Mechanical Safety; Maximum Configurations; Assessing Mechanical Safety - L-Acoustics 5XT Rigging Manual

2 MECHANICAL SAFETY

2.1

Maximum configurations

The 5XT rigging system complies with BGV-C1 (2012), DIN 18800 and EN ISO 12100-1 (2004) when SOUNDVISION
software does not indicate any stress warning.
Mechanical safety of the rigging system
Before any installation, always model the system in SOUNDVISION and check the Mechanical Data
section for any stress warning or stability warning.
2.2

Assessing mechanical safety

In order to assess the actual safety of any array configuration before implementation, refer to the following warnings:
Rated working load limit (WLL) is not enough
The rated WLL is an indication of the element resistance to tensile stress. For complex mechanical systems
such as loudspeaker arrays, WLLs cannot be used per se to determine the maximum number of enclosures
within an array or to assess the safety of a specific array configuration.
Mechanical modeling with SOUNDVISION
The working load applied to each linking point, along with the corresponding safety factor, will depend on
numerous variables linked to the composition of the array (type and number of enclosures, splay angles) and
the implementation of the flying or stacking structure (number and location of flying points, site angle). This
cannot be determined without the complex mechanical modeling and calculation offered by SOUNDVISION
Assessing the safety with SOUNDVISION
The overall safety factor of a specific mechanical configuration always corresponds to the lowest safety factor
among all the linking points. Always model the system configuration with the SOUNDVISION software and
check the Mechanical Data section to identify the weakest link and its corresponding working load. By
default, a stress warning will appear when the mechanical safety goes beyond the recommended safety level.
Safety of ground-stacked arrays in SOUNDVISION
For ground-stacked arrays, a distinct stability warning is implemented in SOUNDVISION. It indicates a tipping
hazard when the array is not secured to the ground, stage or platform. It is user responsibility to secure the
array and to ignore this warning.
Consideration must be given to unusual conditions
SOUNDVISION calculations are based on usual environmental conditions. A higher safety factor is
recommended with factors such as extreme high or low temperatures, strong wind, prolonged exposition to
salt water, etc. Always consult a rigging specialist to adopt safety practices adapted to such a situation.
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