Replies

1. 
   bobl | Sep 25, 2002 01:16am | #1

   How big is this generator?

   or, how watts of lighting etc?

   bobl          Volo Non Voleo      Joe's cheat sheet

2. 
   Davo304 | Sep 25, 2002 10:01am | #2

   You want to light up a field approx equivalent to a football field, and you plan on doing this with one generator and some lights? Yeah...right.

   You would be better off to contact your State Roads Dept and ask them about their large generator/light machines they use when working nights. You know the type, one or two large  spot lights mounted up high on a post with the generator underneath. Roads Dept.s own a bunch, plus they usually rent a bunch...find out where.

   Three or four of these large units would definately light up a football field. IMHO, your plan isn't going to work. Sure you could run several halogen units off of one generator, but I doubt that would be enough lighting. Plus you need your lighting up high for illuminating sporting events. Unless you have existing poles or other high spots where you can mount your lights...no way it's gonna work. I think you should re-think.

   But don't take my word for it. Call your local power (electric) company and ask for their engineering dept. Tell them your plan and ask them for their advice. They will know how many Kilowatts you will need ( based on the size of your field) and can suggest how best to provide this service.

   LOL.

   Davo

1. 
   stanfieldr | Sep 25, 2002 05:11pm | #3

   Thanks for the advice.  The lights (originally used in the old JFK stadium in Philly) use 1000 Watt metal halide bulbs and are mounted on 30' utility poles.  I tested the original set up with 2 lights on a 20 amp breaker and everything worked fine.  I am hoping to power 4 of these lights using a 5500 Watt portable generator.  This won't be enough lighting for night games but it should be enough to run practice drills.  If more lighting is needed, the alternative plan is to buy the tow-behind lights as you suggest.  Too many lights and the noise from multiple generators is sure to solicit complaints from the neighbors so starting small is advisable.  Rugby clubs don't have the best of reputations so we have to be conscientous or we'll lose the field to frisbee football.  Any additional feedback would be much appreciated. 

1. 
   MrPita2 | Sep 26, 2002 12:32am | #4

   Stan,

   Maybe look into rental lights.  I grew up in Philly, and my HS didn't have its own football field, we had an agreement to use a local public school's field.  Anyway, it didn't have its own lights, and when they decided to start doing night football games, they had to rent them as they weren't allowed to permanently install lighting.  So, the lights were powerful enough to do the whole field, and ran off an industrial generator.  The generator was located just beyond one field goal post, and couldn't be heard from the sideline.

   Might be cheap enough to rent to be viable.  Or, find a rental outfit that might have used equipment.

   (Where are you?  Fond memories of JFK, esp. Live Aid.)If everything seems to be going well, you've obviously overlooked something.

1. 
   stanfieldr | Sep 26, 2002 05:05pm | #5

   Thanks for the input!  I think the rental-type lights are the way to go.  Since the season is from July to November and from late January to May, purchasing a used unit or two may be the most economical.  Our club is based in Lansdale which is about 35 miles NW of Philly.  Our web site is northpennrugby.com if you know anyone interested.