Sprinkler Shield Installation Guide
Racking Safety Wire Installation Manual
Overview
This guide explains how to correctly install the Sprinkler Shield system.
Sprinkler Shield provides:
• Visual guidance for better pallet placement near sprinkler heads
• Physical protection and positive feedback to operator to protect sprinkler heads
Correct installation ensures:
• Proper height alignment to sprinkler head.
• Lightly tension wire.
• Secure fixing at both ends
• No interference with sprinkler operation
Product Overview
Sprinkler Shield reduces the risk of:
• Accidental sprinkler head damage
• Water discharge
• Loss of storage capacity
It is particularly suited to racking systems where sprinklers are:
• Not fully protected by flues
• Not shielded by rear beams
• Installed as face sprinklers
The system:
• Acts as a visual guide during pallet put-away
• Provides physical resistance if contacted
• Delivers over 500 kg of push-back resistance under load
Installation uses:
• 3 mm 7×7 wire rope
• 8 mm high-visibility yellow sleeve
• Gripple fixing technology
• Existing bracing holes in racking uprights
What's Included in Your SprinklerShield Kit
Each kit contains:
- 3 mm wire rope with either 8 mm stud end or carabiner clip (if the wire end you have does not suit your racking please ring 01925 710923 for support)
- Yellow sleeve (pre-fitted)
- Small yellow cable ties
- No.3 Gripple release key
- 8 mm washer
- 8 mm serrated flange nut
- 2 single-arrow yellow level labels
- 3 double-arrow yellow level labels
- 200 mm rack-end warning sign
- Double-sided adhesive pads
Tools and Equipment
Minimum tools:
- 13 mm spanner (or adjustable spanner)
- Pair of reasonable scissors.
Optional: Before starting:
- Ensure RAMS and SSOW are in place
- Close aisles where required
- Follow site-specific working-at-height procedures
Important:
- Do not cut the wire rope, as the wire ends are fused to prevent fraying
- Cutting will cause fraying
- Wear gloves to reduce risk of minor cuts
- Take care when leaning into racking
Installation
Pre-installation
- Ensure bracing holes are accessible
- Confirm stock does not obstruct access
- Make sure working area is safe and clear
STEP 1 – UNCOIL THE WIRE
- Thread the end back through the coil
- Remove twists
- Ensure sleeve is straight
STEP 2 – FIX THE FIRST END (STUD/CARABINER END)
- Insert stud through appropriate bracing hole
- Fit washer and flange nut
- Tighten only one-third to one-half of stud length
- You need the thread to tension the wire later.
STEP 3 – THREAD THROUGH BAYS
• Move to the next frame
• Pass wire and sleeve through bracing hole
• Repeat across required bays (typically two frames)
• Keep the small yellow cable tie on the sleeve where possible
STEP 4 – INSTALL THE GRIPPLE
• Slide sleeve back to expose enough bare wire
• Position Gripple close to the racking frame
• Thread wire through Gripple where marked with the arrow
• Loop through bracing hole(s)
• Feedback through Gripple
• Pull tail end firmly by hand to apply as much tension as possible by hand. You won’t get it tight at this stage, but as much tension here helps later on.
KEEP THE GRIPPLE LOCK VERY CLOSE TO THE FRAME AT ALL TIMES.
DON’T SLIDE IT DOWN THE WIRE BUT FEED THE WIRE THROUGH INSTEAD
THIS ENSURES YOU DON’T HAVE TO REPOSITION THE GRIPPLE LATER
STEP 5 – APPLY TENSION
- Return to the stud end
- Tighten the flange nut until the wire runs straight across the bays
- Apply light tension only
- Do not over-tighten
STEP 6 – FINISH THE SLEEVE AND TAIL
• Slide sleeve into final position
• Trim sleeve neatly
• Reposition cable tie at sleeve end
• Use additional cable ties to secure excess wire
• Do not cut the wire
Level Labels
The kit includes:
• 2 single-arrow labels for the ends of the run
• 3 double-arrow labels for the middle bays
Installation:
• Clean the surface first
• Apply labels to a flat surface
• Avoid beam connectors where possible
Warning Sign:
• Apply adhesive pads to the rear of the sign
• Remove protective liners
• Fix sign to a clean rack frame
• Ensure surface is free from dust
Final Inspections
Check:
- Wire alignment
- Even tension
- Secure fixings
- Correct label placement
If support is required, contact 01925 710923.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
After 1 week
The wire may stretch slightly after installation.
If slack or slight bowing appears:
- Tighten the stud end slightly
- Apply only minor adjustment
Maintenance and Inspection
Maintenance and Inspection
No routine maintenance required
• Conduct periodic visual inspections
• Replace the system if the wire becomes severely stretched or damaged
In the Event of an Impact
In the Event of an Impact
If struck by a forklift truck:
• The wire may stretch
• Re-tensioning may not be possible
• Replacement may be required
Removal Procedure
1. Loosen the flange nut to release tension
2. Attempt to release the Gripple using the release key but this is normally difficult as the gripple has gripped into the wire marking release difficult.
If release is not possible:
Cut the wire between the gripple and the rack frame with wire cutters or snips and remove completely.
Technical Specification
Wire Rope:
• Diameter: 3 mm
• Construction: 7×7
• Breaking strain: over 500 kg (see testing document)
Sleeve:
• 8 mm expandable braided PET
• Self-extinguishing
• Operating temperature range: -50°C to +150°C
Fixings:
• Gripple system
• Hydraulic swaged stud end
Contact and Support
Elan Europe Limited
Oakland House
21 Hope Carr Road
Leigh
Greater Manchester
WN7 3ET
01925 710923
[email protected]
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