ABSTRACT
Developing a basic understanding of electricity is essential to the success of any lighting designer. While the actual pulling of cable, wiring, and installation are often delegated to the electrics crews, a designer still needs to have an understanding of basic electrical theory, power distribution, electrical safety, and fundamental electrical calculations. This knowledge is essential for making the specifications that are required to complete a lighting project. More importantly, most lighting designers begin their careers working as stage electricians (the crew members who actually install and operate the lighting for a production) who use much of this material on a regular basis. This holds true whether the application is for a temporary installation such as for a stage or touring production or for a permanent lighting installation like a building, garden, or exhibit.
