Light Fixture Installation Tips for Construction Electricians

In industrial and commercial settings, light fixture installation is fairly straightforward work — which is why efficiency and precision are so important. A successful job will minimize onsite waste, allowing electricians to focus on the job at hand.

That’s sometimes easier said than done. Light fixtures are notoriously fragile, even when kept in their packaging. Removing that packaging prior to transport means risking damage and lost product. Leaving the fixtures in the packaging until the moment of installation creates an unnecessary bottleneck, and on larger jobs, that bottleneck can be expensive.

To solve these issues, employers should make sure that their electricians have the equipment they need to do their jobs quickly and effectively. That starts with sourcing specialized material handling equipment that can promote productivity and ergonomics.

Invest in material handling equipment designed for light fixtures.

Securing light fixtures to a cart can speed up installation times through improved material handling. BHS Light Fixture Carts (LFC) are specifically designed for this specialized task, yielding major benefits for both employers and employees.

Constructed with heavy-duty formed steel, the LFC features vinyl edging to protect fixtures. Unlike a standard material cart, the Light Fixture Cart keeps fixtures separated, holding up to 48 2-foot by 2-foot fixtures or 24 2-foot by 4-foot fixtures. Custom models are available, so buyers can select a cart size that optimizes material handling efficiency in any type of facility.

The LFC has two swiveling casters and two locked casters, ensuring easy travel throughout a facility, and removable locking bars on both sides of the unit protect fixtures during travel or storage. Because the shelves are designed for common light fixtures, products stay completely stationary when the cart is moved. The cart has a total load limit of 1,000 pounds, ideal for larger jobs where frequent supply runs would slow down the project.

Don’t neglect ergonomics during light fixture installations.

Electricians should prioritize ergonomics throughout the installation process. That means avoiding bending, twisting, heavy lifting, and other unnatural motions that increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) over time. Workers should always perform installations comfortably, and every aspect of the process should be considered; that certainly includes transporting materials to and from the job site.

Light fixtures can be heavy and awkward, and moving them from one location to the next isn’t exactly a pleasant experience. With that said, for major jobs, few electricians would simply carry individual fixtures from place to place. Instead, they rely on non-specialized carts, which creates an ergonomic hazard: As the job goes on, electricians are compelled to bend and lift repeatedly, and the simple act of navigating the cart to the installation site can require frequent lifting and awkward movements.

The Light Fixture Cart is designed to minimize ergonomic hazards, which naturally improves efficiency. Workers simply slide each fixture out of the cart as needed. The LFC’s other features keep construction electricians focused on their work: Light fixture packaging can be stored with the cart, eliminating the need for frequent clean-up, and an included plastic sleeve provides a safe space for paperwork. Thanks to its locking casters, the LFC also functions as a protective storage unit for electrical supply houses.

Invest in appropriate equipment for every aspect of an electrical installation project.

The Light Fixture Cart is essential for safe, efficient light fixture installation, and it’s an excellent example of the value of appropriate material handling equipment. Other ergonomic carts can help to keep electricians productive and safe:

• Conduit Carrier Cart (CC-3K-6032) - This slim steel cart can handle 3,000 pounds of conduit, allowing fast transport of materials through narrow aisles where forklifts can’t fit. Models are available with load capacities ranging from 1,500 to 6,000 pounds.
• Transformer Cart (TC-3042) - With integrated fork pockets, a combination of rigid and swivel casters, and a 1,500-pound capacity, Transformer Carts allow for convenient handling of most standard transformers and distribution panels. Custom sizing and designs are available.
• Reel Sherpa Cradle and Reel Sherpa Stacker (RSC-5K and RSS-5K) - Wire, cable, and reels require appropriate safeguards during transport and storage. The Reel Sherpa Cradle houses reels up to 55" wide and 52" deep, protecting product and allowing for safe storage, while the Reel Sherpa Stacker is a storage cradle specially designed for heavy-duty reels. Both products can be moved via forklift and greatly simplify wire & cable deployment.

Every business that employs construction electricians should carefully consider material handling efficiency to ensure the best possible throughput and the safest possible working conditions. Solus Group offers a range of products to make this process easier. To discuss custom options for your operation or to learn more about electrical material handling equipment, contact our sales team at 314.696.0200.