Shop Guide for Cable and Rigging Gear Maintenance

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.

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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

• 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.

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By implementing these cable inspection and rigging equipment maintenance procedures, shops and crews support safe, efficient, and professional live event operations.