What is a Fixture Hickey? - Oleosymusica.blog

Function

A fixture hickey is a component used in electrical installations, particularly in lamp making and lighting fixtures. Its primary function is to create a rigid connection between two pipes, ensuring the stability and strength of the overall structure. Fixture hickeys often feature side holes that serve as wire exits, allowing for organized wire management within the fixture.

Usage

Fixture hickeys find extensive usage in various applications, including lamp bodies, chandeliers, and ceiling boxes. In lamp bodies, hickeys provide a secure attachment point for lampshades and other components. Chandeliers, with their multiple arms and intricate designs, rely on hickeys to ensure the stability and proper alignment of each arm. In ceiling boxes, hickeys aid in securely mounting lighting fixtures to the ceiling surface.

Materials

Fixture hickeys are typically made from durable materials such as cast iron or malleable iron. Cast iron hickeys offer exceptional strength and stability, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications. On the other hand, malleable iron hickeys provide a balance of strength and flexibility, allowing for easier installation and adjustment.

Strength and Stability

The use of fixture hickeys is crucial for maintaining the strength and stability of metal structures in lamp making and lighting fixtures. By providing a secure connection between pipes, hickeys ensure that the structure can withstand the weight of the components and any external forces. This helps prevent damage or failure, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the fixture.

Variety

Fixture hickeys come in various pipe thread configurations, offering versatility and compatibility with different project requirements. The availability of different thread sizes and types allows electricians and lamp makers to select the appropriate hickey that matches the specific pipe diameter and material. This variety enables flexibility in design and installation, accommodating a wide range of applications.

Decline in Usage

In modern electrical installations, fixture hickeys are considered less common and are not typically found in standard electrical boxes. Advancements in electrical fittings and fixture designs have introduced alternative solutions that offer greater convenience and adaptability. These alternatives, such as threaded rods, threaded nipples, and adjustable mounting brackets, provide easier installation, adjustability, and compatibility with modern electrical systems.

In conclusion, a fixture hickey is an essential component in lamp making and lighting fixtures, providing a rigid connection between pipes and contributing to the strength and stability of the overall structure. Made from materials like cast iron or malleable iron, hickeys offer durability and reliability. While their usage has declined in modern electrical installations, fixture hickeys continue to serve as reliable solutions in traditional lighting applications.

Sources:

Grand Brass Lamp Parts, LLC. “Lighting Fixture Hickeys.” Retrieved from: https://grandbrass.com/hickeys/
Grand Brass Lamp Parts, LLC. “Cast Iron Hickeys.” Retrieved from: https://grandbrass.com/hickeys/cast-iron-hickeys/
Mike Holt Enterprises. “What is a hickey?” Retrieved from: https://forums.mikeholt.com/threads/what-is-a-hickey.89377/

FAQs

What is the function of a fixture hickey?

A fixture hickey serves the function of creating a rigid connection between two pipes in lamp making and lighting fixtures. It ensures the stability and strength of the structure and often features side holes for wire exits.

Where are fixture hickeys commonly used?

Fixture hickeys are commonly used in lamp bodies, chandeliers, and ceiling boxes. They provide a secure attachment point for lampshades, aid in stabilizing chandelier arms, and help mount lighting fixtures to ceilings.

What materials are fixture hickeys made from?

Fixture hickeys are typically made from durable materials such as cast iron or malleable iron. Cast iron hickeys offer exceptional strength and stability, while malleable iron hickeys provide a balance of strength and flexibility for easier installation and adjustment.

What role do fixture hickeys play in ensuring strength and stability?

Fixture hickeys play a critical role in ensuring the strength and stability of metal structures in lamp making and lighting fixtures. By creating a secure connection between pipes, they help the structure withstand weight and external forces, reducing the risk of damage or failure.

Are there different types of thread configurations available for fixture hickeys?

Yes, there are various pipe thread configurations available for fixture hickeys. This allows for compatibility with different pipe diameters and materials, providing flexibility in design and installation.

Are fixture hickeys commonly found in modern electrical boxes?

No, fixture hickeys are considered less common in modern electrical installations. They are often regarded as traditional solutions, as advancements in electrical fittings and fixture designs have introduced alternative options that offer greater convenience, adjustability, and compatibility with modern electrical systems.

Can fixture hickeys be used in other applications besides lighting fixtures?

While fixture hickeys are primarily used in lamp making and lighting fixtures, they can potentially be used in other applications that require a rigid connection between pipes, as long as the size and thread configurations match the specific requirements of the application.

How do fixture hickeys contribute to wire management within lighting fixtures?

Fixture hickeys often feature side holes that serve as wire exits. These side holes allow electrical wiring to pass through, facilitating organized wire management within the fixture and helping maintain a neat appearance.