As a lighting professional manufacturer with over 10 years of project experience illuminating concerts, theaters, and major public events, keeping equipment like moving head lights well-maintained is critical not just for optimal performance but also for safety. I’ve seen the consequences of shoddy upkeep and handling firsthand—banged lenses, fried motherboards, melted cables—you name it!
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain start-to-finish how to properly care for state-of-the-art moving head fixtures. Consider it your handbook for getting the maximum dazzle and dazzle from these awesome investments while avoiding accidents and meltdowns. Let’s get the trick to know LED moving head maintenance!
Outfit a Safe, Controlled Storage Space
Humidity, heat, dust, and debris—the natural enemies of electronics and optics! Before getting fancy with light fixture effects programming, first set up a suitable storage area for idle gear with the following:
Temperature/Humidity Control
Fluctuating conditions encourage component corrosion/expansion. Target 65–75°F and 40–50% RH.
Enclosed Shelving/Racks
Prevent dust buildup during downtime. Configure adequate ventilation between units.
Lockable Doors
Moving head lights run $750+, don’t let wandering hands drop a fixture!
Fire Suppression System
Accidents happen; protect irreplaceable equipment if the worst occurs.
Safety Cabling/Anchors
Seismically secure racks to reinforce against seismic activity/impacts.
This upfront effort eliminates 80%+ of wear-and-tear issues I see out in the field. Protect your investments from uncontrolled environmental factors and unintended mechanical damage above all else.
Establish Thorough Preventative Maintenance Routines
Diligently adhering to PM best practices is equally as vital as storage conditions for longevity and safety…
- Monthly Visual Inspections
- Twice Yearly Function Tests
- Quarterly Cleaning
- Biannual Cable Integrity Checks
For each activity, create itemized safety checklists tailored to your specific fixture models. Log hours of use across lamps, motors, and ballast systems and proactively replace components before expected lifespans expire. Identify minor issues like loose screws or frayed cabling early before causing major mid-show failures.
Safely Handle Fixtures During Transport/Mounting
Road cases with custom foam inserts, lifting straps, and secondary safety cabling—these basic tools allow safe fixture movement and installation. But don’t overlook two critical risks during loading/mounting:
- Unit Balance/Weight Distribution: Handle each fixture at manufacturer-approved grip points only or risk equipment damage or personal injury if dropped. High CG = care when maneuvering units.
- Power Cable Abrasion: Never raise fixtures solely by attached power cables! Support full weight independently when hoisting, rigging, and unpacking. Dragging units cause cable jacket damage.
By consistently following fundamental guidelines for storage, preventative upkeep, safe handling, and conscientious operation developed specifically for equipment like LED moving heads, both stage effects rental houses and event production companies can rely on years of flawlessly executed performances across deployed gear.
Read More on Moving Head Light Maintainance.
