Cable Tools and Power Planning

Designing and calculating cable requirements for a lighting rig has long been a necessary but time-consuming task. Estimating cable needs often relies on educated guesses, leaving room for uncertainty.

With the latest version of the Spotlight cable tools, users can now design cable layouts and power distribution systems quickly and with precision. Dimmers, distros, and cable breakouts can be easily inserted, and connections can be drawn manually or generated automatically by Vectorworks. If equipment inventory changes, cable runs can be rapidly updated to reflect available gear. Detailed parts lists and equipment summaries can then be exported into spreadsheets and reports, providing valuable documentation for shop preparation.

The power planning tools in schematic view further enhance workflow by allowing users to repatch systems, balance electrical loads, and calculate accurate power requirements.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Explore the features and capabilities of the Spotlight cable tools.

• Insert power distribution components within a sample project.

• Learn methods for documenting projects using data tags and worksheets.