Vintage Lighting Ariel and Davis

[ratthepoodle]

I was recently in a high school auditorium (built 1967) and noticed they had these stage pockets that seem to be sealed closed. I read in the wiki that Ariel and Davis was a lighting company in the 40s-60s before becoming electro controls.

My question (wondering) is: What kind of connectors were likely used in this and why would it be sealed off?

 

[JohnD]

Actually it's not Ariel and Davis, the company was owned by a guy named Ariel Davis. If the auditorium were older that 1967 it might have held stage plug sockets, but this seems too new for that.

 

[derekleffew]

...My question (wondering) is: What kind of connectors were likely used in this and why would it be sealed off?

Probably 2pin (ungrounded) pin connector. Possibly TLGO or a non-grounding Twistlock. What is the standard lighting connector in the venue?
I'm guessing the floor pocket s aren't sealed, just caked with years of gunk. I don't see any mechanical fastener that would keep the cover closed.

 

[BillConnerFASTC]

A lot of floor finish - poly or varnish or paint. Run a knife blade around hinged section and gently pry open.

Any odd circuits in the dimmer rack or on the patch panel you've never used?

 

[ratthepoodle]

They use twistlock. Most of their lights are S4s, but also a lot of old 360Qs and scoops. My understanding is that they did update the dimmers around 2003 or so. I wasn't allowed to see the dimmers unfortunately (maintenance staff only...) However, I assume they are disconnected because the venue has 48 dimmers which are all hard wired to the lighting positions.

Bill, I think that you're right with the floor wax. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[Dionysus]

Doesn't look sealed off to me... Looks identical to the ones in the McManus installed in the 70s. They are 20A Twist.
Just get a level and give it some elbow grease.

Ours are a little tight and can be a pain to utilize the circuits on the outer sides especially.

Cheers.