How to Determine Pallet Rack Capacity

An essential aspect of a successful pallet racks installation is to understand the capacity of your selected warehouse racking.

Overloading your pallet racking and shelving can prove incredibly costly both in terms of damaged stock and lawsuits due to an unsafe work environment.

If you want to keep your products safe and protected and ensure that your employees aren’t in danger, getting an accurate idea of rack capacity is essential to make sure your storage system doesn’t fall or collapse.

Below we will talk you through everything you need to know about capacity when you install pallet racking and how to make sure your storage solutions are capable of supporting the weights you require.

What is Pallet Racking Capacity?

A pallet racks installation is an incredibly effective form of warehouse shelving that will help you to organise and store your inventory until they are ready to ship out. To do this effectively you need to have a clear idea of the capacity of the pallet racking system.

The pallet racking capacity describes the distance measurement between the floor and a beam level, or between two beam levels. The more space there is between the beams, the more space there is to store your pallets.

The pallet rack frame capacity describes the total amount of weight the frames are capable of supporting.

Before you can install any type of frame, you need to make sure you have a clear idea of both these measurements and whether they are suitable for storing the products and inventory in your warehouse.

What are Pallet Racking Beams?

Pallet racking systems are made up of steel upright frames which are connected to horizontal beams by cross braces and posts. The horizontal beams will support the stored pallets in between each vertical frame.

Why is it Essential to Know the Pallet Racking Capacity of your Frames?

To keep your storage shelves compliant with health and safety standards you need to make sure you don’t overload your pallet racking. Putting too much weight on your pallet racks will lead to twisting, buckling, and possible structure collapse.

Understanding the storage capacity of your pallet racks and making sure that your employees are aware of these storage limits is an essential part of your commitment to the health and safety of your employees and will protect you from the extra costs of replacements and repairs.

How Should You Store Heavier Pallets on Your Shelving System?

If you have weightier pallets, it is always safer to store these on the bottom of your shelving system and place the lighter items at the top of the frame.

You should also make sure that all the pallets are evenly distributed throughout the structure and that all of the inventory weight isn’t too heavily concentrated in one area of the frame.

This will help the racking to remain sturdy and reduce the risk of the systems toppling over.

How Can You Alter Pallet Racking Capacity?

The frames of your pallet racking systems are adjustable and the space capacity of rack frames can easily be changed by adjusting the positioning of the beams. The bigger the space between the beams, the larger the pallet you can store.

But, in enlarging the space between the beams, you will be reducing the weight capacity of the overall frame, so this is definitely something to consider before making any adjustments.

You should always make sure that adjustments and installations are carried out by an experienced professional who can guarantee the safety and integrity of this work.

The capacity of a pallet racking system will vary according to the type and quality of the steel used to create the frame. But here are the general factors that contribute to the pallet capacity of a racking system.

Beam Length Capacity

The longer the beams on your pallet racking system, the larger the capacity to store your pallets. To calculate the capacity, you need to calculate the beam dimensions of each pair in the row for an accurate idea of the weight they can hold.

Pallet Rack Frame Capacity

The capacity of the upright pallet racking frame will depend upon the weight of the beams being supported, the dimensions of the beams, the decking, and the strength of the fixtures.

The higher the storage system, the less weight it will be capable of safely supporting.

Beam Spacing Capacity

As we discussed above, you can adjust the space between the horizontal beams on the pallet racking frame. However, the higher the space you leave in between the beams, the less weight the structure will be capable of supporting overall.

How Do You Calculate the Pallet Racking Capacity of your Warehouse Storage System?

To get an accurate idea about the capacity of your pallet rack storage system frame, you can follow the below steps.

• Read the manufacturer’s estimated maximum weight capacity for each of the beam levels on your frame.
• Then multiply this amount by the number of beam levels in the frame section.
• The result of this calculation will give you an idea of the total pallet rack capacity of the upright frame.

You will also need to take into account the manufacturer frame capacity, load limit on each beam level and the vertical spacing between levels to get a clear idea of the weight limits for your pallets.

How to Discover the Pallet Rack Capacity of your Storage System?

Whether you are looking to source and install a pallet rack system that safely supports your inventory and products or want to get a reliable calculation for the storage system you have installed – we are here to help.

Multiple Storage Solutions in Victoria can provide you with all of the support, repairs, and installations you need in your warehouse which is compliant with Australian standard regulations and guidelines.

Our experienced experts will provide you with a secure and high-quality storage solution with pallet racking systems that are capable of supporting the inventory weights you work with.

Discover more about pallet racking by calling us on 03 8390 4483.