How To Select 
Lighting Products
Quick Reference Guide
At Griplock Systems we believe that the customer should be as well informed as possible before purchasing any of our products or systems. As all manufacturers and installers know, suspending pendant systems safely is their first and most critical responsibility. Improper installation and the wrong choice of components can have devastating consequences.
The first step is to determine the weight of your fixture. Most modern Linear Fluorescents are lightweight, usually between 15 and 30 lbs. and can be hung with 1/16” stainless or galvanized cable (About Aircraft Cable). There is a broad range of Griplock Gliders and CableFast Gliders for this cable diameter. For heavier fixtures Griplock carries larger diameter cables (5/64”, 3/32” and 1/8”) and Gliders to match. Please follow the link to Weight Load Guidelines for more information on cable and Glider combinations. Most fixtures will already have a Knock-Out (KO) or other built-in attachment point for a Glider but installers will often drill out their own KOs to accommodate the thread size of their choice.
The next step is to determine the best ceiling attachment for your needs. In our Cable Couplers section you will find a large selection of couplers and connectors, most of which incorporate a ¼-20 thread – a Lighting Industry standard to fit most standard attachment points, ie. bracket bars, threaded studs, T-bar clips, ceiling anchors, Unistrut and wood, cement or steel ceilings. Our cable couplers will accommodate both horizontal and vaulted ceilings, as well as powerfeed and non-powerfeed ceiling connections. Remember that all ceiling attachments must connect directly to a structural surface. Connections to drywall or to unsupported T-bar clips are considered unsafe.
Take a look at the Examples section in the left navigation pane for the most common applications and view our General Installation Instructions for the dos and don’ts of Adjustable Cable Suspension. We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions, which will help you. If you still have questions, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help.
FAQs
What is a Cable Glider (cable gripper)?
Do I need tools to adjust the Glider?
Do I need a safety nut?
Are locknuts provided with the Gliders?
What components do I need to hang my fixture?
Can I install these myself?
What is a Cable Coupler?
What does the cable terminal (stop-sleeve) do?
What type of Cable Coupler should I use?
What type of cable do I need?
How much weight will the cable hold?
What’s the difference between galvanized and stainless cable?
Can I cut the cable myself?
Can I crimp my own terminals and cable loops?
Does cable stretch?
What types of Cable Gliders are available?
What are Gliders made of?
Is a Glider/cable combination as strong as the cable alone?
Can I make my lighting fixtures earthquake compliant?
Can I use your products out of doors?
Can I use your products for indoor pools?
What is a Cable Glider (cable gripper)?
A Cable Glider is an adjustable fastener that automatically grips and locks to any position on an aircraft cable using an internal, spring-loaded 3-ball gripping mechanism. This allows the Glider to move freely up the cable but not down unless the mechanism is released. For a detailed description please see how it works.
Do I need tools to adjust the Glider?
No, the Glider mechanism is released by pressing the plunger manually.
Do I need a safety nut?
Most Gliders have optional “safety nuts” or “safety caps” to lock the mechanism off in both directions.
Are locknuts provided with the Gliders?
Generally no, but Gliders with metric threads are supplied with a corresponding bolt or lock nut.
What components do I need to hang my fixture?
You will need a ceiling attachment (cable coupler or connector), a cable with a terminal (stop sleeve) and a Cable Glider, normally placed at the fixture. You may also need ceiling canopies and power cord. See Powercord & Accessories.
Can I install these myself?
Yes, if you’re a lighting professional or a competent handyman.
What is a Cable Coupler?
Cable Couplers and ceiling attachments in general hold the cable to a structural attachment point by capturing the terminal (stop-sleeve).
What does the cable terminal (stop-sleeve) do?
The terminal at the end of the cable allows the cable to be connected to the cable coupler. Our fittings usually attain the full-published break strength of the cable alone and are proof loaded to 60% of that value.
What type of Cable Coupler should I use?
Normally the cable coupler attaches to a ¼-20 stud at the ceiling. This stud could be part of a bracket-bar (cross-bar) attached to a junction-box, or in the form of a T-bar clip or any structurally mounted ¼-20 or 3/8-16 threaded stud. Please refer to our Cable Couplers & Connectors section to find the correct coupler for your application.
What type of cable do I need?
The cable has to be 7x7 or 7x19 stranded aircraft cable in stainless or galvanized steel. Cables should have factory installed terminals (stop-sleeves). The cable diameter depends of the weight of the fixture. Check the Weight Load Guidelines to determine Glider and cable combinations
How much weight will the cable hold?
The cable industry works on a safety ratio of 5:1. In other words your Glider and cable combination should be 5 times stronger then the weight they have to support. To determine the correct Glider and cable combination, see our Weight Load Guidelines in the Technical section. The 5:1 ratio has been applied to the figures in black. Please adhere strictly to them.
What’s the difference between galvanized and stainless cable?
Both Stainless Steel and Galvanized Aircraft Cable have approximately the same break strength. Galvanized cable is less expensive and is used in 90% of all lighting applications. Griplock stocks both types. For details see About Aircraft Cable.
Can I cut the cable myself?
Yes, you can, but you should use a purpose-built Cable Cutter, which you can find under Miscellaneous. We recommend using a drop of super glue on the fresh cut to prevent the cable from fraying.
Can I crimp my own terminals and cable loops?
Griplock Systems strongly discourages this. Doing so will void our warrantee for the entire suspension system.
Does cable stretch?
Not significantly.
What types of Cable Gliders are available?
There’s a wide variety, but there are two distinct types. The Straight-Thru’ or standard Glider allows the cable to exit through the Glider’s thread into the fixture. The Side-Cable-Exit Glider allows the cable to exit the Glider from the side of the body before the Glider enters the fixture, eliminating the possibility of a short circuit.
What are Gliders made of?
Most are made of nickel-plated brass. Some, like the 15-1420 series and the 18-1032 are of nickel-plated steel. The internal mechanism is stainless steel and brass. Other finishes include satin-chrome and black zinc.
Is a Glider/cable combination as strong as the cable alone?
It is not. For example, 1/16” cable has a minimum break-strength of 475Lbs. Type-15 Griplock Gliders will break 1/16” cable at about 350 lbs. CableFast Gliders will break 1/16” cable at about 275 lbs. For detailed information see our Weight Load Guidelines.
Can I make my lighting fixtures earthquake compliant?
Please refer to our section on Seismic Bracing.
Can I use your products out of doors?
Generally not, but Griplock products may be used outside for temporary rigging purposes.
Can I use your products for indoor pools?
The chemical atmosphere in most indoor pool areas can be detrimental to certain materials over time. Please consult with the Sales Team for more information.