Film Locations Glossary
House power tie-in
What is a house power tie-in?
Also called house power, or tie-in.
A house power tie-in is drawing electrical supply from a location's existing service instead of running generators, done by a licensed electrician and usually with the property owner's and sometimes the utility's consent.
It removes generator noise and fumes, which can be the difference between an approvable residential location and a rejected one. The trade is limited capacity, so a tie-in rarely carries a full lighting package on its own.
Example
A licensed electrician ties into a house's 200-amp service for a dialogue interior, removing the generator entirely from a quiet residential street. It carries the practicals and a modest package, so the exterior units still need the genny.
Figures are illustrative, chosen to show the mechanics rather than to quote market rates.
Where you'll see it
Arranged with the owner, sometimes the utility, and always a licensed electrician at prep stage.
Common mistake
Tying into a domestic service and hanging a full lighting package off it. Capacity is limited, and tripping a residential supply mid-scene is both a delay and a relationship problem.
Related questions
- Can a production use a location's own power?
- Yes, with the owner's consent and a licensed electrician, and sometimes the utility's agreement. It removes generator noise from quiet locations.
- What are the limits of a house tie-in?
- Available capacity. A domestic service carries practicals and a modest package, so exterior units and larger rigs still need a generator.