As part of our commitment to excellence, we are always looking at ways to appeal and accommodate new and existing customers. Wire shelving add-on units are a popular product and we are often asked if our add-on units are compatible with shelving units from other manufacturers. In short, the answer is yes. There is a caveat or two though…
In many instances, the leading manufacturers share similar specifications. One thing that should be noted is that some of the larger department store chains sell wire shelving products but are not made with the same gauge wire as our shelving products or from other leading manufacturers. 9 out of 10 times, our units will not be compatible with products purchased at these local department stores. The main reason being is that add-on units attach via “S” hooks, not poles.
For example, if your shelving unit is designed to carry a maximum weight load of 400 pounds and Omega Shelving or other leading manufacturer units can carry a weight load of 800 pounds, the maximum weight load of your add-on unit will only be 400 pounds, the maximum weight load of your main shelving unit. Adding more weight capacity than the maximum weight on your main shelving unit may cause it to collapse.
To determine if your current shelving unit is compatible with Omega shelving add-on units, you need to identify a few key components:
- Poles come in two diameters; 3/4″ and 1″ thickness. Much of what you’ll see at the larger department store chains are 3/4″ thickness. These units are designed for lighter duty applications. Although the pole diameters may be different, they are still compatible. Unfortunately, the shelves would not be compatible with different sized posts. For products purchased from other leading manufactures, you’ll find most poles are 1″ thick. This is the first checkpoint to determine if your unit is compatible. So far, so good…
- Next, you need to determine if your shelves run front to back or left to right. Omega shelving units all have the same, durable specifications. Our shelving runs front to back. You’ll likely see this from the leading manufacturers as well. You are 2 for 2…
- The shelf truss will also be important to look at. For units that are 48″ or shorter, there will be one, two or three trusses per shelf. The smaller the unit, the less truss support is necessary. You’ll
find four trusses per shelf for any shelving that is 48″ or greater. The truss reinforcements should run right to left. Be sure to verify this before purchasing an add-on unit. Most, if not all of the leading manufacturers have the same truss reinforcements. You are batting a thousand…
- Wire thickness (gauge) for the actual shelves on the unit is the last thing to look at. This is where it gets tricky. There are quite a few different wire gauges on the market. While the capacity may vary with other manufacturers, all of our shelving units are tested and can accommodate up to 800 pounds. If your main shelving unit can only carry a maximum of 400 pounds, than that will be the maximum weight capacity for your add-on unit. As mentioned above, the shelf ribs (shelves) run front to back. They are made with 9 gauge wire. You are ready to buy an add-on shelving unit from us!
Now that you have determined that your shelving unit is compatible with Omega shelving units, start saving and start shopping for add-on shelving today. If you have any questions or are unable to determine if your unit is compatible with our add-on units, please call us toll free at 1-800-221-8665 or visit our website and chat with us live.
