All pallet racking systems are created a little bit differently. One common theme throughout them, however, is a need for uniformity and employee safety. Row spacers can help you manage both.

Row spacers are one of the most popular pallet racking accessories available for industrial and commercial business owners. They create even spaces throughout your pallet racks and provide additional stability that improves the overall warehouse safety of your employees, products, and materials.

Row spacers can also ensure business owners have proper flue spaces between their back to back pallet racking rows.

Flue space relates to the vertical areas between pallet racks—it is the empty space between the floor and ceiling. There are specific fire codes and loss prevention codes in place to ensure businesses are meeting the proper requirements for flue space safety, so that fire sprinklers can reach the warehouse floor. The flue space between back to back racks (longitudinal flue space) and the space between pallets in the rack (the transverse flue space) not only allow water to flow down but also allow the heat to rise up in the case of a fire. This is critical to initially setting off the automatic sprinkler system, so the water can flow down.

If you’re concerned there is not enough space between loads in the racking; row spacers can be highly beneficial. Fire codes require a 6” nominal space in the longitudinal flue space. If the pallet is overhanging 2” in the back of each level on each side, a 10” row spacer or > is required (2”+2”+6”). Like every code, there are some exceptions to the 6,” but it is the most common requirement.

The number of row spacers you need in your pallet racking system directly correlates to the height of your racks.

Rather than just guessing, it’s always a good idea to speak with a certified project planning expert, like the DACO team. These individuals can help you calculate the number of row spacers needed to meet your operational needs and any safety guidelines in place.

They can also help you determine what specific types and size of row spacers you need, which is dependent on the depth of the rack and the overhang to create the requisite 6” longitudinal flue space. The more common sizes available are 6”, 8”, 10”, 12” and 18”.

When row spacers aren’t installed correctly, business owners won’t receive all their benefits. The following are some helpful suggestions to make sure your row spacers are placed properly:

• The lowest row spacer is typically 2’- 4’ above the floor.
• The top row spacer should be placed right next to the highest horizontal beam.
• Intermediate row spacers should be placed next to strut connections, no more than 144” apart.
• A row spacer can’t be installed where there is a beam / they can’t interfere with a strut: they go 180 degrees in the other direction.

As one of the most important elements of many warehouses, it’s crucial to ensure your pallet racking system is properly laid out for uniformity and sturdiness.

If you’re interested in learning more about the best row spacer design and installation methods for your business, let the expert team at DACO provide you with the help you need. Give us a call today at 253-395-8500 or fill out our online form to speak with a customer service representative.

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