a Brollie with a magic arm. If it's light rain it is most important to keep the rain off the lens because it will crack.

In terms of Ballast's i find placing it under a tree or next to the Stand and just clipping a tarp over the top of it making sure it's shaped in a way for the water to run off and not sit on top. Always put your ballast on a Pancake or Apple box as Kevin said.

Plugs i just wrap in some glad wrap.

Good luck.

Cheers James
Elex/Student DP
Melbourne Australia