llecount
Member
Let me start by explaining what we have currently.
The pictures will show this, but on each side of the stage I've got 4 1500 Watt 240V Quartz Halogen flood lights, as well as T8 fluorescent lights under the air ducts, all run off a contactor.
When working, these lights provide an excellent amount of light to work on the stage. However, one of those quartz halogen fixtures lasts about 3-6 months before they have to be completely replaced.
The problem we have with them is the sockets for the lamp burn up internally and stop making contact. They are rated for the 1500 Watt lamps, so were not over-loading them by any means. My campus electricians are tired of replacing these, and I'm tired of paying for new fixtures only to have them fail a short time later.
The electricians have recommended that I install metal halide fixtures instead as they will use less power and put out the same (if not more) light. However, I'm not sold on these as I don't like the delay that comes with them when turned on.. and sometimes the work lights get turned off only to be turned back on a few seconds later, which results in even longer delays.
My solution that I recommended was this.
Keep the fluorescents, remove all but 1 of the quartz fixtures per side, and replace the rest with metal halides. This way if light is needed quickly, (ie. emergency) the 1 quartz and the fluorescents can provide that until the MH lamps warm up to full brightness.
I originally wanted to replace them with a CFL flood equivalent, but haven't found anything suitable on the market (haven't looked for a while though).
What would you recommend if you were in my shoes? I'm trying to compile ideas so I can do this once and not have to mess with it again.
Thanks!
The pictures will show this, but on each side of the stage I've got 4 1500 Watt 240V Quartz Halogen flood lights, as well as T8 fluorescent lights under the air ducts, all run off a contactor.
When working, these lights provide an excellent amount of light to work on the stage. However, one of those quartz halogen fixtures lasts about 3-6 months before they have to be completely replaced.
The problem we have with them is the sockets for the lamp burn up internally and stop making contact. They are rated for the 1500 Watt lamps, so were not over-loading them by any means. My campus electricians are tired of replacing these, and I'm tired of paying for new fixtures only to have them fail a short time later.
The electricians have recommended that I install metal halide fixtures instead as they will use less power and put out the same (if not more) light. However, I'm not sold on these as I don't like the delay that comes with them when turned on.. and sometimes the work lights get turned off only to be turned back on a few seconds later, which results in even longer delays.
My solution that I recommended was this.
Keep the fluorescents, remove all but 1 of the quartz fixtures per side, and replace the rest with metal halides. This way if light is needed quickly, (ie. emergency) the 1 quartz and the fluorescents can provide that until the MH lamps warm up to full brightness.
I originally wanted to replace them with a CFL flood equivalent, but haven't found anything suitable on the market (haven't looked for a while though).
What would you recommend if you were in my shoes? I'm trying to compile ideas so I can do this once and not have to mess with it again.
Thanks!