The strain relief has slipped.
Shop Guide for Cable and Rigging Gear: Shop Procedures
Proper cable inspection and rigging equipment maintenance are critical for safe and efficient backstage and A/V operations. This guide details step-by-step procedures for handling, inspecting, labeling, and maintaining all power cables, control cables, multi-cables, adapters, twofers, cube taps, spansets, steel safety cables, rigging hardware such as shackles and chain, and road cases. Designed for entry-level technicians, stagehands, electricians, and audio-visual crew members, these industry-approved best practices help prevent accidents, reduce equipment loss, and keep live event productions running smoothly.
Cable and Rigging Equipment Procedures: Guide for the Shop Crew
Cable Identification and Marking
- Ensure every power cable, control cable, multi-cable, and adapter has clear, readable shrink tubing with inventory information and length marking.
- All cables must be color-coded in either the shrink wrap or Velcro tie for fast identification.
- Rental cables must be clearly separated and should never be taped or labeled as company property.
- Unmarked or unidentifiable cables should be immediately placed in the "To Be Repaired or Reviewed" box to avoid inventory errors and potential safety risks.
Routine Cable Inspection
Damaged connector with chipped screw thread
- Inspect all cables for worn jackets, cracked shrink tubing, faded or missing labels, exposed conductors, and excessive tape residue.
- Cables showing any signs of physical damage, missing markings, or excessive age should be removed from circulation and placed in the "To Be Repaired" box.
- Never attempt to fix cables with field tape. All repairs must be made according to electrical safety standards.
Labeling and Inventory Accuracy
- Maintain up-to-date inventory by ensuring accurate heat shrink labels at each end of every cable.
- Duplicate cable numbers or mismatched inventory records must be corrected by removing affected cables for review and relabeling.
- Avoid altering or overwriting labels or tape unless directed by management.
Proper Cable Coiling and Storage
- Use the over-under cable coiling method to prevent cable twisting, extend equipment life, and reduce tangles during setup and teardown.
A multi-cable wrapped with color coding and length markings.
- Store cables in neat, organized bundles in the designated storage area.
Connector and Strain Relief Safety
- Regularly inspect connectors, plugs, and strain reliefs for signs of damage, loose screws, spinning shells, or missing ground pins.
- Remove from use any cables with these connector issues. Place damaged equipment in the "To Be Repaired" box.
- Never use or distribute cables that are missing their grounding pin.
Cable Testing Protocols
- All cables must be tested for electrical continuity using an approved cable tester after any repair or replacement of connectors.
- Untested cables are not to be returned to inventory.
Twofers, Cube Taps, and Specialty Gear Inspection
- Examine twofers and cube taps for shrinking jackets, exposed wires, or construction from inappropriate materials.
- Remove suspect gear and place it in the "To Be Repaired" box.
Compliant Cable Gauge Use
- Remove and retire any slip plug cable rated less than 12/3 AWG.
- Use only properly rated cable for high-power applications.
Rigging Hardware and Safety Cable Checks
- Spansets must be free from cuts, abrasions, or missing tags. Defective spansets go in the "To Be Repaired" box.
- Steel safety cables must not be kinked, frayed, or flattened.
- Shackles and rigging hardware need to be crack-free, straight, and easy to operate by hand. Faulty hardware must be removed from service.
Road Case and General Equipment Standards
- Never block exit doors with cases, ladders, or equipment.
- Each road case must roll smoothly, latch securely, and have a clean, readable tag.
- Report any damage immediately and remove non-compliant equipment for repair.
Team Responsibility and Workplace Safety
- Every stagehand, rigger, electrician, and A/V technician is responsible for inspecting and handling gear according to these cable inspection and rigging equipment maintenance guidelines.
- Unsafe or questionable equipment must always be taken out of service and placed in the proper review or repair area.
- Following these procedures helps to prevent accidents, improves crew efficiency, and protects both staff and production assets.
By implementing these cable inspection and rigging equipment maintenance procedures, shops and crews support safe, efficient, and professional live event operations.
