We connected with Mark Witteveen, senior project manager at The Chicago Flyhouse Inc. rigging company to sling key terms you should know when it comes to event design take-off.
Allowable Load » Also referred to as weight rating; the basic equation used by riggers to determine the maximum operating weight that can be supported
Box Truss » Structure composed of four or more chords connected by transverse and/or diagonal structural elements used in event design for hanging lights, audio equipment and more
Breaking Strength » The tension at which a line will part when a load is applied
Bridle » V-shaped arrangement of rigging equipment that enables a load to be placed in between two rigging points at the “legs” of the bridle for customizable position
Chain » Weight-verified, welded, link steel hoisted with chain motors to raise truss, on which luminaires or audio speakers may be clamped
ETCP » Entertainment Technician Certification Program Rigger; certified technician who adjusts, assembles and specializes in event or stage production
Fly » To lift equipment into the air with a rigging system
Hoisting Cable » Strong and flexible wire used in fly systems; classifies as a 6X19 (six larger strands of 19 wires each)
I-Beams » Structural steel beams in a venue where points are designed and installed to support rigging
Reflected Groundplan » Also known as ceiling plan; a drawing of the venue’s ceiling that indicates where rigging points are located
Safety Factor of a Line » Ratio between Breaking Strength and Safe Working Load (SWL)
Safe Working Load » Load that can be applied without causing any kind of damage to a line Trim » Distance from the floor to various rigging elements including venue (ceiling), truss and lighting fixtures
