Electricity 101

[Jamie Metzger]

Hey Guys,

I have a big interest in learning more about electricity; 3-Phase, 1-Phase, meters, volts....etc.

 

I have an ok knowledge, but I need to get better. I would love to find some books or online resources that take me from knowing nothing, to giving me confidence to wiring/soldering and creating my own small lighting units.

 

I've tried to look online, but I haven't had any luck.

 

I hope I was clear.

 

thanks again,

Jamie

[Andrew Koch]

The best book I have ever come across for this stuff is Set Lighting Technician's Handbook by Harry C. Box. It is the set electrician's bible. Not a lot on do it yourself homemade lighting, but the fundamentals are all there. You will just need practice and find some other electricians to help teach you along the way.

[Satsuki Murashige]

Hey Jaime,

 

A set electrician recommended this book to me as a good starting point: http://www.amazon.com/Basic-Electricity-Re...8698&sr=8-1

 

I've read and own the "Set Lighting Technician's Handbook" as well, but a lot of it went right over my head. I guess that's why I ended up in camera dept... :rolleyes:

[Jonathan Bowerbank]

I've read and own the "Set Lighting Technician's Handbook" as well, but a lot of it went right over my head. I guess that's why I ended up in camera dept... :rolleyes:

 

Yeah, great book, but it tends to generalize quite a bit and doesn't get too specific on stuff like this.

 

City College has free non-credit courses in electrical practices in construction, and some welding courses. I've considered taking them, mostly because electricity freaks me out sometimes, and I wanna get over that.

Edited October 10, 2008 by Jonathan Bowerbank

[Jamie Metzger]

Hey Jaime,

 

A set electrician recommended this book to me as a good starting point: http://www.amazon.com/Basic-Electricity-Re...8698&sr=8-1

 

I've read and own the "Set Lighting Technician's Handbook" as well, but a lot of it went right over my head. I guess that's why I ended up in camera dept... :rolleyes:

 

Hey Sats, thanks for the link. I actually bought this book first: http://www.amazon.com/Basic-Electricity-Bu...pd_bxgy_b_img_b

 

It came pretty well recommended. If it holds my interest, i will buy the other book.

 

After I finish the book i'll lend it to you and then we can build lights together! :)

[Jamie Metzger]

Yeah, great book, but it tends to generalize quite a bit and doesn't get too specific on stuff like this.

 

City College has free non-credit courses in electrical practices in construction, and some welding courses. I've considered taking them, mostly because electricity freaks me out sometimes, and I wanna get over that.

 

Electricity should always freak you out. I'll look into that john, thanks. I know the crucible in oakland has a lot of shops for welding, glass blowing, working with aluminum...etc. But i think they are pretty expensive. I'll have to get back to you on that.

[Jonathan Bowerbank]

Electricity should always freak you out.

 

Yeah, but it can get a bit irrational with me. Even if a breaker is tripped, or if a unit is unplugged or something, I'll still have the feeling that there's probably some hidden spark inside that's just ready to kill me, ha ha. I just need a bit of clarity on the technical side to soothe my nerves ;)

 

I have however built some "quality" chinaball fixtures and stingers with inline switches, so I guess I can do some of the simple stuff.

Edited October 10, 2008 by Jonathan Bowerbank