Protech
Active Member
There a number of Rope Locks on the market which automatically "lock" when an unbalanced load is detected. These range from very simple, to quite complex, and they can add considerable cost to a counterweight rigging system. Some have indicators showing the extent of the overbalance, foot pedals for "overriding" them, or require you to overcome the force of the over balance before it can be unlocked, among other features.
We currently do not produce such a product, but I've kicked around the idea and we have a few design concepts. A small number of Theater Consultants really like them, whereas others seemingly do not. Still, we're starting to see them being specified more often these days.
Having never worked in a venue that was equipped with them, I don't have much of an opinion on their utility.
On one hand, I would agree that such a device is adding some additional safety to the operation of a counterweight set. I know of at least one run-away scenario that may help to prevent.
On the other, I can see them being a pain when dealing with heavy soft goods, tall scenery, etc - and there is the fact that if you are not well trained, you shouldn't be operating the rigging system to begin with. Relying on the rope lock to hold an unbalanced load is incorrect, and having such a device may impart a false sense of security.
I can see both sides.
Lastly, while we discourage this practice (and refer to rope locks as LOCKS rather than BRAKES), a lot of venues operate line sets by using the rope lock to slow and stop its travel. Some automatic rope locks will engage the "brake" if this is attempted, bringing the line to a very abrupt stop. I don't know of any accidents caused by this, but doing so would at the very least be noisy and a unnerving with much momentum.
Do you have any experience with these devices, and what are your thoughts?
We currently do not produce such a product, but I've kicked around the idea and we have a few design concepts. A small number of Theater Consultants really like them, whereas others seemingly do not. Still, we're starting to see them being specified more often these days.
Having never worked in a venue that was equipped with them, I don't have much of an opinion on their utility.
On one hand, I would agree that such a device is adding some additional safety to the operation of a counterweight set. I know of at least one run-away scenario that may help to prevent.
On the other, I can see them being a pain when dealing with heavy soft goods, tall scenery, etc - and there is the fact that if you are not well trained, you shouldn't be operating the rigging system to begin with. Relying on the rope lock to hold an unbalanced load is incorrect, and having such a device may impart a false sense of security.
I can see both sides.
Lastly, while we discourage this practice (and refer to rope locks as LOCKS rather than BRAKES), a lot of venues operate line sets by using the rope lock to slow and stop its travel. Some automatic rope locks will engage the "brake" if this is attempted, bringing the line to a very abrupt stop. I don't know of any accidents caused by this, but doing so would at the very least be noisy and a unnerving with much momentum.
Do you have any experience with these devices, and what are your thoughts?