A lamp hickey is a specialized coupling used in lighting fixtures to connect pipes or threaded rods securely and provide access for electrical wiring.
Understanding the Lamp Hickey
According to the reference provided, a lamp and lighting fixture hickey is a type of coupling that creates a rigid connection between two pipes and has side holes used for wire exits. This simple yet essential component plays a crucial role in the assembly and mounting of various lighting fixtures.
Key Features
- Coupling: Acts as a connector, joining two pieces, typically threaded pipes or studs, used in the structure of a lamp or fixture.
- Rigid Connection: Ensures stability and strength, preventing wobbling or movement between the connected parts.
- Side Holes: These distinctive holes on the side of the hickey are specifically designed to allow electrical wires to pass through easily and safely, preventing pinching or damage.
Where Are Lamp Hickeys Used?
Lamp hickeys are fundamental components found in:
- Ceiling Boxes: Often used to connect the fixture's downrod or central pipe to the mounting hardware within the electrical box in the ceiling.
- Chandelier Bodies: Provide connections within the main structure of a chandelier, supporting arms or decorative elements.
- Lamp Bodies: Utilized in table lamps, floor lamps, and other types of standalone lamps to join different sections of the body or connect to the base or harp.
Practical Applications
Consider installing a chandelier: a hickey might be screwed onto the threaded pipe coming down from the ceiling box. The central pipe of the chandelier then screws into the other end of the hickey. The fixture's wires are then fed through the side holes of the hickey and up into the ceiling box for connection.
Why Use a Lamp Hickey?
Using a lamp hickey offers several advantages:
- Structural Integrity: Creates a strong, stable point of connection.
- Wire Management: Provides a protected pathway for electrical wires, simplifying assembly and enhancing safety.
- Standardization: Allows for the easy connection of standard threaded pipes or studs used in lighting components.
In essence, the lamp hickey is a critical fitting that ensures lighting fixtures are securely assembled and properly wired.
