Zarnicy 16ft Pendant Light Review: Worth It?
- Generous 16ft cord length
- UL certified for safety
- Easy for DIY projects
- Includes hanging hooks
- Convenient rocker switch
- Not dimmable
- Maximum 60W bulb limit
16FT Length
UL Certified Safety
E26/E27 Socket
Includes Installation Hardware
Check PriceI recently put the Zarnicy 16ft Plug-in Pendant Light Cord kit to the test for a custom lighting setup in my craft room. This E26/E27 socket provided a simple, flexible solution for adding supplemental light without needing any electrical work, and I used it extensively for about ten days.
First Impressions & Build Quality
Out of the box, the 16-foot cord felt generous, offering plenty of length for positioning a light exactly where I needed it. The black PVC cord material felt durable and substantial enough for prolonged indoor use. I immediately noticed the UL certification, which always provides peace of mind when dealing with electrical components.
The E26/E27 socket securely held my standard LED bulbs, and the included socket ring was essential for attaching a lightweight lampshade I had on hand.
Installation & Versatility
Setting up this pendant light cord was incredibly straightforward. I simply screwed in an E26 base bulb, plugged the cord into an outlet, and flipped the rocker switch. The kit includes two ceiling hooks and two cord hooks, which were quite helpful for neatly routing the cord along a ceiling beam and down a wall.
I initially used it to create a custom hanging light over a workspace, and later repurposed it for a small indoor plant setup. The ease of installation and ability to reposition the light made it very versatile for different applications.
Performance & Limitations
The rocker switch, located approximately 3.28 feet from the plug, is conveniently placed for easy access, whether the light is hanging high or low. The unit specifies a maximum bulb wattage of 60W, which is perfectly adequate for the energy-efficient LED bulbs I primarily use. I tested it with a 13W (100W equivalent) LED bulb, and it operated flawlessly without any signs of overheating.
It’s important to note that this light cord is not dimmable. This wasn’t a drawback for my specific needs, as I wanted consistent brightness for task lighting, but it’s a factor to consider if you require adjustable light levels.
What I Liked
- Generous Length: The 16-foot cord provided excellent flexibility for placement.
- UL Certified: Safety is a priority, and the UL listing offers reassurance.
- DIY Ready: The included hooks and socket ring make it easy to create custom lighting solutions.
- Simple Operation: Plug-and-play functionality with a well-placed on/off switch.
What Could Be Better
- Not Dimmable: For those needing ambient lighting, the lack of dimming capability is a limitation.
- Single Socket Ring: While sufficient for one shade, some customers in the reviews noted a desire for more than one “O” ring per socket, especially if they were experimenting with different shades. My kit had one, and it worked for my single-shade project.
- Switch Placement: A few customers mentioned the switch being closer to the outlet than the light. While 3.28 feet from the plug is practical for many uses, in some ceiling-hung setups, it might necessitate extra cord management to keep the switch easily accessible.
Who It’s For
This Zarnicy pendant light cord is an excellent choice for DIY enthusiasts looking to craft unique light fixtures, anyone needing a quick and easy supplementary light source in a workshop or dorm room, or indoor gardeners setting up grow lights. It’s also ideal for adding accent lighting without the complexity of hardwiring.
Alternatives
For a straightforward, non-dimmable alternative, I’ve previously used Ikea’s Hemma cord sets. They offer similar basic functionality but often come in shorter lengths and don’t always include the hanging hardware. If dimmable functionality is crucial, you’d need to explore specialized “dimmable pendant cord kits,” which typically come at a higher price point.
Conclusion
The Zarnicy 16ft Plug-in Pendant Light Cord is a reliable and practical product. Its generous cord length, UL certification, and included installation hardware make it a solid choice for a variety of DIY lighting projects. While it lacks dimming capabilities, it excels at its core function, providing simple, safe, and easy-to-install illumination.