About Wire Balustrade
How Far Can Balustrade Wire Span?
The following simple rules apply for horizontal wire balustrading: Maximum height of any wire balustrade is 4 mtr. (deck to ground level) Maximum spacing for wires is 100mm, but to be safe we prefer 80mm as it allows posts further apart with less tension. When pulled apart, the maximum gap cannot be more than 125mm.
Are Wire Balustrades Safe?
Both glass and wire balustrades offer safety. While glass panels completely cover an opening, wire balustrade can still allow objects to pass through. This does not make wire balustrade unsafe, wire balustrades are designed to not let a human fall through the opening.
Wire Balustrade Specifications
View these Balustrade guidelines courtesy of vba.vic.gov
Height
Balustrades must be at least one metre high, measured from the adjacent finished floor surface. Check the height of your balustrade, particularly if tiles or some other paving may have been applied after the balustrade was installed.
Tensioned wire
For balustrades using tensioned wire, it’s essential the size and tension of the cable meet the building code. Steel or wood should be solid to properly support tensioning.
Check to see if the wire seems loose.
Also check the distance between cables and any other supports that form the balustrade.
Fixings
Make sure that fixings, such as metal stirrups to floors, bolts and screws are tight. Loose fixings on balustrades or handrails are unsafe and can result in injury.
Openings
Check that there are no openings in the barriers that can permit a 125 mm sphere to pass through the barrier.
Deterioration
Balustrades or handrails using steel rails or posts can be susceptible to rust or corrosion. By painting steel with an anti-rust coating and inspecting them regularly you may avoid unsafe rust occurring.
Timber balustrades are more susceptible to the elements than other materials. This is particularly the case in coastal areas where the combination of salt and rain can be damaging. Make sure you use an appropriate weather-proof stain or paint.