If a photo booth runs on the venue's mains power, it stops the moment the power goes off, and again during any generator switchover. A booth with its own backup power keeps recording through both. In Freetown, where outages are a normal part of event planning, ask every supplier which kind they bring before you pay a deposit.
What a 360 booth needs power for
A 360 booth has four parts that use electricity:
- The motor that turns the camera arm.
- The ring light that lights guests on the platform.
- The camera or phone recording the clip.
- The sharing screen that shows the QR code.
If any of these loses power, the booth stops. A booth plugged into the venue’s sockets loses all four at once.
Outages and switchovers
Grid outages happen at Freetown events often enough that hosts plan around them. Most hotels, and many halls, have a generator. But there is a second problem: the switchover. When mains power drops, there is a gap of seconds or longer before the generator takes over. Some equipment restarts cleanly; a booth mid-recording may not.
At family compounds, church halls and beach venues, there may be no generator at all, or one that is needed for the DJ and the lights.
What backup power changes
A booth with its own backup supply does not care what the venue’s power is doing. The arm keeps turning, the ring light stays on, and the QR codes keep working. During an outage the room behind the guests may go dark, but the people on the platform stay lit, and some of the most memorable clips of the night come from those moments.
Our booth runs on its own backup power on every booking. It is part of the standard setup, not an upgrade.
Questions to ask any supplier
Before you pay a deposit, ask:
- What happens to the booth if the venue loses power?
- Does it have its own backup supply, or does it need our generator?
- Is backup power included in the price?
- Will it compete with the DJ for the generator?
If the answer is “we use the venue’s power”, plan for the booth stopping during outages.
What the venue still needs
Backup power keeps the booth running, but the booth still needs a level, firm space about 3 m by 3 m and cover from rain. See how much space a 360 booth needs.
Bottom line
A booth on mains power stops when the power does. A booth with backup power keeps going. In Freetown, that is the first question to ask. To book a power-backed booth, call or WhatsApp +232 75 009582.
Want a price for your date?
WhatsApp for a quoteFrequently asked questions
Does the venue's generator solve the problem?
Partly. The generator restores power, but the switchover still cuts it for a moment, and the generator may be reserved for the sound system and lights.
Is backup power an extra charge?
Not with us. It is included on every booking.
Will videos already recorded be lost in an outage?
Clips are saved as they are made. With backup power, the booth keeps recording and sharing without a break.