Cable Track Lighting For Cathedral Ceilings

Cable track lighting can be used to practical and interesting effect in rooms with cathedral ceilings. This form of lighting is well-suited for the open spaces that are inherent in such a design. There are actually two different kinds of cable lighting that are used for this purpose.

The first is a two-cable lighting system that uses 10-gauge nickel tin-plated cable reinforced with Kevlar. The two cables run parallel to each other and are held at each end by turnbuckles. If the cables are more than 20 feet long, you will need to add vertical supports.

Fixtures are connected on the cable to each side. The fixtures sit in the middle. For cable track lighting, the fixtures are usually the same along the cable, as opposed to monorail lighting, where the fixtures often vary on one monorail. When you have an especially heavy fixture, you might want supports before and after the fixture's location on the cable.

Small Light Fixtures

When you use this form of low voltage cable lighting, the fixtures are relatively small. They will look like delicate objects floating in the air overhead. Because of the high-intensity, energy efficient bulbs that are used in the fixtures, they still put off adequate light. You can put them down about seven to nine feet from the floor with no adjustments to the normal directions.

Cable track lighting fixtures can be modern, such as colorful metallic cones. It can be more graceful, like fire-shaped pendants. Some cable lighting fixtures are just like the traditional track heads seen on old track lighting systems. Others are clear glass or have a white interior for maximum illumination.

Besa Cable Lighting

However, you might want fixtures that make more of a show. Besa is a company that makes a different kind of cable lighting. The fixtures are much bigger. Instead of a six inch teardrop pendant, you would more likely see a fifteen inch one. Globe pendants are as large as twenty four inches. There is even a thirty six inch cylindrical pendant.

These pendants are made from high-quality glass. The glass is hand-blown and the process is achieved in style. The fixtures can be made for line voltage of 120 volts or low voltage 12 volt applications. When you see these pendants overhead, you will have no doubt about what you are seeing.

Maxi-Cable

This lighting is easily seen. Yet, the cable is thicker, and there are three cables instead of two. It is not the standard type of track lighting. The cables, though, are not noticeable. Even though they are larger, they are still small in the scheme of things. It is also high up, so it is less likely to be seen for that reason alone.

There are advantages to the usual cable track lighting and to Besa's Maxi-Cable lighting. You may not want the fixtures that light your cathedral ceiling to be noticeable. You may want light without the fuss of obvious fixtures. On the other hand, if you are willing to spend the extra money and want your fixtures to stand out, Maxi-Cable is for you.