You have the right idea. If you are making a object which is to have subdivision switched on, you don't need so much detail in the object - subdivision adds that.
Try downloading the file
www.ac3d.org/ac3d/forumpics/cable.ac
If you have having trouble working on an object because it's obscured by others, use hide and lock (on conbtrol panel).
The model looks great - like a futuristic laboratory machine - what is it?
Andy