GENERATORS
WHEN DO I NEED A GENERATOR?
You will need one when electrical power is either not available or inadequate. For example, in remote areas such as deserts, mountains, and forests. Older private dwellings and buildings with minimal electrical service, antiquated wiring, or where the location owner does not want you using their power.
WHAT SIZE GENERATOR DO I NEED?
For most student films a small Honda-type generator (pictured above left) should be adequate. A 45 Amp (5500 Watt) “putt-putt” will generate enough electricity to run several lamps. Keep in mind that the small Honda generators are not baffled – they are very noisy and not at all suitable when recording sound.
To determine exactly how big a generator you need you can use the formula “West Virginia”. That is, W=VxA. Watts = Volts x Amp
Figure that a 1000 Watt lamp at the standard 110 Volts will draw 10 Amps (divide 1000 by 100 to give yourself a 10% safety factor).
Calculate how many lamps you will be using at any one time on your set. Add up the wattage and divide by 100. That will tell you how large a generator you need.
A 350 Amp generator should provide enough power to light 35 1K tungsten lighting instruments. Of course, that would be running at peak, which you don’t want to do very often – or for very long. A student film will generally not need anything larger than a 500-amp generator.
Large feature films will often run two 750 Amp generators to provide enough power to light their sets.
With generators larger than 100 amps, power is distributed by larger cables using banded 2 “ot” or 4 “ot” Camlock connectors.
If you are using HMI or fluorescent lights, there are some other considerations you have to keep in mind. To avoid “flicker” your lamps must be flicker-free – or the generator must have crystal sync to maintain a constant 60HZ (cycles/second) at 24fps.
Lamps larger than 10K will require 3-phase power. LMU’s Grip and Lighting Department does not provide any resources for 3-phase power distribution other than the required cables. You will have to rent 3-phase power distribution boxes from a 3rd party vendor.
Please makes sure you check with the L & G staff at the time of ordering equipment to confirm whether you need a generator.
GFCI
We highly recommend using a Lifeguard GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) with the generator. A GFCI is a device used to monitor the flow of electricity to a piece of equipment. Moisture and dampness are two of the biggest causes of ground faults, and the consequences can be life altering.
If electricity flows from hot to ground through you, the result is a ground fault, and it could be fatal. The GFCI can sense the current flowing through you because not all of the current is flowing from hot to neutral as it expects — some of it is flowing through you to the ground. As soon as the GFCI senses this “leakage” of power, it trips the circuit and cuts off the electricity.
We have some GFCI devices in the Lighting & Grip department. The Studio Operations Administrator will determine if you will need to rent a GFCI from an outside vendor. The cost is about $300 per week. The GFCI rental paperwork must be inspected by the Studio Operations Administrator before your Lighting and Grip order will be released.
| Guardian GFCI 12685 Van Nuys Blvd. Pacoima, CA 91331 818-565-3550, ask for Steve Brock. |
WHERE DO I GET A GENERATOR?
DO NOT get your generators and GFCIs from places like Home Depot and Lowes. You must get them from industry rental facilities. There are slight differences in the generators that can damage the lights.
There are a number of rental companies in the Los Angeles area that rent sound-proofed generators as well as the smaller “putt-putts” (unsilenced generators, which are totally unsuited for sound recording – these smaller units are usually rated in watts rather than amps). Wooden Nickel Lighting and Castex have smaller generators and generally deal well with students.
Check LA411 for generator rental companies.
The following vendors have cooperated with LMU students in the past and the LMU Risk Management Office will issue Certificates of Insurance for:
| Cinerep 20420 Corisco Street Chatsworth, CA 91311-6121 Phone (818) 882-2677 (discounts for students) |
| SMS Generators Inc 15700 Roxford Sylmar, California 91342 Phone (818) 361 2151 Fax (818) 364-7420 |
WHAT DOES IT COST TO RENT A GENERATOR?
Rental rates vary depending on the size of the generator. The average cost for a 3-day weekend is about $200 for a 165-amp generator. That does not include pick up and drop off, if you choose that option.
WHAT ABOUT FUEL?
For purposes of budgeting, figure that a generator running at 100% capacity will burn about 4 gallons of diesel fuel an hour. The tanks on most units are large enough to accommodate a “normal” 10 to 12 -hour day. Consider whether or not you will need re-fueling, who will do it; when will it be done and how much will it cost.
DOES LMU INSURE GENERATORS?
A truck mounted generator – or a trailer mounted, towed generator is considered a vehicle when in motion – and as such, is not covered by LMU. However, once stationary and functioning as a power plant, it would be covered.
Many generator rental companies will provide “drop/pickup” service at an additional charge. As long as your location is within the 30-mile Studio Zone, this charge will be substantially less than purchasing third party vehicle insurance.
If you need the generator at multiple locations, you will have to pay additional charges to have it moved.
HOW DO I OPERATE THE GENERATOR?
Most generators available from motion picture equipment rental houses are fully automated and relatively simple to operate. However, we highly recommend you employ a professional generator operator.
You must have a designated generator operator with direct 2-way communication to the set (i.e. walkie-talkies – NOT a cell phone). This person is not to be considered “on-set” crew. They stay with the generator monitor its operation and shut it down immediately if there is a problem.
Any delivered “tow plant” generator will come with a fire extinguisher. Locate the extinguisher BEFORE turning on the generator and place it within easy reach, outside the genie. DO NOT RUN THE UNIT WITH THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER STILL INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR CONTAINED ELSWHERE ON THE TRAILER. IT MUST BE VISIBLE AND NEARBY.
Using a generator in some locations (like the Angeles National Forest) will require that you hire a Fire Safety Officer (FSO) to be on set. The issuing permit office will let you know if an FSO is needed.