spinning chandelier

[dangergoth]

Hi Everyone!

I have always wanted to swing from a chandelier. I think everyone has. My goal is to build one that could swing and rotate somewhat. I am thinking I will build it so that the arms are strong enough to support someone. 8 to 12 lamps, probably 4w each. Are there components out there that could spin and keep the wiring below hot?
Does anyone know what they are called or where to get them?
I was thinking maybe some sort of part off of a theatre stage light. I think some sort of low amp track light part might work, because essentially the whole chandelier would be hot, but not enough to permeate skin, similar to track lighting wires.

Looking forward to your responses! Stay dusty my friends.

[burner von braun]

The think the entrance to the rabbit hole you're searching for is labeled "rotational slip ring."

Good luck with your art!

[Sham]

Hi Everyone!

I have always wanted to swing from a chandelier. I think everyone has. My goal is to build one that could swing and rotate somewhat. I am thinking I will build it so that the arms are strong enough to support someone. 8 to 12 lamps, probably 4w each. Are there components out there that could spin and keep the wiring below hot?
Does anyone know what they are called or where to get them?
I was thinking maybe some sort of part off of a theatre stage light. I think some sort of low amp track light part might work, because essentially the whole chandelier would be hot, but not enough to permeate skin, similar to track lighting wires.

Looking forward to your responses! Stay dusty my friends.

I have been tinkering with Christmas tree bases that rotate. What you're looking for is the same idea and could utilize this base. I envision a turntable mounted up on a solid surface, with the center being this Christmas tree base mounted upside down and in the center of it. All the weight of a human hanging would be supported by the outer turntable, with the power provided by the center mechanism.
You might also consider multiple battery powered LED lights that could light up plastic globes on the chandelier. Then you just need to make it turn with a motor.

[Popeye]

Yes, a slip ring. Think something similar to an electric drill.
You do NOT want to make the whole thing hot. It only take a little above .5mA to stop your heart.
I think I'd use LED's with batteries mounted on the chandelier to get away from the whole shock problem.

[Sham]

You can use some type of slip ring and power the lighting with a low voltage to keep things safe. There's really no good reason to put 110V through this contraption.

[BBadger]

Yes, a slip-ring! Using a relatively low voltage such as 24V, 12V, or 5V -- all DC -- should be sufficient for most lighting. You could even get a three or four-conductor slip ring if you want to also pass in data to animate effects or some such. Commercial setups, for banners and such that hold 650lbs or so, cost like $1600 or so.

I would probably use something like 24V or 12V instead of 5V and then down-convert if necessary so that you don't need to pass as much amperage over the slip-ring's brushes.

If you're making this a public installation you will really need to make sure the chandelier can hold a few hundred to a thousand pounds of force, lest multiple people try to hang on it.

[motskyroonmatick]

Just mount a battery on the chandelier and use 12 volt lighting. Have 2 batteries and swap them out daily. Expect to have people hanging from it from every single part they can hang on to simultaneously. Generally you will need a minimum of a 5 to 1 safety factor in strength so build it strong and use rated off the shelf items.

[Elorrum]

If climb aboard scale is too onerous, maybe a trapeze size, or zipline? With solar garden lights?

[ygmir]

Just mount a battery on the chandelier and use 12 volt lighting. Have 2 batteries and swap them out daily. Expect to have people hanging from it from every single part they can hang on to simultaneously. Generally you will need a minimum of a 5 to 1 safety factor in strength so build it strong and use rated off the shelf items.

dang it, came here to say that! haaha.^^^
and yeah, rules do not apply, so saying "one person at a time", will mostly get you nowhere, unless you are standing right there. Also expect people to swing on it, not just spin.