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    lightingnoob
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How to patch without an address

So my school's play is in a bit of a pickle. They are trying to use ellipsoidal lights instead of spotlights (which is stupid for so many reasons other than the one this is about) this. The spotlights we use normally are manually controlled by a spots operator however ellipsoidal lights don't have an on/off and need to be patched. This is where the problem comes into play the outlets that these would be plugging into don't have a numbered address. Is there a way to assign a random outlet an address or something? Does anyone have ideas on how to make this work other than running like 10 extensions cords down from the spot booths to backstage?

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    First you need to determine if you have a patch bay. That is where your dimmers are there might be a panel with lots of leads that come out and plug into the dimmers. Now if there are outlets near the place where your lights are going to be used, you need to search for a label. This label should correspond to to the plug at the other end. This is a circuit (really an extension cord that goes through the walls) and can be plugged in the dimmer which will then give you the address. Every venue I work in, dimmer outlets are not switched. This might not be the case in your venue. If the outlet has a switch on it then plug in a lamp (desk lamps are good for this test) and see if it works when you turn on the switch. This will tell you if it is a normal general purpose outlet.  Some photos of your equipment might help us help you further. 

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    First you need to determine if you have a patch bay. That is where your dimmers are there might be a panel with lots of leads that come out and plug into the dimmers. Now if there are outlets near the place where your lights are going to be used, you need to search for a label. This label should correspond to to the plug at the other end. This is a circuit (really an extension cord that goes through the walls) and can be plugged in the dimmer which will then give you the address. Every venue I work in, dimmer outlets are not switched. This might not be the case in your venue. If the outlet has a switch on it then plug in a lamp (desk lamps are good for this test) and see if it works when you turn on the switch. This will tell you if it is a normal general purpose outlet.  Some photos of your equipment might help us help you further. 

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