Calculation model

The tool converts every length input to meters, then models the hanging portion of the cable as a catenary curve from the ceiling anchor. The floor length input is measured from the hanging socket projection to the specified floor end, so the target floor end is recalculated when the socket position changes.

It first solves the floor-clearing curve. If that curve's ceiling angle is larger than the selected maximum, it recalculates the hanging curve using the selected angle, stops the curve at the first floor contact, then adds the horizontal floor run from that contact point to the specified floor end.

Core equations

• Unit conversion: all distance inputs are normalized to meters before geometry is solved.
• Straight distance: square-root of horizontal span squared plus vertical difference squared.
• Total cable to floor contact: the solved hanging curve length from the ceiling anchor to the first point where the cable touches the selected floor or clearance line.
• Minimum cable from socket to floor end: curved cable length from the socket to first floor contact plus the horizontal floor run to the specified floor end.
• Catenary shape: y = a cosh((x - x0) / a) + c, where a is horizontal tension divided by cable weight.
• Ceiling angle: angle between the vertical reference line and the cable tangent near the ceiling anchor.
• Required cable length: minimum cable from socket to floor end plus the actual length added input.