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Working in Inclement Weather and IP Ratings for Lights


working in inclement weather and IP ratings for video lights
Lighting Diagram by Tyler Kaschke, Denver Colorado Gaffer

Using lights near water? 💦


That’s cool, just be safe about it. ☔️


I have a strong preference for lights with an Ingress Protection (IP) rating. You’ve probably heard manufacturers touting that number in their marketing material. It’s basically a score that declares the level of protection it has against dirt and water.


An IP rating is made up of two digits. The first represents protection from solids like dust and dirt, and the second is the protection against liquids like water and Mountain Dew. The higher the value of either digit, the greater the protection.


Up until recently, lights used in rain or snow needed to be covered so the electronics inside would remain dry. Now you can just send it in any weather and that’s pretty cool ☔️😎


The Aputure 1200D has an IP rating of 54, meaning it is protected against ingress of dust and vertical splashing of water at an angle of up to 60 degrees. The Creamsource Vortex 8 has an IP rating of 65, which means it is dust tight and protected against jets of water from any direction.


Next week I’ll continue this discussion with the importance of ground fault interrupters (GFI) when working with electricity around water.


Swipe right to see a handy visual support chart about IP ratings and some BTS from this spot!


This setup was not difficult but looked nice. Pushed a 1200D through 1/4 Straw from a 3/4 back angle to add a little warm edge and just let the soft ambient light do the rest. 🤌


Producer: @brennahro

HMU: Marisol Garcia



Tyler Kaschke is a freelance gaffer with G&E and grip truck rentals based in Boulder, Colorado and serving Denver, Golden, Fort Collins and Colorado Springs.


For more information about lighting tips and shooting commercials in Colorado, follow me on Instagram @colorado_gaffer

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