In most shelving applications, the cables are held to the upper structural surface by non-adjustable cable connectors, also known as Cable Couplers. When installed correctly, your shelving system will be supported by the full strength of each cable. Griplock, in accordance with Cable Industry standards, recommends using no more than 20% of the actual break strength of the cables as a Safe Working Load.
THE SAFE WORKING LOAD FOR EACH 3/32” CABLE IS 200 LBS.
Adjustable Cable Grippers are used at the Midway point where the shelves attach to the cables (Midway Components). Grippers allow the shelves to be adjusted to any desired height or angle. Grippers are also used at the floor level where they are combined with Tensioning Modules to (a) firmly grip the cables and, (b) remove any slack in the cables. Griplock recommends using no more than 20% of the actual break strength of the Gripper and cable combination as a Safe Working Load.
THE SAFE WORKING LOAD FOR EACH GRIPPER WITH 3/32” CABLE IS 100 LBS.
Disclaimer: All published weight loads for any Griplock Display System component in this section are based on the use of 3/32” stainless steel Griplock Aircraft Cable. Grippers will also accept the slightly thinner 5/64” (2.0mm) aircraft cable. In this case the Safe Working Loads are calculated at approximately 70% of the loads for 3/32” cables, as shown above and in Drawings 1 and 2.
NOTE: These systems are only as strong as the structures to which they are attached and the fasteners used to attach them. If you have any questions, please contact us directly or seek the advice of a qualified installer.
Shelving Materials & Thicknesses
We offer a variety of Midway Components designed to attach to almost any shelving material imaginable. Standard materials are wood, metal and tempered glass. Glass shelves may be up to 3/8” (10mm) thick, with beveled edges to prevent injury. Installers must determine a safe depth and width for their shelving materials to prevent sagging or breakage. When choosing a material, please note that the weight of the material itself must be factored into the total weight that the shelf and overall system can support.
Recommended Weight Loads – Single Unit Shelves
Drawing 1 shows a stand-alone 4-cable 6-shelf unit using 3/32” cable. Although the combined strength of the 4 cables is 800 lbs, the maximum allowable weight per shelf is less because the weight on each shelf may be unevenly distributed towards 2 of the 4 suspension cables. These weight limits also apply to shelving systems that are part wall mounted and part cable suspended.
Recommended Weight Loads – Multi-Unit Shelves
Drawing 2 shows a double 6-cable 6-shelf unit using 3/32” cable. Although the combined strength of the 6 cables is 1200 lbs, the maximum allowable weight per shelf is less because the weight on each shelf may be unevenly distributed towards the 2 center cables. These weight limits also apply to shelving systems that are part wall mounted and part cable suspended.
NOTE: Griplock recommends no more than 6 sets of shelves in any one unit. If you are planning on using more than 6 sets of shelving please recalculate your weight loads accordingly.
