Power Distribution Systems

Here is how this works in practice. We source power distribution systems from the rental houses concentrated in Warsaw and in Łódź, where production-electrical inventory has grown since the Polish Film Institute introduced its 30% PISF cash rebates in 2019. Our team works with the gaffer and best boy to design distribution around the load: we calculate total power needs from the lighting package, camera, DIT and video village, factor in startup loads, and specify power packs — from 20kVA units to 500kVA tow plant — alongside main and sub-distribution, feeder cable runs, phase balancing and circuit protection.

Here is the short of it. Poland's mains run at the EU-standard 230V/50Hz. This we build into each plan, setting up tie-ins to venue power with licensed Polish electricians where fitting. Because hire from Polish vendors counts as qualifying spend toward the 30% rebates, sourcing power locally keeps the budget efficient. Any pro distribution kit not held in-country moves freely by road from Germany or the Czech Republic, since Poland is in the EU single market and Schengen with no carnet for intra-EU transport.

Here is the breakdown. Powering shoots at Poland's heritage locations demands specific care: the reconstructed Old Town of Warsaw, the preserved historic core of Kraków and the 19th-century industrial build style of Łódź often have tight mains capacity, so we set up with venue tech staff, route cable without damage to covered fabric, and follow preservation guidelines. For remote exteriors in the Tatra Mountains or along the Baltic coast we plan complete power packs options with fuel running and noise mitigation, deploying super-silent and battery-hybrid systems on sound-sensitive sets.

Here is what that looks like on the ground. Poland's cold, snowy winters affect power packs starting and fuel handling. This our crews manage on winter shoots. All gear is PAT tested and well rated, we use RCD protection across, and we follow Polish electrical rules. Productions arriving from outside the EU clear imported power hardware on ATA Carnets through the National Revenue Administration (Krajowa Administracja Skarbowa), with Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) as the main air-cargo gateway. Billing is in Polish złoty (PLN) with 23% VAT.