Film generator hire for London from Solalights

A Portable Wall Socket.

A robust and efficient unit from German manufacturers Instagrid. The One Max battery will run an Arri Sky Panel S60 at full power for 5 Hours.

Not limited to lighting. Anything you can plug into a wall socket you can plug into an Instagrid. The key is 230V Output from a battery.

**Instagrid ONE Max**
The Instagrid ONE Max features both 13 amp and 16 amp outlets, with a maximum power output of 3.6KW. Its 2.1KWh capacity means that with a 2.1KW load, the battery will last for approximately one hour. With a smaller load of 1KW, you can expect about two hours of operation—you get the idea!
For shoots where battery power is being considered, we believe that using several smaller units is often more practical than relying on a single larger unit. This approach minimizes the need for long cable runs, isolates power for different departments, and reduces over-dependence on a single power source.
Rated IP54 and equipped with a 30mA Type A RCD, along with overheat circuit monitoring, these are just some of the reasons why we choose to partner with Instagrid.

Battery Power

Improvements in battery technology and the roll out of low energy LED lighting has made using batteries on-set a viable option.

Although mains power supply remains more practical in many situations, it no longer needs to be the default, as there are cases where batteries provide distinct advantages.

In situations where mains power is unavailable and using a generator is impractical—such as remote outdoor locations, inside buses or trains, or within buildings where wall power is not permitted.

In public places like airports, where floor power cables are prohibited.

For shoots with multiple locations in a single day, where quick setup is essential.

During exterior night shoots, where battery-powered lights can be positioned far apart without the need for long cable runs.

Our Tips for Battery Use

Carefully assess the production's power demands to determine whether a battery setup is the right choice.

Ensure you have more than enough batteries and establish a clear charging strategy. For example, an Instagrid unit can power an Arri SkyPanel S60 for up to 5 hours, but recharging the Instagrid takes 2.5 hours. Rotating two batteries provides a continuous solution, though you may want to have a small portable generator on hand for charging the second battery.

Select power-efficient fixtures to maximize battery run time. LED panels are ideal, and for hard light sources, consider newer fixtures from Aputure and Nanlux.

Even in a studio with mains power, it’s worth keeping integrated battery-powered lights available. For quick setup of a fill light, Astera LED tube kits (60cm or 120cm) are excellent options.

Mains Output or Low-Volt Output ?

From a film lighting perspective, the choice of fixtures that can operate from low volt batteries is small and manufactures standards differ which is a headache. V-lock is the most common of the low volt power options and is suited to smaller power lights. It’s worth noting that some of the larger fixtures, such as the Arri Sky Panel, switch to half power only, when powering from V-lock batteries.

The recent arrival of battery units with mains voltage output has made everything easier. Any light can be plugged into a wall socket can be plugged into a Instagrid and their application is by no means limited to lighting.

A digital tech can run their own eco system from a Instagrid, removing the stress of taking power from a shared electrical system. In a similar way, the production department can run a ‘field office’ from a Instagrid.

Battery Rental

Instagrid ONE Max

Mains output

Weather resistant and completely silent on set, the Instagrid weighs only 20kg. Not only suited to lighting applications, the Instgrid will help any department where a ‘wall socket’ is required.

Output Voltage; 230V/50Hz, rated output power; 3600w (16A), available energy; 2.1 KWH, changing time 2.5 hours, output socket; CEE 16A and Neurik PowerCON TRUE1

X-Box Battery XB3