What are Pallet Rack Row Spacers?

In the dynamic landscape of warehouse management, the significance of row spacers cannot be overstated. These unassuming components play a crucial role in maintaining the order and safety of pallet racking systems. Named for their primary function of ensuring a consistent horizontal distance between rows, row spacers offer practical solutions to challenges faced in warehouse storage. This article delves into the multifaceted importance of row spacers, exploring their diverse applications, compliance implications, and contributions to the overall efficiency and safety of warehouse operations.

 

What is a Row Spacer?

 

Row spacers are appropriately named due to their main role in maintaining a consistent horizontal distance between two rows of pallet racking. These spacers come in various shapes and sizes, depending on the manufacturer. While they were once available in a variety of colors, most manufacturers now produce row spacers with a galvanized finish, limiting alternative color choices. The central flat part of the row spacer is what is commonly referred to when discussing its length. Many row spacers feature flanges that are screwed into the sides of the upright frames, preventing this part from being included in the actual space between rows.

 

Every row spacer has a shared purpose: ensuring a specific gap between rows of pallet racking. Why is this significance? It appears that row spacers hold more importance than many of us acknowledge.

 

Why Would You Need Row Spacers?

 

Is it necessary to use pallet rack row spacers in every pallet rack application? The brief answer is “no.” An evident instance of an application not requiring row spacers is one with a single row of pallet rack. In such a scenario, wall ties might be necessary, but row spacers are not needed since there is only one row initially. Similarly, shorter racking systems bolted to the floor may not require row spacers, given the reduced chance of upright movement. While there are numerous situations where row spacers are superfluous, many warehouse storage applications can significantly benefit from their inclusion. The primary reasons for this are:

 

1. Row Spacers help keep longitudinal flue spaces clear.

 

If you or your client owns or operates a warehouse, it’s likely that compliance with codes is a priority. Adhering to codes not only enhances overall workplace safety but is also the most effective means of avoiding fines for violations. Row spacers play a crucial role in maintaining a minimum distance between pallet rack rows, eliminating concerns about longitudinal flue spaces. It’s important to note that when installing row spacers, ensure they are sufficiently long. If codes require 6″ longitudinal flue spaces, a 6″ row spacer may not be adequate, as the 3″ pallet overhang on each side would completely cover the 6″, resulting in a flue space of approximately 0″.

 

2. Row spacers can effectively double the depth of the uprights.

 

We have covered the importance of maintaining a safe height-to-depth ratio. According to ANSI/RMI, racks with a height-to-depth ratio of 6 to 1 or less are recommended to have standard anchoring. If the ratio exceeds this threshold, anchoring that can resist at least 350 pounds of force at the top level is mandatory. However, an additional option is to use row spacers, connecting two rows of racking that would otherwise surpass the 6 to 1 height-to-depth ratio. This effectively lowers their overall height-to-depth ratio and enhances the stability of the system.

 

3. Row spacers keep pallet rack rows aligned.

 

Maintaining a consistent space between back-to-back rows of pallet racking in a warehouse is often crucial. Row spacers prove to be the simplest and most cost-effective method for achieving this. The addition of one or more row spacers per upright column enables the preservation of plumb alignment for both rows across the entire distance of the racking system.

 

📚 Also Read: How to design your pallet rack layout around your warehouse columns

 

What Do I Need To Consider When Purchasing Row Spacers?

 

1. Compatibility

 

Certain row spacers exhibit compatibility with various styles of pallet racking. The row spacer featured at the start of this post, a Ridg-U-Rak row spacer, is versatile, working well with both teardrop and slotted pallet rack designs. However, it’s important to note that some row spacers may specifically suit either roll-formed or structural configurations. Understanding the type of pallet rack the customer has, if not already known, is crucial for making an informed purchasing decision.

 

2. Row Spacers

 

Per Upright The number of row spacers needed is tied to the height of the racking system. The manufacturer’s guidelines for the minimum number of row spacers per frame are as follows:

• For uprights measuring 4 – 14 ft.: a minimum of one row spacer
• For uprights measuring 15 – 24 ft.: a minimum of two row spacers
• For uprights measuring 25 – 34 ft.: a minimum of three row spacers It’s crucial to install the row spacers near the top horizontal brace of the upright, with no more than 10 feet between each row spacer.

3. Placement and Installation

 

After obtaining the appropriate type and quantity of row spacers, correct installation becomes paramount.

• Position the bottom row spacer at least 5 inches above the floor.
• Install the top row spacer adjacent to the highest horizontal strut.
• Place intermediate row spacers next to the strut connections, ensuring equal distances between them, not exceeding 144 inches.
• Take care to avoid interference with struts, rack beams, or other components during the installation process.

FAQ’s

 

What is the primary function of row spacers?

Row spacers are designed to maintain a consistent horizontal distance between two rows of pallet racking in a warehouse. They come in various shapes and sizes, often with a galvanized finish.

 

Why are row spacers significant in warehouse storage applications?

Row spacers play a crucial role in ensuring a specific gap between rows of pallet racking, providing stability and compliance with safety codes.

 

Are row spacers necessary for every pallet rack application?

No, row spacers are not universally required. In applications with a single row of pallet rack or shorter floor-bolted racking systems, they may not be necessary. However, many warehouse storage setups benefit greatly from their inclusion.

 

How do row spacers help with compliance and safety in a warehouse?

Row spacers contribute to compliance by maintaining a minimum distance between pallet rack rows, eliminating concerns about longitudinal flue spaces. This adherence to codes enhances overall workplace safety and helps avoid violation fines.

 

Can row spacers alter the depth of uprights in a racking system?

Yes, row spacers can effectively double the depth of uprights in a racking system. This is particularly useful for maintaining a safe height-to-depth ratio, as recommended by ANSI/RMI.

 

How do row spacers assist in keeping pallet rack rows aligned?

Row spacers prove to be a simple and cost-effective solution for maintaining a consistent space between back-to-back rows of pallet racking. They preserve plumb alignment for both rows throughout the entire racking system.

 

What factors should be considered when purchasing row spacers?

Key considerations include compatibility with various pallet racking styles, the number of row spacers needed based on the racking system’s height, and proper placement during installation. Understanding the type of pallet rack is crucial for an informed purchasing decision.

 

Conclusion

 

Row spacers are integral to maintaining consistent spacing between pallet racking rows, ensuring compliance with safety codes and enhancing overall workplace safety. Their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and contribution to stability make them essential components for optimizing warehouse storage systems. Understanding the varied applications of row spacers is key to fostering an efficient and secure working environment in evolving warehouses.