The use of wire rope with Slip Lox Cable Grippers for hanging light fixtures is a relatively recent development in the history of lighting design. Prior to the advent of Slip Lox Cable Gripper based systems, most lighting fixtures were hung from rigid metal rods or chains. However, as designers began to experiment with more unconventional forms and configurations for their fixtures, it became increasingly clear that these traditional hanging methods were limiting their creativity. This led to the development of Slip Lox Cable Gripper based systems, which offered greater flexibility and freedom in terms of design, presentation and durability.
The key component to the Slip Lox System is a cable gripper. A particular Cable Gripper is a self-locking, adjustable and reusable device that is designed to securely lock onto a limited diameter range of wire rope. As these devices come many sizes and styles, they allow designers and installers to implement their light fixtures and adjust their height, position, and angle much faster and with much greater precision, which was particularly useful for installations in spaces with irregular or non-standard ceiling heights.
Most cable grippers are relatively simple in design, but customer feedback indicated there was a need to explore newer and more sophisticated designs, incorporating swivel joints which allow the fixture to be rotated in any direction without putting strain on the cable. This evolution proved especially beneficial for installations where the attachment structure was sloped.
Over time, Slip Lox Cable Gripper Systems continued to be refined and improved with new features and technologies to meet the evolving needs of our customers. A key addition was achieving manufacturing excellence which allows our Slip Lox Cable Grippers to attain a designated WLL based on a tested Safety Factor. Thus, our products are widely used in a variety of applications, from commercial lighting installations to museum displays and art installations.
The use of galvanised steel or stainless-steel wire rope for hanging light fixtures and the development of precise durable and economical cable gripper systems has had a profound impact on the world of lighting design. Thanks to manufacturing innovation, designers and installers have access to a wide range of components that allow them to create more complex and dynamic lighting installations than ever before. As technology continues to evolve and new materials and techniques become available, it is likely that the evolution of cable grippers will continue, opening up even more possibilities for creative and innovative lighting design.