Working with Electricity

Electricity Demands Respect

Electricity is one of the most useful and potentially dangerous tools on a film set. Every light, camera charger, monitor, battery station, generator, and practical appliance depends on electrical power. Used properly, these tools are safe. Used carelessly, they can cause serious injury, fire, equipment damage, or death.

Electrical accidents are almost always preventable. They occur because someone rushed, ignored a warning sign, overloaded a circuit, or used damaged equipment. Treat every electrical connection as though it has the potential to injure you.

Think Before You Plug In

Before connecting any equipment, ask yourself:

• Is the equipment in good condition?
• Is the cable damaged?
• Is the circuit capable of handling the load?
• Is the equipment dry?
• Am I working near water?
• Does this require a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)?
• Am I creating a trip hazard?

Taking thirty seconds to evaluate these questions can prevent an accident.

Inspect Equipment

Before leaving the Equipment Cage or rental house—and again before powering equipment on location—inspect every electrical cable, connector, extension cord, power strip, charger, lighting fixture, and appliance. Do not use equipment that has:

• Frayed or damaged insulation
• Exposed wiring
• Bent plugs
• Loose connectors
• Burn marks
• Broken housings
• Missing grounding pins

If equipment appears damaged, remove it from service immediately and notify Production Services or the rental house. Never attempt temporary repairs using tape or improvised fixes.

Stay Grounded—But Don’t Become the Ground

Electricity always seeks the easiest path to ground. If your body becomes that path, electricity can pass through you, causing severe injury or death. The risk of electrical shock increases dramatically when:

• Your hands are wet.
• Your shoes or clothing are wet.
• You are standing on damp ground.
• Equipment or cables are wet.
• You touch two energized fixtures simultaneously.
• You are touching electrical equipment while also touching a grounded object.

Keep your hands, feet, equipment, and work area dry whenever electricity is involved.

Know Your Circuits

Every location has electrical limits. Before plugging in multiple lights or appliances, determine which outlets belong to which circuits. If a breaker trips, it is telling you that the circuit has been overloaded. Do not repeatedly reset breakers without first reducing the electrical load or moving equipment to another circuit.

If additional power is required beyond what the location can safely provide, use a properly sized generator approved by Production Services. Students may never connect directly (“tie in”) to a building’s electrical service. Only licensed electricians are permitted to make these connections.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)

Whenever electricity is used outdoors, near water, on damp surfaces, or in wet conditions, GFCI protection should be used. A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter monitors electrical current and immediately shuts off power if it detects current flowing somewhere it shouldn’t—such as through a person’s body.

GFCIs save lives. Whenever there is any possibility of moisture, use one.

Extension Cords and Power Distribution

Extension cords are temporary power distribution, not permanent wiring. Always:

• Fully uncoil extension cords before use.
• Route cables to minimize trip hazards.
• Cover cables crossing walkways using cable ramps, mats, or properly secured gaffer’s tape.
• Protect cables from vehicle traffic and sharp edges.
• Hold the plug—not the cable—when disconnecting equipment.

Never:

• Daisy-chain multiple power strips together.
• Coil extension cords while they are carrying electrical load.
• Use damaged extension cords.
• Run cables through standing water.
• Overload power strips or household outlets.

Working Around Water

Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. If rain begins or conditions become wet, disconnect power before equipment becomes exposed. Keep electrical equipment away from puddles, wet grass, swimming pools, lakes, bathtubs, sinks, and other water sources whenever possible.

When filming bathtub scenes, never position lighting directly over the tub. Whenever possible, place fixtures to the side and secure all lighting equipment with approved safety cables or chains.

Ladders and Electricity

Never use aluminum or other metal ladders while working around energized electrical equipment. Use fiberglass ladders whenever electrical work is involved. Always inspect ladders before use and maintain three points of contact while climbing.

LED Fixtures and Battery-Powered Equipment

Modern productions increasingly rely on LED lighting and rechargeable batteries. Although LEDs generally consume less power than traditional tungsten fixtures, they still require proper electrical practices. Recharge batteries only with approved chargers.

Do not use damaged lithium-ion batteries. Never leave charging batteries unattended for extended periods. If a battery becomes unusually hot, swollen, damaged, or begins emitting smoke or odor, disconnect it immediately, move it to a safe location if it can be done safely, and notify Production Services.

Fire Prevention

Electrical failures can quickly become fires. Never cover power supplies, battery chargers, or dimmers with fabric, clothing, or other materials that prevent ventilation. Keep combustible materials away from lighting fixtures and power supplies. Know the location of the nearest fire extinguisher before powering equipment.

Plugging and Unplugging Equipment

Before connecting equipment:

• Turn the equipment off.
• Inspect the cable and plug.
• Confirm the correct voltage and power source.
• Make sure connectors seat completely.

Always disconnect equipment by pulling on the plug, not the cable. Never force electrical connectors together. If you are uncertain whether equipment uses AC or DC power, stop and ask before connecting it.

If Someone Receives an Electrical Shock

Do not touch the victim until the electrical source has been disconnected. Shut off power immediately if it is safe to do so. If power cannot be disconnected safely, use a dry, non-conductive object such as a wooden broom handle or other insulating material to separate the victim from the electrical source.

Call 911 immediately.

If the victim is no longer in contact with the electrical source and a CPR-certified individual is present, begin CPR or use an AED if appropriate until emergency responders arrive. Every electrical shock should be treated as a medical emergency, even if the person appears uninjured.

Final Thoughts

Electricity is unforgiving. Professional crews never become casual around electrical equipment because they understand that one shortcut can have lifelong consequences. Inspect your equipment. Keep everything dry. Respect electrical limits. Ask questions whenever you are uncertain. Safe electrical practices protect not only you, but everyone working around you.