Purchasing lighting fixtures for professional use—whether for concerts, architectural lighting, TV production, or clubs—is a major investment. However, the procurement process is often riddled with mistakes that lead to unnecessary costs, technical incompatibilities, or compromised performance. Many of these pitfalls stem not from inexperience but from oversight or misaligned priorities.
This article outlines the most common fixture procurement mistakes and provides clear, actionable strategies to avoid them. Whether you're an AV integrator, venue manager, lighting designer, or purchasing director, this guide will help ensure your next fixture purchase supports your long-term needs with minimal risk.
1. Ignoring Venue-Specific Requirements
One of the most prevalent mistakes is purchasing fixtures without fully understanding the characteristics of the venue they’re intended for.
For example:
Ceiling height: A low ceiling may render beam-type fixtures ineffective due to tight throw distances.
Ambient light: Bright environments require higher-lumen output, while dark environments benefit more from color rendering and precision optics.
Stage layout: Complex stages may demand flexible zoom ranges or motorized pan/tilt functionality.
Avoidance Strategy: Conduct a thorough site survey, and involve both lighting designers and technical operators in the purchasing decision.
2. Choosing Price Over Value
Budget constraints are real, but chasing the lowest price without evaluating long-term value often leads to disappointment. Cheaper fixtures may come with:
Avoidance Strategy: Compare Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) rather than just sticker price. Include expected lifespan, repair frequency, and energy consumption in your assessment.
3. Overlooking IP Ratings for Outdoor Use
An all-too-common error is deploying indoor-rated fixtures outdoors, especially for semi-permanent installations at rooftops, public squares, or festivals. Rain, dust, and humidity will drastically reduce fixture life if they’re not properly sealed.
Avoidance Strategy: Always confirm that the fixture has a suitable IP rating (IP65 or higher for outdoor). Factor in environmental challenges specific to the site—e.g., salt corrosion near coastal venues.
4. Buying Without Confirming Control Compatibility
Even top-tier lighting fixtures can fail operationally if they are incompatible with your existing control systems. For instance, fixtures that support only 8-bit dimming may not offer smooth fades when paired with 16-bit consoles.
Other mismatches include:
RDM or Art-Net incompatibility
Unexpected DMX channel allocations
Unfamiliar user interfaces
Avoidance Strategy: Verify console compatibility before purchase. Ask the vendor for demo access, DMX profiles, or fixture libraries you can test with your show software.
5. Underestimating Power Requirements
Fixtures vary dramatically in power draw. A common oversight is purchasing a set of high-wattage fixtures without confirming if the venue’s electrical infrastructure can support them.
Avoidance Strategy: Map out your power distribution in advance. Factor in startup surge current, daisy-chained loads, and backup plans (e.g., battery fixtures for mobile rigs).
6. Skipping Service and Warranty Evaluation
A fixture may perform well out of the box, but what happens when it fails in the middle of a live event? Brands vary widely in after-sales support, access to spare parts, and warranty responsiveness.
Avoidance Strategy: Ask these before buying:
How long is the warranty period?
Are parts and repairs available locally?
Does the manufacturer or dealer offer remote diagnosis?
If these questions aren't answered satisfactorily, reconsider your vendor.
7. Failing to Future-Proof
Purchasing for your current needs without considering upcoming show types or technology changes can make your investment obsolete sooner than expected.
Examples include:
Buying only warm white fixtures while RGBWW is becoming a broadcast standard
Skipping wireless DMX when your venue plans to go cable-free next year
Not considering pixel mapping for evolving stage visuals
Avoidance Strategy: Understand your organization's strategic roadmap and ensure fixture specs are aligned. When in doubt, opt for versatile, modular designs.
8. Not Testing Before Buying in Bulk
It’s tempting to place a large order based on spec sheets and online reviews. However, real-world performance can vary due to:
Inaccurate CRI/color consistency claims
Noisy fans in quiet spaces
Incompatible beam angles with your truss height
Avoidance Strategy: Always request a demo or evaluation unit. Even a one-day test in your real venue can prevent months of regret.
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