Fixture lift ?

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celtic

celtic

Senior Member
Location
NJ
I have heard of these things, but never seen one.
Does anyone have any info on a fixture lift - to raise/lower a lighting fixture for cleaning, relamping, etc. I'll be needing one to drop/lift a large chandelier about 40'.


I found one from Alladin (http://www.aplussupply.com/lighting/lift/lift.html)...any other manufacturers out there?

[EDIT: Found 1]

[ July 19, 2005, 12:13 AM: Message edited by: celtic ]
 
Re: Fixture lift ?

Would a ac jack heip out? I know ive used these to put up new chadiliers in the past. However it wasnt quite 40 ft.
 
Re: Fixture lift ?

A jack might get it UP...but then relamping/cleaning becomes an issue.
The fixture is in the foyer of a McMansion - so space is a bit tight for getting scaffolding in :mad: and that would probably mar the walls, marble floors or oak spiral staircase with one careless move. So every 6 months, you be safe, spend a day building/removing the scaffolding and a day cleaning/relamping...3 guys x 8 hours x 2 days = 48 man-hours at $xx/hour.
In two years you recap that cost by installing a lift system now...
 
Re: Fixture lift ?

I did one for a place in SF with a SF EC, we had a remote hoist with pulley above fixture, with a make/break contact at ceiling. You need attic space for equipment. will write or call that EC for info if needed.

paul
 
Re: Fixture lift ?

Thanks paul.

The only decent info I have found so far it at the site referenced above.

Any additional info would be appreciated.
 
Re: Fixture lift ?

Just a couple of "heads up" issues you should be aware of :
a) This is the most important one - try to get your customer to commit to the weight of the chandelier they're buying. The lift units come in 200, 300 and 400 lb ratings. I recently installed a 300 lb lift and my customer purchased a 280 lb chandelier. The lift really works hard to hoist the fixture to the ceiling. Had I known I would have went to the next higher rated lift.

b) If a medallion is being installed on the ceiling you'll have to cut away the excess foam material and drop down the adjustable box so it's flush with the bottom of the medallion. Also, if there is a medallion and if there is 1/2" flooring in the attic you'll have to cut away the flooring and position the versa-bar struts right onto the rafters. If you don't, the adjustable extension conduit for cable will be too short.

c) If you're installing this as a remodel unit and can't get the remote control cable down into the guest closet in the foyer you'll have to use X-10 switching ro raise and lower the unit. Two units - one for up and one for down
 
Re: Fixture lift ?

I have Installed many chandelier lifts for priceless fixtures some as heavy as 1100 lbs. The ones I like the best are the ones which have a keyed stem on them and spin into place when they reach the top and actually rest the cam in a cradle taking the weight off of the cable. These lifts have a very complicated control module which fits into a deep 2 gang box. It works on a timer for lowering which causes multiple problems if the cam does not disengage it unwinds 40 foot of cable into the attic. When the cable is lowered too far and starts to rewind in the opposite direction it starts to lift the fixture again and the computer still thinks it is lowering when it hits the safety contacts at the top it jams in a control circuit which the computer does not recognize and someone has to climb a 52 foot custom scaffold to dislodge the fixture this happens when your Boss doesnt ask for your help installing even though you have told him you have experience instaling dozens of these units. The most important safety feature is that the control switch be in sight of the chandelier which you are trying to lift.I know this sounds like common sence but believe me it needs to be said for safetys sake. The biggest problem with the genie unit I feel is that the fixture is constantly being hung on the cable it does not lock in to anything just hits a microswitch at the top to stop the motor. pay close attention to the instructions as I have seen people start winding the cable the wrong direction this causes control problems as the module thinks it is raising when lowering and vice versa. this is of course only my humble opinion. Sparky
 
Re: Fixture lift ?

I have installed the Alladin lift before. self contaned unit, the light box holds no weight, about $600 to start for unit. can seperate power for lift and lights. Need to set light box just right to work right(emt from box to unit need to be lined up). low volt wire for controler. in SG box, comes with plate.
 
Re: Fixture lift ?

Wilshire makes a lift which is far superior to Aladdin, IMO. I've installed both. Aladdin has 2 plates which must make perfect contact in the top position. Wilshire has cord which stays connected to fixture entire length of travel, with fine adjustments at the unit in attic to set upward limit. I can't remember all of the advantages of Wilshire off the top of my head, but there were enough for me so that I will always use the Wilshire over Aladdin. Wilshire does cost more, though. One other advantage if I remember right is raising and lowering speed.

edit: spelling

[ March 01, 2006, 12:23 PM: Message edited by: j_erickson ]
 
Re: Fixture lift ?

clicked wrong button if a moderator can delete this for me? I don't think I can delete a post, can I?

[ March 01, 2006, 12:26 PM: Message edited by: j_erickson ]
 
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