Light fixture suspension failsafe

jhuntstl · Sep 16, 2021

Not really much of a DIY, but I wasn't sure where else to post such a question.

I recently picked up a CoralCare Gen2. I'm using the included suspension kit. It's a high quality hanging kit as far as I can tell. There's no reason to doubt it's ability to hang my light. My bigger concern is my clumsiness anytime I need to raise or lower it.

In the pics you can see a 1/16" braided wire in the center. This is the main, adjustable support wire attached to the ceiling. I've yet to cut it to length, but plan to leave 3-4" of extra length.

I'd like to add something to the bottom of that main support wire as a fail safe in case I ever slip up handling the fixture. A stop of sorts. If I lost my grip, it would stop this heavy fixture from crashing down on top of my tank. Make sense? I've been googling and amazoning, but I haven't hit the right search query.

I could probably just tie a knot, but there's gotta be something out there for the application. Something easily removed without cutting the wire.

Thanks for looking!

brmreefer · Sep 16, 2021

Not really sure about something removable, but how about a ferrule that has to be crimped on the very end (possibly double up two ferrules just to be safe)?

jhuntstl · Sep 16, 2021

brmreefer said:
Not really sure about something removable, but how about a ferrule that has to be crimped on the very end (possibly double up two ferrules just to be safe)?

A more engineered, easily removable solution would be nice. A simple crimp is removable without cutting. Maybe not conveniently, but it's doable.

I had considered this, but immediately ruled it out as being permanent. But cmon now it's not thaaat difficult with a pair of pliers.

I do appreciate the suggestion.

brmreefer · Sep 17, 2021

jhuntstl said:
I had considered this, but immediately ruled it out as being permanent. But cmon now it's not thaaat difficult with a pair of pliers.

Lol...to a mechanic...no, but I did not want to assume that removing aluminum ferrules was going to be easy for everyone.

I'll be continuing to watch, I am interested as to what ideas others may have. I have a similar cable set up for the Orphek lights. I just wound up the tag end of the cable in a loop and ziptide it in place. Just in case I want to change the setup.

jhuntstl · Sep 17, 2021

brmreefer said:
Lol...to a mechanic...no, but I did not want to assume that removing aluminum ferrules was going to be easy for everyone.

I'll be continuing to watch, I am interested as to what ideas others may have. I have a similar cable set up for the Orphek lights. I just wound up the tag end of the cable in a loop and ziptide it in place. Just in case I want to change the setup.

I'm a carpenter. I'm not scared of a little ferrule.

It's like 8 bucks for a box of 200. I'm probably going to settle for the ferrule, but is it really settling? I really don't see myself having to remove it more than maybe a couple times a year. It's the most minimalist, least eye catching option.

I did find some other options, mostly from the automotive or aviation sector. I'm sure these could handle the weight of a CoralCare. But eh.

I think ferrules are the way to go.

McFarlane Aviation Barrel Stop Assembly - Part Number: 6515

FAA-PMA parts for Cessna, Piper, Grumman, and Beechcraft aircraft. Products include cables, engine controls, steering rods, seat rails, engine controls, rudder pedals and many more airframe parts.

www.mcfarlaneaviation.com