Find HS Code and trade information for stage lights

Stage Lights

Stage lighting is the craft of designing, rigging, and operating the equipment used to illuminate performances on stages, including those in theaters, concert venues, film, television, and other live or recorded events. It serves multiple functions beyond simply visibility, influencing mood, emphasizing performers, and creating visual spectacle.

Purpose & Function

• Visibility: The primary function is to ensure performers and scenery are visible to the audience.
• Selectivity: Lights direct the audience’s attention to specific areas or performers, highlighting key elements.
• Mood & Atmosphere: Color, intensity, and movement of lights contribute significantly to the emotional tone of a production.
• Sculpting: Lights can define form and create depth, enhancing the visual impact of sets and costumes.
• Time & Place: Lighting can suggest the time of day or the location of a scene.
• Special Effects: Lights can be used to create dynamic effects like strobes, chases, and projections.

Common Types of Stage Lights

Stage lights are categorized by their lens size, bulb type, and intended use. Here’s a breakdown of frequently used fixtures:

• Fresnel: Named after the lens design, these lights produce a soft-edged, adjustable beam. They are versatile and commonly used for general illumination and washes. Sizes range from 2” to 10” or larger.
• Profile (Leko): These lights have a defined beam and are capable of projecting gobos (stencils) to create patterns and textures. They offer precise control and are used for selective lighting and projections.
• Ellipsoidal Reflector Spotlight (ERS): A specific type of profile light, often used interchangeably with "Leko." They are known for their ability to focus a sharp, well-defined beam.
• Par Cans: These lights use a parabolic reflector to create a concentrated beam. They are durable, affordable, and often used for washes and color effects. Available in various sizes (e.g., PAR 36, PAR 46, PAR 64).
• LED Lights: Increasingly common due to their energy efficiency, long lifespan, and color-changing capabilities. Available in various forms, including washes, spots, and strips.
• Moving Lights: These lights can pan, tilt, and change color and effects remotely. They are used to create dynamic and complex lighting designs.
• Strip Lights (LED Bars): Linear fixtures used to create washes, cyc lighting, and architectural effects.
• Follow Spots: High-intensity lights operated by technicians to illuminate specific performers as they move on stage.
• Specialty Lights: Includes blacklights, strobes, lasers, and other effects lights.

Usage Scenarios

• Theater: Complex lighting designs to support narrative and emotional impact.
• Concerts: Dynamic and high-energy lighting to enhance the musical performance.
• Corporate Events: Professional lighting to create a visually appealing atmosphere.
• Television & Film: Lighting to create specific moods and enhance visual storytelling.
• Dance Performances: Lighting to highlight movement and create dramatic effects.
• Worship Spaces: Subtle and atmospheric lighting to create a reverent environment.

Control Systems

Stage lights are controlled using a lighting console, which sends signals to dimmers that regulate the power supplied to the lights. Common control protocols include:

• DMX512: The most widely used protocol for controlling stage lighting.
• RDM (Remote Device Management): Allows for remote monitoring and control of lighting fixtures.
• Art-Net: An Ethernet-based protocol for transmitting DMX data.

Components of a Stage Lighting System

• Lighting Console: The control interface for the system.
• Dimmers: Regulate the power to the lights.
• Fixtures: The lights themselves.
• Cables: Connect the console to the dimmers and fixtures.
• Rigging: Supports and positions the lights.
• Gobos: Stencils used to create patterns and textures.
• Color Filters: Used to change the color of the light.

Stage lights fall under the category of portable electric lamps designed to function by their own source of energy, specifically dry batteries or storage batteries. They are categorized as electrical signaling equipment and can also be considered as electrical lighting equipment.

Here are the relevant HS codes based on the provided reference material:

• 8513102000: This HS code covers portable electric lamps designed to function by their own source of energy (for example, dry batteries, storage batteries, magnetos), other than lighting equipment of heading 8512; parts thereof: Lamps: Flashlights (if stage lights are portable and battery-powered).

  • 85: Electrical machinery and equipment.
  • 13: Electrical lamps and lighting equipment.
  • 10: Portable electric lamps.
  • 20: Flashlights (including battery-powered stage lights).

• 8512909000: Electrical lighting or signaling equipment (excluding articles of heading 8539), windshield wipers, defrosters and demisters, of a kind used for cycles or motor vehicles; parts thereof: Parts: Other.

  • 85: Electrical machinery and equipment.
  • 12: Electrical lighting or signaling equipment.
  • 90: Parts of electrical lighting or signaling equipment.

• 9031808085: Measuring or checking instruments, appliances and machines, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; profile projectors; parts and accessories thereof: Other instruments, appliances and machines: Other Other.

  • 90: Optical, precision, medical, surgical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus.
  • 31: Measuring or checking instruments, appliances and machines.
  • 80: Other instruments, appliances and machines.

Regarding HS code 8513102000, please note that this classification specifically applies to stage lights that are portable and battery-powered. If the stage lights are not battery-powered, another HS code may be more appropriate.