CABLE RACKING PERTH
Overview of Cable Racking Solutions
Storing spools or drums of cable presents unique challenges – cables are heavy, cylindrical, and you often need to unwind them in place. Rackman Australia’s cable racking solutions are purpose-built to address these needs. We design racking systems that securely hold cable reels (drums) of various diameters and widths, allowing you to store them vertically and dispense cable directly from the rack. These systems are widely used by electrical suppliers, construction companies, infrastructure maintenance depots, and any industry dealing with extensive wiring or cabling.
Our cable racking typically comes in two main designs:
- Centre-supported cable racks: Heavy-duty racks where each cable drum is supported through the center by a steel spindle bar that rests on the rack frame (like an axle). This is ideal for larger, heavier cable drums with Cable Racking.
- Front-mounted cable racks: Medium-duty racks where smaller cable reels sit on cantilevered arms or brackets from the front, suitable for lighter spools that can be lifted in and out easily with Cable Racking.
We also offer lighter angle-frame designs for very small reels or coils. Both single-sided (against a wall) and double-sided configurations are available with Cable Racking, and we can customize the rack spacing and support mechanisms based on the types of cable you store.
Key Features of Rackman’s Cable Racking
- Cable racking is not one-size-fits-all – cable drums vary widely. Our systems are product-specific by design with Cable Racking. For heavy drums (e.g., large electrical mains cables or long hydraulic hoses on drums), we use a centre-support system with thick steel bars that you slide through the drum and rest on brackets. For lighter cable reels (like data cables, small wire spools), a front arm design might be used where you can simply lift reels on and off as needed. The racks are typically single-tier or two-tier (one drum above another) depending on drum diameter. We design the support spacing and weight capacity to match the largest, heaviest drum you expect to store.
- A primary benefit is being able to unreel cable directly from storage. With our centre-supported design, the drum spins on the support bar acting as an axle, allowing you to pull cable and cut desired lengths without moving the drum with Cable Racking. We can integrate tension brakes or rollers on the support bars to prevent free-spooling and to provide tension (especially useful for heavy cables that might otherwise unravel too quickly). For front-mounted systems, the arms are designed such that reels can rotate as cable is pulled. We ensure the structure remains stable during unwinding – heavy frames anchored to the floor or wall keep everything secure.
- By storing cable drums on a rack, you utilize vertical space and eliminate the sprawl of drums on the floor. Our cable racks can often be double-sided with Cable Racking (like a central A-frame with spools on both sides), which doubles capacity in the same footprint. Additionally, double-sided options let you maximize use of an aisle or open floor area with Cable Racking. We can also design racks to accommodate mixed sizes – for instance, smaller reels on upper levels and larger drums on lower levels. This tailored use of space means even a compact rack can hold a lot of cable.
- Cables are heavy (a drum of armored electrical cable can weigh hundreds of kilos), so we build these racks with robust steel columns and arms. The heavy-duty centre support racks are constructed much like pallet racking, with thick frames and bolted connections, plus specific fixtures for the bars. Floor fixing is standard – bolting the rack to the concrete ensures it won’t budge or tip even when handling weighty drums. Stability is also enhanced by the design: many systems incorporate an angle base or A-frame shape that distributes weight and prevents tipping when drums are removed on one side with Cable Racking. If needed, we add bracings or even guide rails to assist with alignment when loading drums via forklift.
We can enhance cable racks with a few useful accessories. For example, axle jack stands or hydraulic lifts to help raise heavy drums and insert the support bar (if you don’t have a crane or suitable forklift attachments, this can be handy). Roller feeders at the base can guide cable along the floor as it’s pulled from a drum. Also, label holders or color coding on the rack help identify different cable types – very important if you store many similar-looking reels (electric cables often look alike externally but are different specs). By labeling each slot, you reduce the risk of pulling the wrong cable type.
Benefits of Cable Racking for Your Operations
- Traditionally, people might roll cable drums around on the floor or try to drag them to unwind cable – that’s dangerous and labor-intensive. Cable racking eliminates most of that. Heavy drums can be placed on racks with machinery, and then cable is dispensed without manhandling the drum each time with Cable Racking. This significantly lowers the risk of back injuries or crushed fingers from moving drums. Also, by having drums secure on racks, you avoid drums accidentally rolling (a big safety hazard) or cluttering aisles.
It’s common for cable storage areas to become messy – loose coil ends, partially used reels lying around. With a proper rack, each drum has a home. Different cable types can be segregated to different rack sections. It becomes immediately apparent where a certain cable should be. This organisation not only speeds up work (the needed cable is easy to find) but also gives a more professional appearance to your facility. No more “cable spaghetti” on the floor.
Some cable is expensive (high-grade fiber optics, large power cables, etc.). Storing these on racks allows you to measure how much is left at any time by simple visual check or by using measuring tools as you dispense. When a reel is nearly empty, you can plan to reorder and replace it. Our design can incorporate a half-used reel section where partially used reels are kept accessible. This reduces waste – you’ll use up cable fully instead of discarding or losing partial reels in a pile. Customers often find they manage stock much better and reduce over-purchasing cable once they implement a clear racking system.
Many electrical wholesalers or contractors cut cables for customers or projects. A cable rack essentially forms a cable dispensing station. You can allocate a specific area where cable is pulled, measured, and cut, straight off the rack. This one-stop station improves workflow immensely: you don’t have to haul drums to a separate machine or area – the rack is built to accommodate measuring tapes or metering devices on the spot. As a result, order fulfillment or project prep involving cable is faster and needs less labour.
FRONT MOUNT
CENTRE MOUNT
ANGLE MOUNT
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Rackman’s Service and Customization
Cable racking often requires custom consideration because the variety of cable drums out there is vast. Rackman Australia offers:
Site Assessment:
We’ll evaluate the sizes and weights of cable drums you typically use. We also check your facility – ceiling height (to know how many levels we can fit), floor strength (heavy drums mean high point loads, though standard warehouse floors are usually fine), and handling equipment (forklift, crane, or manual handling). Based on this, we recommend the style of rack and any auxiliary equipment needed.
Design & Fabrication:
While we have standard cable rack components, we’re also capable of custom fabrication if needed (as hinted in “consult” and “custom” sections on some of our vertical rack products with Vertical and A-Frame Racking). If you require a special size or a unique drum support mechanism, we can design and fabricate it. For instance, we’ve made custom reel axles with brake mechanisms and special width racks for clients with very unusual cable spools. Our designs always factor in safety – e.g., a factor of safety on the support bar strength so it doesn’t bend under maximum load.
Installation:
Installing cable racks might involve heavy pieces (the support bars, etc.), and our team is experienced in safely assembling these systems. We’ll also test the spinning of sample drums on the supports to ensure everything rolls smoothly and is balanced. If multiple racks need alignment (for example, several in a row), we ensure consistent spacing and anchor them properly.
Demonstration and Training:
Particularly for cable racking with moving parts (like brakes or if using the axle jack stands), we show your team how to use the system properly. How to load a drum, how to secure it, how to feed cable off without causing bird-nesting or tangling. These tips help you get the most out of your new setup from day one.
Ongoing Support:
Over time, if your cable inventory changes (bigger drums, different types), we can adapt your racking. Because our systems are modular, you might add another bay or swap in stronger support bars for heavier drums. We keep records of your rack specs and can provide matching parts. Also, if any part wears out or gets damaged, we’ll supply spares (though cable racks, being quite robust, rarely have issues aside from maybe needing a new brake pad after years of use).
By engaging Rackman, you’re ensuring that your cable storage is handled by experts who understand both the storage aspect and the material (cable) handling aspect.
Get Your Cables Under Control
Don’t let cable drums roll around eating up floor space and causing hazards. With Rackman Australia’s cable racking, you’ll tame those reels and create an efficient, professional cable storage and dispensing area.
If you have cables to store in Perth or Adelaide, call us at 1300 722 626 to discuss the sizes and quantities you deal with. We’ll likely ask about your biggest cable drum (diameter & weight) and how you currently handle them. From there, we can propose a solution and provide a quote. We can also come to your site to see the situation firsthand and take measurements.
You can also contact us online with details about your cable storage needs. If you have specs of the drums or any photos of the cables you stockpile, include those – it helps us tailor our design.
For related needs, note that Rackman also handles other specialty racking (like our cable racks are part of a suite that includes Tyrespan for tyres, etc.), so we are equipped to solve unusual storage challenges.
Let’s make your cable storage safe, neat, and efficient. Cable Racking Perth by Rackman Australia is the reel deal for any business dealing with cables. Reach out to us today and never get tangled up in cable storage problems again!
