Wire rope balustrade safety: everything you need to know

With balustrades becoming increasingly popular in interior design, many businesses and homeowners are opting for wire rope balustrades to achieve a modern, industrial look. 

They’re simplistic and effective and look great both indoors and outdoors. But how safe are they? Unlike glass balustrades, wire rope designs include gaps between each rope, creating a more open and spacious feel. 

However, this raises questions about their safety, durability, and where they can and cannot be installed. Luckily, WPS Handrails is here to clarify things.

What are wire rope balustrades?

Wire rope balustrades are designed from stainless steel cables tensioned between posts, creating a modern and simplistic balustrade.

You’ll often find them in patio areas, staircases, and terraces, especially in commercial settings where sleek and industrial interiors are favoured. 

Plus, their minimalist design and easy upkeep make them ideal for adding a layer of safety and a touch of elegance without overdoing it—does it get any better than this?

However, with their unique and spacious design comes questions about the potential safety hazards.

Are wire rope balustrades safe?

Now, if you’ve clicked on this blog, you’re most likely wondering whether wire rope balustrades are a safe choice for your home, restaurant, or office. 

It’s important to stress that wire rope balustrades should only be used for lower-level applications or areas where there isn’t a significant drop underneath (below 600mm high) to reduce fall risk.

In terms of dealing with harsh weather, wire-rope balustrades are a great choice for UK properties, as they’re designed to withstand heavy winds and rain. The gaps between the cables allow wind to pass through without forcing pressure on the structure. 

Safety standards and UK regulations

When it comes to any balustrade, if they’re not hitting the safety standards set out in Approved Document K of the Building Regulations, then they’re not doing their job. 

For internal applications, wire rope balustrades should be around 900mm high from the pitch line and around 1100mm high in external areas to account for higher fall risk. The posts should be spaced no less than 1.2 metres apart to prevent the wires from bowing.

WPS Handrails balustrades start at a height of 1100mm, but special requests can be made with your order.

With a huge focus on the gaps between the cables on wire balustrades, it’s important that they’re small enough to prevent a sphere of 100mm diameter (such as a tennis ball) from passing through. This applies to both vertical and horizontal wires. 

Why? It’ll prevent any children or pets from falling through. For this reason, the balustrade must be sturdy enough to prevent both falls and harsh impact from the weather, with corrosion resistance and high tensile strength.

That’s why we use grade 316 stainless steel for our wire rope balustrades, as it can handle strong winds and heavy rain while preventing wear and tear. All of our wire balustrades are load-tested to meet a 0.74 KN/m UDL for residential and light commercial use, meeting BS 6180:2011 standards.

What about children and pets?

Before installing wire rope balustrades, you should determine whether it’s a smart choice for your home or business. 

If you have small children or animals, rope balustrades pose more risks than glass balustrades, as children and pets can get stuck between the small gaps or fall through if unattended. 

However, if installed correctly, wire rope balustrades should have small gaps between each cable, preventing children from falling through. Kids will likely try to climb or swing on the cables, so it’s best to hire a professional installer who will check all the safety boxes and guarantee everything is as it should be. 

If you’re worried about your child climbing onto the balustrade, opt for horizontal cables to prevent this (and save yourself the stress of repeatedly asking them not to).

Ongoing maintenance 

Once your balustrade has been installed, give it a quick once-over every now and then to make sure it’s still good to go:

• Are the wires still tight?— If a wire can move more than a few millimetres when pressed, it’s too loose.

• Are any of the fittings rusting or loose?

• Have the posts shifted or wobbled?

• Are there any signs of fraying or damage to the cables?

Why choose wire rope balustrades?

So, are you not quite sold on wire rope balustrades yet? If so, we’re sure we can convince you by the time you exit this blog. 

1. Clear, open views

Are you looking for that spacious, open feel in your garden, office, or cafe? 

If so, wire balustrades offer better views than a wooden fence or look better than a traditional railing, adding a touch of sophistication. 

2. Strong and sturdy

You don’t want something that will crumble under the British weather. 

Though they’re made to be slim and sleek, don’t be fooled by their simple design; wire rope balustrades are made from marine-grade stainless steel, making them a robust choice. This is ideal for high-traffic areas. 

3. Low fuss and maintenance 

If you're looking for something that fits your busy schedule, then this balustrade is the right choice for you. 

With no painting or staining required, you won’t spend more time maintaining it than you do enjoying the space. Just give them a quick wipe down and check the tension occasionally. 

Ready to start planning your balustrade installation?

From building regs to tensioning tricks, you've seen what matters and why it matters. 

At WPS Handrails, safety and compliance are our number one priority, and we’re dedicated to providing beautiful balustrades for both commercial and residential projects. 

With top-quality balustrade parts, professional fittings, and a range of designs to choose from, we can help you find the perfect match for your space. Browse our balustrades today and contact us for a quote.