Gaffer & Gear 59 - Balancing Loads on 3 Phase

[@meetthegaffer]

Love it! That 3-phase box looks pretty neat compared to the systems we use. Thank you for putting in the time.

[@gaffergear]

Hi Luke, hope you are well. I had a long chat about the power systems in the US with a gaffer from NC last night. He asked me a question I couldn't answer (different county, different power) and I got asking about how you guys get anything to run off 120v. I now understand how easy we have it here, everything is single phase, even our 3 phase breaks out completely to single. No crossing phases to power lights at all. That box can run up to 34,500 watt. The biggest light it can run is a 5k, and it can run 6 of them. These days it gets used for 6 skypanels and 15 mobile phone chargers. I couldn't help but think, after my conversation last night, that corporate shoots in shopping centres or office blocks must be a nightmare for you guys.

[@meetthegaffer]

Exactly. We are often worrying about blowing circuits unless there is budget and manpower enough to run a genny. We’re crazy, but we have fun pretending this is the best way to do things:)

[@BushXCGL]

Would love a lot more info on this, about using distro boards.

[@flickcine]

Incredibly informative, thanks for the video, Andrew.

[@richardboniface1176]

Thanks Andrew, I haven't worked with direct 3 Phase connection yet but will keep these excellent lessons in mind. None of us want to suffer from the dreaded shrinking cable.

[@diogoatadini]

Very informative, I wish more gaffers had more about the technicalities behind electricity in general!

[@adamreich745]

As always, fantastic info and well communicated. Thank you.

[@jonpav6224]

Severly unbalanced 3 phase loads also put strain on Neutral. I've seen a few burnt out over the years. Switch mode PSU's found in almost everything these days aren't the same as a linear load either. Have also seen very warm 3 phase cables in installs for some kitchens, etc, that apparently meet regulation but are on the limits.

[@carlosmelville]

Great video Andrew, I sincerely hope that they apologized to you when you pointed out their incompetence and that you charged production for a new cable?

[@gaffergear]

It was a big lesson for the producer. 1st: I was meant to be the gaffer, but I got massively undercut. 2nd: The gaffer they booked didn't show up, he sent a junior. 3rd: They didn't have 3 phase so they had to dry hire from me in a panic that morning at additional cost. 4th: then got a bill for a new cable. I call it "Saving money regardless of cost!"

[@carlosmelville]

@@gaffergear As the old saying goes, "pay peanuts!" Doubt if the producer will learn anything from it, all about saving money!!

[@tinderbox218]

Why did you put the last three lamps all on Phase 1? Even though they're three different sizes, according to the rest of your video shouldn't they be still spread across the three phases to reduce the load on Phase 1?

[@gaffergear]

Explaining how to keep track of a single phase, you do the same on all three phases.

[@tinderbox218]

@@gaffergear Ah, thanks