Do incandescents pull the same wattage as the bulb size?

[Linda Barzini]

I'll be on a location shoot without power. We will only have a Honda eu2000i (2,000 watt) generator. I want to calculate the power draw for monitor (20 watts), teradek bolt (10 watts), couple of Astras (110 watts), and how much is left.

We have incandescents with 200W, 250W, 400W, and 500W bulbs. For calculations, do these draw the same watts as stated on the bulb?

 

[Zeb B]

I'll be on a location shoot without power. We will only have a Honda eu2000i (2,000 watt) generator. I want to calculate the power draw for monitor (20 watts), teradek bolt (10 watts), couple of Astras (110 watts), and how much is left.

We have incandescents with 200W, 250W, 400W, and 500W bulbs. For calculations, do these draw the same watts as stated on the bulb?

Wattage is a measurement of consumption
Lumens is a measurement of light

LED's give you a high lumen to watt ratio but watts are watts regardless of how the are consumed.

So to answer your question: yes, add up the watts and don't exceed about 80% of your supply if you want to avoid nuisance tripping

 

[Ulf Krentz]

Just to stay on the safe side, please note the Honda 2000i has a rated power of 1600W. Cheers, Ulf

 

[Zeb B]

Just to stay on the safe side, please note the Honda 2000i has a rated power of 1600W. Cheers, Ulf

1600w would be the 80% continuous load of maximum rating rule I mentioned above

 

[Ulf Krentz]

Zeb, sure, just wanted to second that as I think this is a very important point. Personally while the Hondas are excellent machines I´d say I won´t go over 1500Watts continous.

 

[Zeb B]

Zeb, sure, just wanted to second that as I think this is a very important point. Personally while the Hondas are excellent machines I´d say I won´t go over 1500Watts continous.

Which is kinda bullshit on Honda's part since they include a 20Amp outlet . . . which is 2400Watts

 

[Marc Wielage]

And be aware that a lot of these putt-putt generators are not well-regulated, so you may see some flicker in lighting. This is why big heavy-duty diesel generators are costly.

 

[Linda Barzini]

Thanks for replies.

 

[Ulf Krentz]

Which is kinda bullshit on Honda's part since they include a 20Amp outlet . . . which is 2400Watts

Which is fine as it covers the inrush current of many devices before tripping.

And be aware that a lot of these putt-putt generators are not well-regulated, so you may see some flicker in lighting. This is why big heavy-duty diesel generators are costly.

The Honda Eu2000i is a small unit but very well controlled in this regard.

 

[Brian F Kobylarz]

The EU2000i is very quiet but keep in mind that the more you pull from the generator the louder it gets.
So, if the load changes over the course of the shoot, the ambient noise floor will be affected.

In calculating the total power you require, factor in current loss when using longer extension cords.
Use good cables - especially for the higher draw fixtures.

Power up in sequence to minimize dips to more sensitive electronics.