I found this U.K. forum for technical issues related to theatres while browsing.

One or two of you know that some years ago I was involved with amateur dramatics on the sound and lighting, so I can certainly testify to the fact that one can find "inventive" solutions to problems!

Check the "Dodgy electricians" thread in the "Electrical & Power" category.

http://www.blue-room.org.uk/

Crikey Paul!,
It's a wonder you guys in England don't have more theatre fires over there.
Using heavy pieces of metal, as circuit protection is just really silly, especially considering where this sort of thing is being done.
I've also done quite a bit of work for our local dramatic group and man the first week of me taking it on was fixing up most of the "wiring" of the "Electrician" before me.
It was a sight, I can tell you. Grrrr

They're those "Never-Blow" (Pat. Pending) fuses again!

I found sometimes in the drama groups that people would look at equipment which was old, but perfectly safe and serviceable with suspicion, yet completely ignore the bypassed fuses, twisted and taped extension cords, frayed leads into spotlights, etc.

"While doing a tour in sweden we noticed that all the 13amp (euro style) plugs had had nails put in the fuse holders!

When asked the reason for this they answered - 'We have good earth'...???"

Posted in that forum.

Makes no sense! There are no "13amp (euro style) plugs with fuses in the first place. I suspect that is a troll somehow.

The story about the Irish guy who supposedly wired an electric gituar to a 13A plug doesn't make a whole lot of sense either to be quite honest and seems to conform to a certain type of national stereotyping...

[This message has been edited by djk (edited 12-14-2005).]