It never ceases to amaze me how creative our customers can be when they are faced with an installation issue. Over the years, I have seen or heard of multiple unique and creative applications of our products to solve specific installation challenges. The use of suspension components and floor stand components to support ladder rack structures above cabinets qualifies as unique and creative. (Read about these in blog article: Customers Find Unique Ways to Mount Runway on Varying Height Cabinets). Although these two examples describe how these specific customer requirements were met, it is important to consider that it was not a direct fit and field modifications were required.
Best Solution
For applications requiring cabinets to support overhead ladder rack, CPI recommends the use of the Cable Runway Elevation Kit series 10506-xxx. These elevation kits are designed to address several key installation requirements. The most important aspect of the product is that the heavy duty brackets and mounting hardware are designed to properly distribute the load to the cabinet’s load bearing frame and not the cosmetic sheet metal top panel.
In addition, the hardware kit provides the necessary spacers to clear height differences between side panels, frame structure, top panel, grommets, etc. allowing the brackets to sit plumb and square. Finally, the brackets position the ladder above the cabinet to provide clearance space for radius drops. The brackets are available in two adjustable height ranges; 2”, 2.5”, 3” (50 mm, 64mm, 80mm) or 4”, 5” 6” (100 mm, 130 mm, 150 mm). For additional information on how the product mounts to the cabinet (or rack) take a look at the Cable Runway Elevation Kit Installation Instructions.
Call Us!
I’m sure we will continue to find examples of creative uses for our products beyond their original design intent. In these instances, it is important to consider the overall impact of the alternative approach to ensure structural integrity, stability, and safety. If a field assessment by a qualified technical expert is not possible, CPI’s technical staff of Technical Support Representatives, Engineers, and Product Managers may be able to help. In many cases, a non-advertised product already exists. If not, we may be able to evaluate the application and make recommendations. Sam Rodriguez, Associate Product Manager