Labeling Multi-cable

[derekleffew]

Question for Production Electricians:

On a ballroom or arena corporate show, when a run exceeds the length of a single cable, it's standard practice to mark the ends as "ML1: Part 1 of 2" or "R1A: Part 2 of 3" or similar. However, should "Part 1" be the first run from the dimmers or the fixtures?

Vote and discuss.

 

[LXPlot]

It's definitely going to be dimmers. In a complicated show, fixtures could be all over the place. In some types of corporate shows, such as a trade show, the event takes place in a large convention center, even in multiple rooms, meaning the fixtures are dispersed through out the area. However, dimmers will almost always be in one place.

 

[icewolf08]

I would start with part 1 at the dimmers on account of the fact that I would probably be stringing the cable form the dimmers to the fixtures. Though i suppose one could make the argument to run the cable the other direction from the fixtures to the dimmers so that any slack ends up at the dimmers.

 

[mstaylor]

I always start at the light and go to the dimmers so any coil will be hidden. I always mark circuits but I have never numbered sections. Whether it is two pieces or six, I only mark what that cable is doing, not how many is in the chain. Other than keeping track of what has been used of the stock. I don't see the advantage.

 

[natebish]

the only advantage i can see is if you label at every junction, then when you see two cables plugged together you know what they are and how much further they have to go.

 

[mstaylor]

I label the breaks so I know which junction is which buut just not the number in the string. I'm not saying it is wrong, I just never have done it.

 

[gcpsoundlight]

In an install, it's not really necesary, but if you were in a situation where you needed to pull out stuff on a regular basis, then that would be helpful.

Also, I don't like multicore for anything other than running to pipes (Too many experiences of Floor LX with 5x5 way multi's... heavy f***ers!)

 

[SteveB]

Part one should be the first run from the dimmers. In the event the fixture were to re-locate, with cable getting moved or eliminated, you'd still want something labeled and if cable were eliminated, having the remaining as "Part 2" wouldn't then make sense.