The two main components when considering a pallet rack system are the upright frame and beam. The upright frame is the main structure that stands in a vertical position, while the horizontal beam determines the size of the bay and holds the load. To select the proper pallet racking for your application you will need to know the following: size and weight of the pallets to be stored, the height of the pallets loaded with product, and the clear height to the ceiling. We believe that it is important to select Industry Standard teardrop style pallet rack. Standard rack is available from a number of manufacturers in short lead-times. See Reasons to use Industry Standard Rack.
-- UPRIGHTS --
Determine Depth
The upright frame should be 6" shallower than the size of the pallet. This allows 3" of overhang on the front and back of the beam for safe placement of pallets onto the rack. Uprights with a 42" depth, for 48" pallets, are the most common in use today. Skids may be stored on 36" deep rack. Oversize loads or sheet goods, such as 4' x 8' plywood, are usually stored on 42" or 48" deep uprights.
Determine Capacity
Since 1997, upright capacities are determined by the maximum distance between beam levels. Each manufacturer determines the rating for their own rack and has submitted it to the Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI) for approval. General statements, such as "20,000 pound upright" are incorrect. A user should make sure that the ratings chart is provided with any quotation for pallet rack uprights. The load capacities for our pallet rack are detailed in this CHART
Example: An upright with 3" x 3" columns and beam levels at 6', 12' and 20', has a maximum beam spacing of 96". According to the capacity chart, the upright has a 10019 pound capacity. The same upright with beams spaced regularly at 60", has a capacity of 18,877 pounds. These ratings reflect a safety factor of 1.95:1 based on minimum yield of steel. All capacities are based on vertical loads in Earthquake Zone 1. Contact Atlas Handling to request more information on Pallet Racking for other Earthquake Zones.
Determine Height
To achieve proper height of frame, measure the vertical dimensions of the full pallet load and beam. Add an extra 4" to 6" for clearance between bottom of beam and top of load. We suggest that the higher the beam level from the floor, the more free clearance be allowed for ease of placement with a forklift. The top beam should be 6" lower than the maximum lifting height of your forklift. Consideration should be given to Local Fire Code and National Fire Codes for clearance from product to sprinkler heads or other overhead obstructions.
-- BEAMS --
Beams are a one-piece design and vary in depth and width. All industry standard beams have a step for the purpose of accepting accessories. Heavy gauge end plates are designed with three high strength buttonhead studs which fit into the upright frame. The cadmium plated safety lock prevents accidental beam dislodgment and automatically engages to prevent human error. Safety locks are field-replaceable in case of damage. Beams are adjustable on 2" centers in the upright. Beams are provided with powder coated baked polyester finish for durability.
Determine Length
Standard beam lengths are 8', 9' and 12'. Eight-foot beams are used for two pallet positions in situations where the pallets do not have excess overhang on the sides and the aisle width is adequate to turn the lift equipment for pallet placement in the rack. Nine-foot beams are used for pallets with overhang on the sides or for smaller aisle widths. A twelve-foot beam stores 3 pallets. We also stock 48" and 120" beams for other applications.
Determine Capacity
The most common sizes and lengths of beams are listed in this CHART with capacities provided for evenly distributed loads per pair of beams. Allowable deflection of the beam is based on 1/180th of the beam span.
-- ANCHORING --
The Rack Manufacturers Institute specification states that any pallet rack over 12' must be anchored to the floor. We recommend that any height of pallet rack used in conjunction with power equipment; stackers, electric pallet jacks or any variety of forklift, be anchored. A ½" by 3 ¾" wedge anchor is suggested.
-- ACCESSORIES --
Row Spacers
For back to back set ups of pallet rack, row spacers are utilized to provide a stabilizing connection. Rigid Wall Ties may be used for Rack-to-Wall configuration to provide stability and consistent spacing from the wall.
Safety Bars
Safety Bars or Drop-Ins are metal cross bars that assure proper load balance and prevent misplaced pallets from falling through. Safety bars would be used instead of wire decks.
Wire Decks
Wire decks are utilized to prevent fall-through of pallets and meet requirements for Fire Suppression systems. Wire decking is ideal for operations where pallet sizes vary. A 42" deck will support an underside pallet that does not rest on the beams. Wire decking is designed for the specific beam and upright sizes. Decks for standard industry racking are readily available. Capacities range from 2500 pounds to 3000 pounds per deck. A wide range of accessory items are available for wire decks: vertical dividers, hanging dividers, and carton stop/flue vent spacers.
Column Protectors
Column Protectors are used to shield the base of the upright column in vulnerable areas. The uprights on the ends of rows, the uprights on each side of a tunnel or closest to major forklift lanes are most likely to be damaged by forklift impact. We recommend that 18" tall column protectors be used in those areas.
Other Accessories
Some of the other accessories available for pallet rack are drum coil beds, skid channels, forklift entry bars and coil cradles. Vertical separators and shelf supports can be used to create displays for retail organizations or hand pick areas for warehouses.
Other Options
- Pallet rack is available in numerous colors and sizes by order.
- Steel clad impact panels are made by welding steel inserts to the inside of a regular column to provide triple the impact resistance of a standard upright frame.
- Structural racks are available for heavy-duty applications.
Contact Atlas Handling for assistance on designing a rack system to meet your specific requirements. We can also provide layouts and details of each rack system.
