6-8
General safety and mounting instructions
WARNING!
Rigging component
Safety factors
Steel wire ropes
factor 5 (EN292-2, chpt. 4.1.2.5a)
Welded link chains
factor 4 (EN292-2, chpt. 4.1.2.5b)
Fabric slings
factor 7 (EN292-2, chpt. 4.1.2.5c)
Metal components
factor 4 (EN292-2, chpt. 4.1.2.5d)
A 12X load safety factor is therefore recommended for the
following components:
−
Chains
−
Steel wire ropes (for lifting and securing)
−
Shackles
−
Eyebolts etc.
In contrast, the EU Machinery Directive (EN292-2) specifies the
following load safety factors for rigging components:
The regulations enshrined in the EU directive are general
regulations - few in number and not always particularly clear or
detailed. Loudspeakers and their rigging components are not
specifically covered. The electrical and mechanical standards of
construction for lanterns are covered by a DIN standard (DIN
15560). However, there is no specific DIN or Euro standard
covering standards of construction for loudspeaker rigging
components or assemblies.
To make matters clear, at least as far as d&b rigging accessories
are concerned, we have adopted the following load safety factors:
12X load safety factor:
Chains, ropes, shackles, eyebolts, straps and hooks.
10X load safety factor:
Accessories and fixings for mobile use.
5X load safety factor:
Accessories generally employed in fixed, permanent installations.
The 12X load safety factor is derived from §9, GUV 6.15
The 10X load safety factor is likewise derived from §9 GUV 6.15. as
a basic safety standard for rigging components.
From EN292-2 chpt. 4.1.2.5d a 4X minimum load safety factor can
be derived for all metal rigging components used in fixed
installations. Our choice of a 5X minimum load safety factor for
such components provides an enhanced safety margin.
Attaching rigging to loudspeaker cabinets
d&b rigging accessories are supplied with specific mounting
instructions and must only be assembled and used in the manner
described in these instructions or as specified on the relevant
page(s) of the d&b rigging accessories manual. Failure to fully
observe specified load capacities or fitting instructions can
overload the rigging accessories or the loudspeaker cabinet fixing
points causing them to break.