In the lighting industry, aircraft cable assemblies play a crucial role in suspending lights from ceilings and trusses. Custom cable assemblies, specifically designed for unique architectural and industrial lighting applications, provide significant advantages over standard commodity options. This blog will explore the importance of custom solutions, the differences between specialty and commodity lighting cables, and the unique needs of architectural and industrial lighting markets.
Understanding the Market
Commodity lighting and specialty/custom lighting serve very different purposes in the market. Commodity lighting is characterized by its mass production and low cost, making it suitable for general, high-volume indoor applications. These commodity cable assemblies are typically 1/16” 7x7 galvanized aircraft cable with a button stop at one end and a kwik-grip at the other end. They are used indoors with light fixtures weighing less than 50 lbs. Due to their standardization, commodity lighting solutions offer minimal customization options, which don’t fit all applications. On the other hand, specialty and custom lighting focuses on cable assembly solutions tailored to specific project requirements. Stainless steel aircraft cable or strand is used specifically for outdoor applications. Diameters larger than 1/16” provide higher working load limits (WLL) relative to 1/16” commodity assemblies.
Architectural Lighting Applications
Achieving the desired visual and functional outcomes of architectural lighting requires a high level of aesthetic consideration and proper structural support. Precision ensures that light fixtures are properly supported, positioned, and directed to highlight architectural features and create the intended atmosphere. Aesthetics play a crucial role in seamlessly integrating lighting into the design, enhancing the space's beauty and ambiance. Thoughtful lighting design can transform the perception of a space, making it feel more dynamic, spacious, or intimate. To achieve these desired effects, architectural lighting applications often involve vertical and horizontal cable suspension, also known as catenary systems. Jaw turnbuckles are commonly used for adjusting catenary cable assemblies.
Industrial Lighting Applications
Industrial lighting applications face unique challenges that are critical for maintaining safety, productivity, and efficiency. High-intensity illumination is essential to ensure that work areas are well-lit for tasks requiring precision and attention to detail. Kwik-Loc cable jointers offer a fast and reliable way to suspend lighting and other fixtures, making it an ideal choice for industrial settings. These cable locks are used to form adjustable loops, which is preferred for electricians who need to adjust cable assembly length in the field. Additionally, industrial environments often expose lighting fixtures to extreme temperatures, moisture, dust, and vibrations, necessitating robust and durable cable solutions. Compliance with industry regulations and standards, such as OSHA guidelines, is also a crucial factor to ensure safe and legal operation.
Benefits of Lexco® Cable's Custom Cable Assemblies
Lexco Cable’s custom cable assemblies provide several key benefits that make them ideal for both architectural and industrial lighting applications. Their machine-swaged end fitting assemblies, including eye ends and jaw ends, ensure that fixtures are securely supported, reducing the risk of failure and enhancing safety. Eye ends, such as stamped eyelets and closed swage sockets, provide reliable attachment points, while fork/jaw ends offer easy connectivity to flat plates. For outdoor applications, Lexco Cable provides stainless steel cable to ensure excellent corrosion resistance, making these assemblies durable and reliable even in harsh environments. Additionally, for projects requiring higher working load limits (WLL), Lexco Cable provides larger diameter cables that offer the necessary strength and stability. The combination of high-quality materials, precise manufacturing, and design flexibility ensures these custom assemblies deliver outstanding performance and long-term reliability for any lighting project.
Conclusion
The use of custom cable assemblies is vital for high-quality architectural and industrial lighting applications. These assemblies provide enhanced safety, flexibility in design, and superior performance, ensuring that lighting projects are both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. By incorporating durable materials and precise manufacturing, custom cable assemblies meet the unique challenges of various lighting environments.
