Cable Lighting Kit: Pre-Assembled Or DIY?

Should You Buy a Preassembled Kit or Put It Together Yourself?

A cable lighting kit may seem to be a pretty straight-forward project. It may seem that putting together a kit yourself would seem simple to anyone who is even slightly mechanically-inclined. Yet, the pre-assembled kits make it easy, so deciding which is better can be difficult.

You Have To Know the Parts

You will need to get any transformers you need, whether they are magnetic transformers or electronic transformers. You will have to know which one your system requires. You will also have to know about any wiring or remote dimmers that are needed for the project.

The cable would seem to be a no-brainer. However, there is non-insulated wire and insulated wire. You need to know which you need for which part of the job. You need to know how much to get, given the length of the run. (You need at least twice the length in the non-insulated kind.) On top of all this, some cable is made to work with certain cable lighting systems only.

Besides these main components, you will need all the parts to put it together. You will have to get power feeds, tensioners and turnbuckles, mounting hardware, and standoffs. Most importantly, you will have to get fixtures that are compatible with the system you have put together.

You Will Have to Find Your Own Instructions

Preassembled kits come with well-laid-out plans with detailed drawings and instructions on how to put together your system. When you are on your own, you will have to do research to find directions that will help you to put together the parts.

The instructions will have to be clear enough and precise enough that you will have no trouble doing the project. The good news is that you can find many such do-it-yourself instructions on the internet. There are also magazines and books with directions, but make sure they are recent or they will not apply.

This means that the project will take a lot more time if you attempt to do it without a lighting kit. If you take pride in figuring things out for yourself, this may be just what you want. On the other hand, if you feel like you are reinventing the wheel; the kit might be for you.

The Kit Has Some Drawbacks Too

The cable lighting kit offers no room for variation. If your room is longer than 20 feet, it is not likely to explain to you what you need to do. If you are doing your own research, you can find out the electrical requirements for a longer system. Buying different fixtures may be impossible, at least with some kits.

If you are buying your own components for your cable lighting kit, you have more control over the quality of the products. Finally, you just may not like following other people's ideas. No matter what your choice, you have the ability to buy and install a cable lighting system.