How much weight can a cord handle?

[VirutalElectrician]

I've been tasked with building some custom pendant lights.

They don't want a chain, but just to hang by the cord.

I see many pendant lights that do just that....But my question is, how do you calculate how much weight you can put on a length of cable, say 18/3 SJEOW at 3'?

And when can you just use a simple friction based cord grip, ie something like https://www.amazon.com/Sigma-Electr...lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER vs needing a Kellum strain relief?

The weight of the fixture itself will be about 4 pounds.

 

[hbiss]

If anybody can answer that question or offer suggestions it's these guys. Grand Brass Lamp Parts

-Hal

 

[roger]

Not trying to cause any problems and let me say, I do not like this code section but for liability reasons take a look at 410.6

 

[ptonsparky]

There is a company in an area town that builds custom fixtures. UL. Cost, I'm sure, is relative to quantity.

 

[hbiss]

Not an answer to the UL problem, but digging around the Grand site I see that they offer pendent light kits. These come with 15 ft of SVT that can support 15 lbs. So, that answers that question. https://grandbrass.com/e-26-wire-pendant-kit-with-15ft-svt-wire/

-Hal

 

[tom baker]

If anybody can answer that question or offer suggestions it's these guys. Grand Brass Lamp Parts

-Hal

Amazing what they carry

 

[Flicker Index]

That's a good question.
IKEA sells "lamp kit" which is basically a cord with an E26 socket. You buy the decorative shade separately. No mentions about weight limit of the E26 lamp bulb and some L.E.D. type lamp bulbs can get quite heavy.

 

[hbiss]

No mentions about weight limit of the E26 lamp bulb and some L.E.D. type lamp bulbs can get quite heavy.

Well, if Grand has a kit that uses SVT which is regular 18/2 zip or lamp cord and limits it to 5 lbs, I'm sure 18/3 SJEOOW with its strength members will handle many times more.

Only thing that I would advise to the OP is that he choose one of these strain reliefs on this page instead of those water proof connectors he was thinking of. https://grandbrass.com/1-4ips-male-...ith-nylon-set-screw-black-powdercoated-brass/

-Hal

 

[LarryFine]

They sell 18/3 SJTOOW on that page, too.