Mounting methods of ceiling hoists

Although an overhead track hoist always operates overhead (the clue is on the name!), there a number of different ways of mounting it, here we run through the main six, including mounting off the floor.

1. Ceiling mount

Possibly one of the simplest ways to mount an overhead track hoist, a standard ceiling bracket enables the track to be mounted directly to the ceiling. If it is a concrete ceiling, a fixing such as the Hilti HUS-H would be used. Alternatively chemical anchors, such as the HY270 injectable anchor may be used – particularly for flaky concrete, or hollow core beams.

For fixing directly to timber, the Spax washer head screws will be used, and it is vital that the timbers are specified to take the loading of the hoist plus a 50% safety margin. For the fixings to be effective, the timber must be at least 100mm deep. The track should span the joists for added security, failing this Unistrut should be used to spread the load across 3 or more joists

If there is access above the timber joists, Unistrut can be used to spread the loads. This is particularly useful if fixing into ceiling rafters, M10 threaded rod is used to connect the bracket to the Unistrut. These solutions are commonly used in when fitting overhead track hoists in domestic properties.

2. Ceiling Mount – Extended bracket

In areas where there is a void between the ceiling/overhead tracking hoist and the structural support, extended brackets are used. They consist of a bracket at the top, a bracket at the bottom, and M10 threaded rod, with an aluminium profile covering the threaded ro. The aluminium rod cover provides stability, and if the bracket is visible, and aesthetically please solution.

Generally extended brackets range from 500 – 12oomm in length, however in swimming pools with high ceilings, they can range up to 3 or even 4 metres!

If the bracket length is over 300mm, bracing is required. Again aluminium rods are used, from the top of the overhead track system, back to the structural support at 45° to prevent movement of the track when in use.

3. Ceiling Mount – Extended bracket sloping ceiling

When mounting an overhead track hoist to a sloping ceiling, an alternative bracket is use. The M10 threaded rod is omitted, and instead the aluminium rod is connected to the two ceiling brackets. This gives flexibility to change the angle at the top, enabling the overhead hoist to be fixed into sloping steels or rafters

4. Wall bracket – solid walls

The simplest and easiest way to fix overhead tracking hoists, but only suitable for straight and room covering systems.

Our wall bracket consists of a right angle bracket with location holes on both faces. The bracket is mounted to the wall using HY270 injectable anchor, with a mesh sleeve, to screw an M10 fixing directly into.

Once the track is mounted, the bracket is hidden, making for a very neat installation. Additionally the overhead track hoist can be fitted at any angle increasing flexibility, and installation options

5. Wall bracket – stud walls

If there is access to stud partitions, it is possible to use a standard wall bracket, in conjunction with the stud walls being strengthened. Two full height layers of structural marine plywood are inserted behind the plasterboard face, and screwed to the ‘C’ section uprights. The whole wall is over boarded with plasterboard and decorated. This provides a strong and stable support for the bracket to be fitted to.

Again this type of fixing enjoys the benefits of the standard wall bracket, the bracket is hidden behind the track following installation, and the track can be mounted at any angle.

6. Wall Post – Support from the floor

Where there is no support in the ceiling or walls, support can be taken from the floor via a wall-post. This slim, strong, white powder coated aluminium profile, is only 20mm deep, yet immensely strong, providing support for an overhead track hoist of up to 500kg (78 stone).

The wall post is fixed to the wall using Hilti HHD-S cavity wall anchors. The forces applied are downward only there are no lateral or shear forces applied, and the sole purpose of the fixing is to prevent the wall-post coming away from the wall, or moving sideways.

Click here to download our guide on how to mount ceiling hoists

IMPORTANT NOTE – CDM REGULATIONS 2015

When specifying and designing ceiling hoists, it is important to take into consideration the requirements of the CDM regulations. The key requirement to ‘eliminate foreseeable health and safety risks to anyone affected by the project (if possible)’ and to ‘take steps to reduce or control any risks that cannot be eliminated’, can be applied to ceiling hoists.

For example if a wall fix can be used to eliminate an extended bracket of 3 metres, this reduces the risk of working at height. It also reduces future risks; should the overhead track hoist system need to be removed for maintenance, it can be done so easily, and the LOLER inspections can be carried out at low level, further reducing risk.

For more information on ceiling track hoists, methods of fixing, or the CDM regulations, please either call us on 024 7647 2600, email us at [email protected], or fill in the contact form on our website.

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