Cable Handrail Assemblies

Stainless Steel Handrail & Guardrail Cable Systems (SYSTEM 2000)

For over a decade Seco South has been the leader in stainless steel cable handrail industry. These unique systems offer the designer a whole new approach to interior and exterior railing design capabilities. Our cable railing systems are used on commercial and residential projects all over the world. The incredible transparency as well as the extremely low maintenance is what set these systems apart from other obtrusive and high maintenance railing systems.

Our handrail systems satisfy existing code requirements for use nationwide for horizontal or vertical handrail designs.

Seco South offers a variety of different cable systems to choose from. Our stainless steel cable infill systems for railings utilize 1/8", 3/16" or 1/4" cable diameters. Larger sizes are available if desired. The type of cable we use is either a 1×19 or 7×7 construction.

We have broken our stainless steel handrails down into a simple part number system for specifying and ordering:

  • SYSTEM 2100 – Assemblies that use threaded studs at each end of the cable.
  • SYSTEM 2200 – Assemblies that use fork style connections at each end of the cable.
  • SYSTEM 2300 – Assemblies that use eye style connections at each end of the cable.
  • SYSTEM 2400 – Assemblies that use a dome head style connection at each end of the cable.
  • SYSTEM 2500 – Assemblies that use a stemball style connection at each end of the cable.

The railing framework, which supports the cable systems, is available in a few different pre-engineered designs. Typically, there are all stainless steel but other types of materials and finishes are also available.

We offer completely welded systems that can be shipped to the job site and installed by a contractor of your choice. We also offer a component system which allows most of the erection to be done in the field.

Like our cable systems, we have used a simple part number system for the railing frames as well.

  • FB1-2000 – 1/2" × 1 1/2" welded flat bar system
  • FB2-2000 – 3/8" × 1 1/2" welded flat bar system for cable SYSTEM 2300 only
  • FB3-2000 – 1/2" × 1 1/2" welded flat bar system
  • SP1-2000 – 1 1/2" square post component system
  • RP1-2000 – 2" welded round post system
  • UC1-2000 – 1 1/2" welded u-channel system for vertical cable systems only.

SYSTEM 2100

Threaded Stud Terminations

FB1-2000 welded railing frame system: This is a welded railing frame system that is designed for bolt in or core drilled applications. The vertical balusters are made of 1/2" × 1 1/2" stainless steel flat bars and bridged together with sections of stainless tubing which enclose the cable fittings. Te handrail is made from 1 1/2" diameter stainless steel. A #320 non-directional satin finish is standard but other finishes as well as powder coating are also available.

  • SYSTEM 2100: stud -to- stud
  • SYSTEM 2105: stud -to- inline turnbuckle -to- stud
  • SYSTEM 2115: stud -to- threaded rod turnbuckle
  • SYSTEM 2115-SL: stud -to- threaded rod smoothline turnbuckle
  • SYSTEM 2120: threaded rod turnbuckle -to- threaded rod turnbuckle
  • SYSTEM 2120-SL: threaded rod turnbuckle -to- threaded rod smoothline turnbuckle

The systems above include only our standard “Dome nut” as the fastener on the outside of the post. Please contact us for optional termination hardware.

SYSTEM 2200

Fork Terminations

SP1-2000 component railing system: This system is designed for easy installation on the job site. All the components are shipped separately and can be easily assembled on site. The components consist of 1 1/2" square vertical balusters designed for bolt in or core drilled applications. The posts are pre-drilled for the cable system. The unique design of the post cap assembly allows it to be installed in minutes. The saddle for the handrail is suitable for wood or metal. The standard finish for the vertical balusters is a #320 non-directional satin finish. Other finishes are available including powder coating as well.

  • SYSTEM 2205: fork -to- inline turnbuckle -to- fork
  • SYSTEM 2215: fork -to- machined fork turnbuckle
  • SYSTEM 2220: machined fork turnbuckle -to- machined fork turnbuckle
  • SYSTEM 2220-SL: smoothline turnbuckle w/ fork and eye button -to- Smoothline turnbuckle w/ fork and eye button
  • SYSTEM 2225: deck toggle -to- smoothline deck toggle turnbuckle
  • SYSTEM 2230: fork adjuster -to- fork adjuster

The systems above include only our standard “Dome nut” as the fastener on the outside of the post. Please contact us for optional termination hardware.

  • SYSTEM 2105 was used along a river front at the Georgia Maritime Trade Center in Savanna, GA.
  • SYSTEM 2100 was used as a cable infill at the Bank One Ballpark in Phoenix, Arizona.
  • SYSTEM 2100 was used, with our FB3-2000 railing, on this exterior staircase at Scripps Oceanographic Institute in La Jolla, California.

SYSTEM 2300

Eye Terminations

FB2-2000 welded railing frame system: This is a welded railing frame system designed for both bolt in or core drilled applications. The vertical balusters are made of 3/8" × 1 1/2" stainless steel flat bars. The handrail is a 1 1/2" diameter stainless steel. A #320 non-directional satin finish is standard but other finishes as well as powder coating are also available.

  • SYSTEM 2305: eye -to- inline turnbuckle -to- eye
  • SYSTEM 2315: eye -to- threaded eye turnbuckle
  • SYSTEM 2320: threaded eye turnbuckle -to- threaded eye turnbuckle

SYSTEM 2400

Dome Head Terminations

RP1-2000 welded railing system: This is a welded railing frame system designed for both bolt in or core drilled applications. The vertical balusters and handrail are made of a 1.9" diameter stainless steel tube. A #320 non-directional satin finish is standard but other finishes as well as powder coating are also available.

SYSTEM 2405: dome head -to- inline turnbuckle -to- dome head

SYSTEM 2500

Stemball Terminations

FB3-2000 welded railing frame system: This is a welded railing frame system that is similar to our FB1-2000 system except the vertical balusters are bridged by small gusset plates instead of tubing. The vertical balusters are made from the same 1/2" × 1 1/2" stainless steel flat bars and the handrail is a 1 1/2" diameter stainless steel. A #320 non-directional satin finish is standard but other finishes as well as powder coating are also available.

  • SYSTEM 2500: Stemball adjuster -to- Stemball adjuster
  • SYSTEM 2505: Stemball -to- inline turnbuckle -to- stemball
  • SYSTEM 2515: Stemball -to- threaded Stemball turnbuckle
  • SYSTEM 2520: threaded Stemball turnbuckle -to- threaded Stemball turnbuckle

Vertical Cable Systems

UC1-2000 welded railing frame system: This is a welded railing frame system designed for bolt in or core drilled applications. The vertical balusters are made of 3/8" × 1 1/2" stainless steel flat bar and the horizontal component of the system is a 1 1/2" u-channel. The handrail is a 1 1/2" diameter stainless steel. A #320 non-directional satin finish is standard but other finishes as well as powder coating are also available.

  • SYSTEM 2100: stud -to- stud w/cap nut and stud -to- stud w/ ball end
  • SYSTEM 2100-TB: tie-bar threaded at each end
  • SYSTEM 2410: dome head -to- stud
  • SYSTEM 2510: Stemball -to- stud

Stainless Steel Handrail and Guardrail Cable Assemblies (Horizontal Cable Assemblies)

For over a decade Seco South has been the worldwide leader in cable handrail and guardrail systems. Our unique horizontal stainless steel cable infill systems offer the designer a unique and innovative approach when it comes to interior and exterior handrail
and guardrail design.

Our horizontal cable railing systems are utilized in both commercial and residential construction projects all over the world. Incredible
transparency coupled with extremely low maintenance, blended into a beautiful streamlined design are only some of the features which sets our unique handrail and guardrail cable systems apart from our competitor’s typically obtrusive, unattractive, high maintenance counterparts.

We have manufacturing facilities in both the United States and the United Kingdom that incorporate the latest advances in CNC machining and manufacturing technology. Our stainless steel cable handrail and guardrail systems comply with all existing code
requirements for use nationwide in virtually all categories of horizontal and vertical handrail design and installation.

At Seco South, we offer a wide variety of different cable systems for you to choose from. Our advanced cable assemblies for both hand and guard railings utilize 1/8", 3/16" or larger cable diameters. Depending on your specific requirements,
larger sizes are available to meet your needs. Typically, the type of cable we use is either of a 1×19 or 7×7 construction type 316 stainless steel.

To make it easy for you to select, specify, and order your railing we have divided our cable assemblies into a simple part-number-system. The following stainless steel cable assemblies are currently available:

  • Handrail Assembly 2100 – Assemblies that use threaded studs at each end of the cable.
  • Handrail Assembly 2200 – Assemblies that use "fork style" connections at each end of the cable.
  • Handrail Assembly 2300 – Assemblies that use "eye style" connections at each of the cable.
  • Handrail Assembly 2400 – Assemblies that use a "dome-head style" connection at each end of the cable.
  • Handrail Assembly 2500 – Assemblies that use a "stem-ball style" connection at each end of the cable.

The railing framework which supports our cable systems is available in several different pre-engineered designs. Typically,
they are of an all-stainless-steel (type 316 stainless) construction. This advanced alloy provides superior corrosion resistance while maintaining a beautiful luster and appearance over extended periods of time. Other types of materials and specialized
finishes are also available upon request.

We also offer prefabricated systems that are completely welded at our facility and can be shipped directly to your job site to be installed by a contractor of your choosing. In addition, we offer a special modular component system which allows for most of the erection to be done right in the field.

Stainless Steel Hardware Components for Cable and Strand Assemblies

Seco South designs, manufactures and distributes the widest range of stainless steel cable and strand assemblies and hardware nationwide. Our manufacturing capabilities range from cable assemblies as small as 1/8" diameter and as large as 1-1/4" diameter. Some of our applications include the following:

  • Canopy and sun shade supports
  • Curtain wall support
  • Lighting suspension
  • Truss supports
  • Caternery systems
  • Barrier cables
  • Window treatment systems
  • Architectural sculptures
  • Trellis systems
  • Sign suspension
  • Safety systems
  • Medical and exercise equipment
  • Decorative shelving and display systems
  • Handrail and guardrail systems

Why Stainless Steel

Modern architecture requires that material be high strength, corrosion resistant and as maintenance free as possible. High tensile stainless steel wire used in our assemblies is manufactured from type 316S31 to achieve maximum corrosion resistance. Furthermore, a balanced design with king wires providing support for the outer wires and lay length are arranged to give maximum strength with minimum stretch. Unlike other types of cable, our stainless steel cable is dry and free of lubricants, which will provide the best finish available and will remain maintenance-free for many years. All of our stainless steel cables and fittings are manufactured from the highest quality marine grade type 316 stainless steel, which eliminates the need for expensive paint systems and reduces maintenance cost as well.

Some other considerations for using stainless steel would be:

  • Projects near salt water or within a salty air environment
  • Projects near roads that are salted in the winter
  • Projects near chemical plants
  • Projects in the food and medical industry
  • Projects that require foliage to interact with the cable
  • Projects that are high profile and need a touch of elegance

PVC Coated Cables

All of our cable assemblies are available with a PVC jacket extruded directly over the cable and it is not removable. Certain sizes are even available with a 1/8" strip of reflective material that can be seen from several hundred feet at night. A variety of colors are available upon request.

Some reasons to use PVC coated cables:

  • The jackets cause the cable to appear larger for better visibility.
  • A 1/8 inch reflective strip is available for some cables to improve night vision.
  • To further reinforce the durability factor of the cable.
  • The PVC jackets improve hand grip.
  • Various colors are available to improve aesthetic appearance.

Manufacturing Materials

Maximum corrosion resistance is achieved by manufacturing assemblies from Type 316S31 high tensile stainless steel wire. Strength is increased and stretching is minimized through a specialized design allowing outer wires to be supported by king wires. The cables are free of lubricants to allow for years of maintenance free utilization. Superior quality marine grade Type 316 stainless steel is utilized to manufacture all our stainless steel cables and fittings. Besides reducing maintenance costs, this product eradicates the need for costly paint equipment.

Stainless Cable and Strand Assemblies

Stainless cable and stand assemblies are a perfect selection for utilization:

  • In a high traffic area where appearance is important.
  • In doctor’s offices, hospitals, surgery centers and rehabilitation facilities, where sanitization plays a major role.
  • When a chemical plant may be located near the project.
  • When green plants will come in contact with the cables and assemblies.
  • In an area that may come in contact with food or food processing.
  • In the vicinity of roads that may receive salt during the winter months to eradicate snow and ice.
  • In the close proximity of salt water or where salt water may be present in the air.

Utilizations for Stainless Steel Cables and Assemblies

There are many purposes for stainless steel cables and assemblies including:

  • Barrier cables
  • Drapery Supports
  • Electrified railway caternery systems
  • Exterior trellis systems
  • Hang interior or exterior signs
  • Guardrail and handrail installations
  • Medical equipment
  • Outdoor patio canopy supports
  • Outdoor sculptures
  • Pictures, clocks and shelving suspension
  • Rehabilitation and other exercise equipment
  • Suspend lighting fixtures from the ceiling
  • Supports for trusses

Technical Details to Consider When Selecting Cables and Strands

Seco South typically manufactures cable assemblies out of four different constructions of cable and strand: 1×19 Strand, 1×19 Compact Strand, 7×7 cable and 7×19 cable. Although other types of cable are available, we find these satisfy most of our applications.

Strand is a group of wires wound concentrically in a helix. Normally, they are wound around a center wire known as the king wire. Strand is referred to as I by the total numbers of wires in the stand.

1x19 Stainless Cable
7x7 Stainless Cable
7x19 Stainless Cable

Constructional Stretch – occurs when a cable is put under load and the outer wires of a strand compress around its core causing the cable to extend. This permanent extension will vary depending on the load applied and the number of cycles of applications. The permanent extension can be as much as 0.1% for a conventional 1×19 strand.

Elastic Stretch – Due to constructional stretch, the elastic stretch will be proportional to the load. Modules of elasticity determine the resistance to stretch.

Strand Modulus – Load extension data from an actual strand is used together with the nominal diameter of the strand to calculate the cable modulus. A Strand Modulus is a more practical value and gives direct comparison between strand types.

Pre-Stressing – Pre-stressing is a technique used for removing the constructional stretch by cyclically loading the cable until the constructional stretch is removed. The method is commonly use on assemblies built for large bridge structures that do not have adjustable fittings such as turnbuckles. It is not always necessary to pre-stress a cable assembly that uses turnbuckles since the turnbuckles are used to take up any stretch. Pre-stressing is only effective where the cable is measured and marked under load since a cable will revert to its original state when recoiled.

1×19 Strand 7×7 Cable 7×19 Cable
  • non flexible
  • high strength
  • lowest stretch
  • flexible
  • medium strength
  • medium stretch
  • extra flexible
  • low strength
  • high stretch
Uses:
Architectural rigging, structural rigging, handrails, guardrails
Uses:
Architectural rigging, light structural rigging, decorative rigging
Uses:
Decorative rigging, lifting equipment, aircraft controls
1x19 Stainless Cable 7x7 Stainless Cable 7x19 Stainless Cable
  1×19 Construction 7×7 Construction 7×19 Construction
ØW Nominal Diameter Inches Part No. Min. Breaking Strength. Lbs Approx Weight lb/100ft Part No. Min. Breaking Strength. Lbs Approx Weight lb/100ft Part No. Min. Breaking Strength. Lbs Approx Weight lb/100ft
1/8 S19 1/8 1584 3.0 R07 1/8 1657 2.90 R19 1/8 1122 2.9
5/32 S19-5 5/32 2816 5.3 R07 5/32 2341 4.45 R19 5/32 2134 4.45
3/16 S19-3 3/16 3960 7.1 R07 3/16 3609 6.20 R19 3/16 2827 6.20
7/32 S19 7/32 5295 10.2 R07 7/32 4681 8.29 R19 7/32 3857 8.62
1/4 S19 1/4 7084 13.1 R07 1/4 5949 10.58 R19 1/4 5031 11.05
9/32 S19 9/32 7810 16.1 R07 9/32 7411 13.48 R19 9/32 6116 13.95
5/16 S19 5/16 10208 21.0 R07 5/16 8776 16.78 R19 5/16 7986 17.25
3/8 S19 3/8 14476 29.1 R07 3/8 11701 23.65 R19 3/8 11330 24.32
7/16 S19 3/8 19294 39.8
1/2 S19 7/16 25630 53.4
9/16 S19 9/16 31196 64.5
5/8 S19 5/8 40832 84.2
3/4 S19 3/4 47564 118.6
7/8 S19 7/8 63954 159.0
1 S19 1 89320 222.3
1 1/8 S19 1 1/8 115720 258.1
1 3/16 S19 1 3/16 129654 298.5
1 1/4 S19 1 1/4 138474 336.9

The low constructional stretch properties of our stainless steel Compact Strand make it the most suitable for structural applications. The unique manufacturing process that compacts the strands, not only increases the metallic area of the strand but also has the effect of removing the conditions within the strand that give rise to constructional stretch. Constructional stretch is as low as 0.01% and is achieved virtually on the initial loading thus eliminating any need for pre-stressing or subsequent retensioning of assemblies. In addition, the strength is increased by approximately 30% and the modulus is increased by a similar amount.

We have developed two types of compact strand, which offer the advantage of low stretch with a higher breaking strength than conventional 1×19 strand. Compact Strand can be terminated with swage type terminals and sizes of 2.5mm diameter and above can also use the Norseman swageless terminals.

Strand Comparison

Compact Strand Conventional 1×19
Part No. Construction ØW Nominal Diameter mm Min. Breaking Strength. Lbs Approx. Weight lb/100 ft Min. Breaking Strength. Lbs
D07 025 1×7 2.5 1518 2.28 1100
D07 030 1×7 3.0 2200 3.28 1584
D07 035 1×7 3.5 2970 4.49 N/A
D07 040 1×7 4.0 3916 5.91 2816
D19 050 1×19 5.0 5368 9.10 4400
D19 060 1×19 6.0 7810 13.00 6336
D19 070 1×19 7.0 10802 17.40 7810
D19 080 1×19 8.0 13530 23.20 10208
D19 100 1×19 10.0 21494 36.30 15950
D19 120 1×19 12.0 31746 54.20 22880
D19 140 1×25 14.0 42460 77.30 31196
D19 160 1×25 16.0 56320 98.80 40832
D19 190 1×31 19.0 70400 138.00 47564

Cable load chart

Attaching Fittings to Cables

Seco South uses two different methods for attaching our fittings to cables. These methods are known as swage and swageless.

Swage – To swage a fitting on the end of a cable means to press the fitting onto the end. There are several different methods used to swage fittings onto cables. All types of machines can produce a swage as strong as the wire (except hand crimp swaging) when adjusted and used correctly. All of our swage terminal dimensions comply with the US military standard that has been used exclusively for many years in the USA, UK and Australia. You can find our full range of swage fittings here.

All of our swaging is done at the factory. For projects that require swaging on the job site, we do offer portable swaging machines to purchase or rent. Please click here for more information on the portable swaging machines.

Swageless – The Norseman swageless system is an extremely effective way to attach fittings to a cable without the use of any specialized equipment. These fittings can be installed on a cable with nothing more than a simple adjustable or open end wrench. This allows you to install the fittings at the job site yourself and manufacture a cable assembly to length without having any predetermined dimensions. The Norseman swageless system will exceed the break strength of a cable when installed properly. You can find our full range of swageless fittings here.

Swaging Steps

Tie Bar Fittings

Seco South uses only the highest quality of Type 316L stainless steel bar stock to manufacture our tie bar assemblies. Bar stock is manufactured in lengths ranging from 10 – 12 ft depending on the diameter required. For tie bar assemblies that require longer lengths, a tie bar connector is used to join multiple sections together. The completed assembly is available in a polished or satin finish.

Below are calculations of the minimum yield and break strength for our standard range of tie bars. These calculations are based on the thread loads using BSEN 10088-1 GRADE 1.4401 (316) – formerly GRADE 316S31 BS 970 MIN UTS 510 N/mm2

Tie Bar Connectors

Tie Bar connectors are used to join multiple sections of tie bars together.

Tie Bar Tension Barrels

The tie bar tension barrels are used as an in-line tensioning device. We offer both closed and open body style barrels. Our #535 body is solid stainless steel. Our #651 body is solid stainless steel with unique aluminum-bronze threaded inserts to help prevent the galling of threads under load. Our #671 body is chrome plated aluminum-bronze that has an open body to view the threads.

  • #535 closed body barrel #671 open body barrel
  • solid stainless steel chrome plated aluminum-bronze

Jam Nuts are used to lock the #535 and #671 turnbuckle bodies in place.

  • #651 Closed Body Barrel
  • solid stainless steel w/aluminum-bronze inserts

Tapered Nuts are used to lock the #651 turnbuckle body in place.

Tie Bars

Non-Adjustable Fork

  • Calculated on the thread size using BSEN 10088-1 GRADE 1.4401 – Formerly GRADE 316S31 BS970 MIN UTS 510 N/mm2
  • Nominal dimensions shown.

Adjustable Fork

  • Calculated on the thread size using BSEN 10088-1 GRADE 1.4401 – Formerly GRADE 316S31 BS970 MIN UTS 510 N/mm2
  • Suffix R = Right Hand
  • Suffix L = Left Hand
  • Nominal dimensions shown

Non-Adjustable Eye

  • Calculated on the thread size using BSEN 10088-1 GRADE 1.4401 – Formerly GRADE 316S31 BS970 MIN UTS 510 N/mm2

Adjustable Eye

  • Calculated on the thread size using BSEN 10088-1 GRADE 1.4401 – Formerly GRADE 316S31 BS970 MIN UTS 510 N/mm2
  • Suffix R = Right Hand
  • Suffix L = Left Hand
  • Nominal dimensions shown