Modern

WITH STANDBY ELECTRIC
THE SHOW GOES ON
POWER
Jt\ LL MODERN THEATRES ai'C dependent
upon electricity. Whether it be for the
purpose of attracting customers to the theatre
via the brilliance of the marquee or
for identifying exits by means of tiny red
lights, the entire function of the theatre
revolves upon the use of electric power.
And when this power is suddenly curtailed,
the show is over. Until power is restored
the theatre manager is responsible,
more than ever, for the lives and safety of
his customers. With no emergency lights
to illuminate aisles, stairways and exits,
the theatre is darkened beyond the point
of safety. If the emergency continued for
any length of time and patrons began leaving,
serious consequences could result from
the lack of illumination.
PROTECTING GOODWILL
The small-town theatre owner is aware
that his theatre is particularly vulnerable
to interruptions of the local electric power
supply. Too many times in the past few
years he has had to experience the humiliation
and helplessness that comes when he
sees his screen suddenly flicker and go
black, when his customers wait wonderingly
and patiently at first, then line up at the
ticket office demanding refunds.
No theatre operator likes to make refunds
to patrons, especially under such
conditions. Not only is the loss of revenue
hard to take, but also the prestige and
community goodwill, built up by many
months of careful showmanship, suffers
irreparably.
Since it is inevitable that a dependable
source of electricity is needed for modern
theatre operation, many owners and operators
of show houses are turning to electric
power-generating units, not only for
standby protection, but also for security
against voltage drops and other power line
inadequacies. The comforting awareness
of complete protection against electric
power failures is but one of the many advantages
of these units.
The initial cost of such emergency equipment
may. at first glance, seem out of
proportion to the theatre operator who
contemplates installing a standby power
plant. However, a careful perusal of the
accompanying survey of electric power requirements
by seating capacity will enlighten
the prospective buyers considerably.
Taking into consideration the fact that an
emergency electric power plant is just that,
he can then estimate the essential requirements
of his particular theatre and purchase
the size and type of unit that fits
his needs.
Normal essential requirements would
consist first of all, of adequate electric
power for all exit and aisle lights. Electricity
for the projection booth is necessary
if uninterrupted showing of the motion
picture is desired. The power for
sound amplification must be considered:
Survey of Theatre Lighting end Electric Power Requirements