Clamps for lights

Lighting mounts are used to secure lighting equipment to a stand, truss or another compatible load-bearing structure. This category includes clamps, mounting brackets and solutions fitted with a spigot or adapter. They are useful for stage and event lighting as well as studio installations. The right choice depends on the mounting method, the dimensions of the parts being connected and the weight of the light.

How to choose a lighting mount

Start by checking what the mount will be attached to. A clamp designed for a truss or tube must match the shape and permitted diameter of the supporting structure. On a stand, the type of fitting and the size of the spigot or thread are important. Compare these details with the mounting point on the light; two fittings that look similar are not necessarily compatible.

Next, check the stated load capacity of the mount and every other component in the assembly. It must suit the weight of the specific light and the mounting method, in accordance with the instructions from the manufacturers of the mount, light and supporting structure. Also consider the material, the space needed to tighten the connection and whether enough room will remain to aim the light as required.

If the mounting components differ in size, suitable lighting adapters may help. However, an adapter cannot compensate for insufficient load capacity or an unsuitable mounting method. Assess each component as part of the complete assembly rather than in isolation.

Types of mount available

• Clamps for trusses or tubes fit around a compatible profile and provide a mounting point for the light. Check the permitted diameter, closing mechanism and load capacity in particular.
• Mounts with a spigot or adapter connect the light to a stand or another mounting component. The dimensions of the spigot, thread and fixing point determine compatibility.
• Flat mounts and shelf-style solutions provide a supporting surface for equipment that cannot be secured with a standard clamp. Check the securing method and permitted load before use.

Choose the mount for the specific assembly rather than relying only on a general product label. A lightweight studio light on a stand may have different requirements from a fixture suspended from a truss. Light-shaping accessories such as barndoors or colour filters can change the total weight and the clearance needed around the fixture.

Installation and safety

Inspect the mount, fasteners and supporting structure before installation. Tighten all connections according to the manufacturer's instructions and, once the equipment is suspended, make sure the assembly does not shift or work loose. Do not exceed the stated load capacity of any component. If required by the instructions, the installation site or the structure, add a separate secondary safety attachment suitable for the fixture; a safety cable does not replace a correctly selected and tightened mount. When installing equipment above people, follow local safety rules and entrust the work to a person with the necessary expertise.