Dimmer Switch Controls for Stage Lighting

How to Calculate Lighting Loads for Sizing Dimmer Controls – The actual electrical load that is required for each circuit of lighting will need to be determined in order to establish the type and size of dimmer control that would be best for the stage lighting.

Stage Lighting and Dimmer Control Options

[ad#block] Our church sound booth has seventeen light switches that each control approximately 6-8 can lights.

• We would like to install dimmer switches in order to make transitioning to stage lighting at the beginning of services smoother.
• Can we use a dimmer from the hardware store or do we need a commercial dimmer?
• If so, about how much do those run?
• Is there any way to link the dimmers together so they go down and up at the same time but also still maintain the ability to control them individually?

Thanks for any help you can give me.

This electrical wiring question came from: Kristi, a Homeowner from Ottawa, Kansas.
See more about Home Wiring for Kansas

Additional Comments: So helpful!

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Kristi.

How to Calculate Lighting Loads for Sizing Dimmer Controls

• The actual electrical load that is required for each circuit of lighting will need to be determined in order to establish the type and size of dimmer control that would be best for the stage lighting.
• There is quite a variety of control options that can be interfaced with the sound board controls.
• I would recommend looking into the option of installing a system that enables you to remotely control the lighting from the sound board and have the required dimmer packs installed near the electrical source or circuit panel location.

The Following will assist you with your Stage Lighting and Dimmer Controls

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3 Way Dimmer Switch Wiring Diagram
Fully explained 3 way dimmer switch wiring diagram will take the mystery out of wiring a 3-way dimmer switch.

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Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

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Electrical Tips

To Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect, Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter A wire stripping tool used to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.

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