• Home >
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Submit a Question

Have a question not answered here? Please send it to us and we will respond with your answer within two business days, Monday through Friday.

ALL PRODUCTS – GENERAL
WIRE PARTITION/SECURITY/STORAGE - PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE
WIRE PARTITION/SECURITY/STORAGE - STYLE 840 SYSTEM - INSTALLATION
GUARDING/SAFETY - PHYSICAL BARRIER
PROTECTIVE RAILING -MEZZARAIL®

Additonal Questions? Please contact us.

ALL PRODUCTS - GENERAL

Q: What exactly does WireCrafters make?

WireCrafters makes wire partitions, that may be used to build security enclosures, storage lockers, safety barriers, and pallet rack backing. We also manufacture a line of storage lockers, handrails, and guardrails.

Q: What is the lead time for an all stock order?

With approved credit, stock items ship 48 hours from receipt of order (work days).

Q: What is the lead time for an order with non-stock parts?

In most cases, with approved credit, orders for special materials ship ten work days or less from final order approval. Ship dates are assigned when final layout and dimensions have been approved by the customer.

Q: Will my shipment include installation instructions?

Our Installation Instructions Manual is included in all shipments. You may preview this booklet on this web site. Custom orders also receive a detailed blueprint.

Q: Is freight included in my price quotation?

Yes, freight and packaging charges are included in your price quotation. We include freight in the pricing to better serve our customers. Most of our orders are shipped via LTL carriers. Because we work with these truck lines so frequently we believe we can get better freight rates than our customers can get on their own. Furthermore, should your order be damaged during shipment we can handle the claim if we pay the freight.

Q: What should I do if my shipment is damaged in transit?

First, mark the number of damaged pieces on the truck line's delivery paperwork. Be as specific as possible. For example, write "DAMAGED 4 pieces 4' x 10' 2 pieces 4' x 5'", or "MISSING one box". At the very least write how many pieces are damaged. DO NOT give into pressure by the truck driver and sign the delivery receipt received subject to later inspection. After marking the delivery receipt as "DAMAGED" or "MISSING", call (800) 924 9473 and report the problem to a customer service representative.

Q: What happens if my shipment is damaged?

If the damage was noted on the truck line's delivery paperwork at the time of delivery WireCrafters will replace material at no charge and file a claim with the truckline.

Q: What should I do with damaged parts?

Please hold on to them. Our customer service representative will arrange for the truckline to pick them up. Claims will be denied if damaged items cannot be picked up for salvage.

Q: What happens if I fail to note damaged or missing items at the time of delivery?

Unfortunately you will have to repair those items or purchase them again. Truck lines will not accept claims for damaged or missing items once material has been signed for without exception.

Q: How is the product packaged for shipment?

Most shipments are banded onto a wooden skid, posts down the center of the pallet, with panels stacked upright along the edges.

Q: Can you ship to international destinations?

Yes, WireCrafters can ship to international destinations. In these instances the product may need to be crated.

Q: How long before my order ships?

If your order is for all stock parts it will ship in 48 hours from receipt of order (workdays only). Orders with special fabricated parts generally ship in ten work days if they are not a special color. Orders with special colors generally ship in thirteen work days. Target ship dates are set when the final approval drawings are received.

Q: Can I order WireCrafters products online?

You may purchase WireCrafters products on line from many of our dealers. Please search under WireCrafters wire partitions to find the dealer nearest you.

Q: Can I email you my sketch in cad format and what formats do you accept..acad, pdf etc...

Yes, you may email your sketch. We prefer .dwg, .dxf, .dgn type files, but can also use .pdf, .xls, .ppt, or .doc files.

Q: Can you email drawings to me?

Yes we can email approval drawings.

WIRE PARTITION/SECURITY/STORAGE - PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE

Q: Does WireCrafters product meet DEA specifications? What are the particulars?

With proper configuration and installation WireCrafters Style 840 partitions meet DEA requirements for the storage of Class III, IV, and V controlled substances. Please refer to the DEA Approved Storage section under Wire Partition/Security/Storage on the website for the details as to how WireCrafters products comply.

Q: What are your standard heights?

Stock partition heights are 8' 5-1/4", 10' 5-1/4", 12' 5-1/4", however it is not unusual for us to provide partition walls shorter or taller than the stock heights. The only limitations we have for wall heights is tubing length for the partition posts and proper support for the wall. Your best value is specifying wall heights that can be built in multiples of 4' 0" or 5' 0" or some combination there of. We can manufacture special sized panels to fill the gaps at the top if necessary.

Q: What are the overall dimensions of panels for the Style 840 Partitions?

Style 840 panels are either 4' 0" or 5' 0" high and one to ten feet long, in one foot increments. A post is two inches wide. Two panels are stacked, one on top of the other, between two posts to build a full height partition wall. For example, an 8 foot high, fifteen feet six inch wide wall takes two RP8 posts with two 104 panels (10 feet wide by 4 feet high) stacked between them, connected to two 54 panels (5 feet wide by 4 feet high) with another RP8 post at the end of the two 54 panels.

Q: Are nonstandard size panels available?

Yes, WireCrafters can fabricate special size panels to meet your exact needs.

Q: Can the panels be made with any other type of mesh?

Yes, WireCrafters stocks several different size meshes, expanded metal, sheet metal and Lexan® for these special applications. Wire Mesh Options

Q: What is an adjustable panel?

An adjustable panel is used to close gaps at the end of partition runs. It is a 12" wide by 4' 0" or 12" wide by 5' 0" high piece of sheet metal, with a ninety degree bend along one edge.

Q: How do you use an adjustable panel?

Adjustable panels are designed to fit between a post or building wall, and the two end panels on a run of partitioning. They are used in layouts which cannot be accurately measured and to fill a gap at the end of a run.

Q: How big is 10 gauge wire?

Generally speaking, the diameter of 10 gauge wire is slightly larger than 1/8 of an inch. Technically speaking, the diameter of 10 gauge wire measures anywhere from .129 to .140 of an inch in thickness; with .135 as the midpoint of the range.

Q: What stock heights are offered?

Stock partition heights are 8' 5-1/4", 10' 5-1/4", 12' 5-1/4". However we are not limited to those stock sizes, and can supply walls and ceilings to meet your exact needs. The only limitations we have for wall heights is tubing length for the partition posts and proper support for the wall. Your best value is specifying wall heights that can be built in multiples of 4' 0" or 5' 0" or some combination thereof. We can manufacture special sized panels to fill the gaps at the top if necessary.

Q: Why are WireCrafters' stock heights listed 5-1/4 inches taller than the nominal wall height, e.g. 8' 5-1/4" instead of 8' 0"?

WireCrafters lists the overall height of the partition, which includes a 3-1/4" sweep space beneath the wire panels, eight feet of wall panels, and 2" post projection above the wire panels.

Q: What is a sweep space?

A sweep space is the open area between the floor and panels. It is designed into the system for housekeeping purposes.

Q: What is the dimension for the standard sweep space?

Standard sweep space (open area under the panels) is 3-1/4".

Q: Do I need a sweep space?

No, a sweep space is not required.

Q: I need a sweep space bigger than 3-1/4". What are my options for clearance under the panels?

Panels can be mounted at nearly any height off of the floor. This does require changing the standard hole layout on the posts; a modification best done at the factory.

Q: Can my walls be installed flush to the floor?

Partition walls can be installed flush to the floor. This requires changing the standard hole layout on the posts; a simple modification, but best ordered from the factory. Gates and doors will always have at least a 1" gap between panel and floor.

Q: What dimension is the standard sweep for WireCrafters physical barrier?

Our standard sweep space for 5' or 6' high physical barrier is 1' 0". Other sweep space dimensions are available.

Q: Is a 1'-0" sweep space in the physical barrier OSHA approved?

The acceptability of the sweep space dimension is dependent on the equipment being guarded. In many situations the 1' 0" sweep space is acceptable.

Q: When should I put a post adjacent to a building wall instead of connecting directly to the wall?

Generally the type and condition of existing building walls determines if you can anchor the panels to the wall. The building wall must have sufficient strength to hold the anchors. A good rule of thumb is, if in doubt put a post at the wall. This will cost a little more, but may save you lots of aggravation.

Drywall (sheet rock, gypsum board) walls usually require a post at the wall, unless you can find a wall stud to anchor the panel.

Cement block walls provide a solid, sturdy, mounting surface.

Wood walls, or wood strips mounted on walls make a fairly good mounting surface.

Metal walls are usually too thin to mount to.

Q: Can I add a ceiling later, or do I have to order it with the original layout?

You can add a ceiling to the cage at any time. However, if you are considering adding a clear spanned ceiling, you should plan for it in your original layout. Depending on the width of your enclosure we may need to position posts directly opposite of each other to support ceiling tubes for attaching the ceiling panels.

Q: Does WireCrafters supply interlocks with orders for Physical Barriers?

No, due to the variety of interlocks on the market, and the varying requirements of different machinery, we have found it better to provide mounting plates on the partition openings where the interlocks can be mounted. If you supply us with a template of your interlock device we can fabricate the interlock plates with mounting holes for the device.

Q: Does the wire partition have an impact rating?

We do not have impact ratings for the product.

Q: Is there a difference between a gate and a door?

No, we use the terms interchangeably.

Q: WireCrafters advertises a "full height" sliding door. When would a door not be full height?

Some manufacturers install a transom above the sliding door opening. WireCrafters' sliding doors hang from a track mounted at the top of the door posts, there is no transom panel fixed in the opening between the door posts. This provides an extra one or two feet of open space at each sliding door opening.

Q: What is the clear opening height of WireCrafters' sliding doors for standard 8' 5-1/4"and 10' 5-1/4" high partitions?

The clear space under the sliding door track is 8' 0" and 10' 0" respectively.

Q: Why is my sliding door transom panel 2" wider than the door opening?

WireCrafters does not use transom panels in sliding door openings. We use a door extension panel to increase the height of the sliding door. Like the sliding door panel(s), the extension panels are two inches wider than the door opening.

Q: Can I install an 8' 0" high sliding gate in a wall that is 10' 5-1/4" high?

An 8' 0" sliding gate can be installed in any partition wall 8' 5-1/4" or taller.

Q: Lift drivers keep crashing into the sliding door track across the gate opening. Can I get a sliding gate without any overhead obstruction?

Yes, WireCrafters offers a "Tunnel Gate" that does not hang from overhead track, but rolls on the floor. This gate can be retro-fitted to standard sliding gate openings. Tunnel Gates

Q: What is a "Tunnel Gate"?

A "Tunnel Gate" is a sliding gate that rolls on the floor, rather than hanging from a track. Early designs of this product had the gate retracting into a tubular "tunnel" (or pocket) hence the name "Tunnel Gate". Tunnel Gates

Q: Why do all doors come with two door posts?

Doors for the Style 840 line are designed to be installed with door posts. These posts allow stock hinged and sliding doors (except Dutch style doors) to be mounted inside or outside swing/slide, and left or right handed.

Q: Can I mount wall panels directly to Door Posts, or do I need to have a Run Post or Corner Post next to the Door Posts?

The Door Posts are designed to accept mounting hardware for adjacent wall panels. Corner or Run posts are not needed next to Door/Gate posts.

Q: Why are the Wire Partition doors termed "universal"?

Standard hinged and sliding doors are universal because the same door can be installed inside or outside, left hand or right hand. (Storage Locker doors can be installed left or right hand, but all are swing out.)

Q: Is assembly hardware included with the shipment?

All assembly hardware including floor anchors is supplied with each order including a detailed Installation Instruction manual. Instruction Manual

Q: Are floor anchors included with the shipment?

Standard 3/8" mechanical (stud type) concrete anchors for anchoring the posts to the floor are included with your order.

Q: What kind of anchors are provided?

Standard 3/8" mechanical (stud type) concrete anchors are provided to secure each post or locker to the floor. Depending on site conditions, we can provide sleeve anchors, wood screws, or drywall anchors for mounting panes to adjacent walls.

Q: What kind of finish is on the product?

All not plated parts receive one coat of WireCrafters gray acrylic enamel. Touch up paint is included with each order.

Q: What is the standard stock color?

Our standard color is gray.

Q: What colors are available?

WireCrafters keeps several special colors (Blue, Black, Beige, and Yellow) in stock to speed delivery. WireCrafters will match any color; a sample paint chip must be provided. Custom Colors

Q: Is there an up-charge for special colors?

Yes, there is an extra charge for special color paint.

Q: How long does it take to ship jobs in a special color?

Typically special color jobs ship thirteen work days from order approval date.

Q: Are the wall panels and ceiling panels interchangeable?

Yes, we use the same panels for walls and ceilings; there is no difference between them.

Q: Can the top of the cage be walked on and used for additional storage?

No, all of our ceilings are non-load bearing.

WIRE PARTITION/SECURITY/STORAGE - STYLE 840 SYSTEM - INSTALLATION

Q: Does WireCrafters product take more time to install than other brands?

In our estimation, the Style 840 partitions install just as fast, or faster than any on the market. We feel they are easier to install than most because of the adjustments designed into the system. All panels have slotted holes for vertical adjustment.

Q: Can I change the hand/swing of my door?

Yes, the hand and swing of standard hinged and standard sliding doors can be changed. This will require disassembly of the door as well as the latching devices. Consult the Installation Instruction Manual before attempting. Instruction Manual

Q: What is meant by "Face Side" or "Out Side" of the enclosure?

WireCrafters Style 840 partitions have two sides, (1) the "Face side" (outside, or secured side), does not show or allow access to the mounting hardware, and (2)the inside (or unsecured side), where all mounting hardware is exposed.

Q: Can I change the height of my partition after it is installed?

Yes, partition height may be increased by adding post extensions, and additional wall panels. WireCrafters offers optional parts to make this job easier.

Q: I want to reconfigure our cage. Can I re-use any material?

All WireCrafters Style 840 panels are interchangeable, there is no difference between wall and ceiling panels. When reusing posts be sure to recognize the three different types: Door, Run, and Corner. Details can be found in the Installation Instruction Manual on this site. Instruction Manual

Q: Can I install the product outside?

The product is designed to be installed inside. We recommend using different coatings-like galvanizing-if the product will be used for outdoor applications.

Q: How does the panel system work?

Panels install horizontally between tubular posts. Stack two or more panels to reach partition height. Stock size panels come in widths of one to ten feet in one foot increments. Mount panels to posts with standard nuts and bolts (provided), or use tek screws. Anchor posts to floor using stud anchors (provided).

Q: Can panels be installed vertically?

Panels are not designed to be installed vertically. Hole layouts on posts and panels will not align if this is done.

Q: Can I use tek screws to install my order?

You can use tek screws to assemble the product. All panels are punched with small slotted holes for tek screw assembly and large slotted holes for thru bolt assembly. We recommend using the 3/8" nuts and bolts provided because of the added adjustment and flexibility they offer.

Q: How are the ceiling tubes attached to the posts and what hardware do I use?

Horizontal Ceiling Tubes attach to upright posts and ceiling panels. 2" x 2" Ceiling Tubes attach to posts with an angle bracket that is tek screwed to ceiling tube and then tek screwed to the post. 2" x 4" Ceiling Tubes have an additional bracket that tek screws to the Ceiling Tube, and nests inside of the post. For a graphic depiction of this refer to the Installation Instruction under Horizontal Ceiling Tube Installation.

Q: How do you adjust a sliding door?

Before adjusting the slide door it is very important to check that the door posts are plumb (vertical on perpendicular sides of the post). Check this with a carpenter's level. You may need to shim under the post's base plates and retighten the anchors. Once you are sure the posts are plumb, check that the track is level, and that the brackets are tight. Finally, the door may be adjusted up or down by loosening the nuts on the pendant bolts that hang from the trolley trucks that roll in the door track. Once the door has been moved into the proper position, tighten the upper jam nut on the pendant bolt so that the door is secure. See Slide Door section of the Installation Instructions for more details.

Q: What is the best way to install a vertical rise gate?

Lay the posts down on the floor where the vertical rise gate will be installed. Assemble the gate, slides, cables, and lift mechanism with the gate on the floor. Slowly lift the top of the completed assembly until the gate is resting in its vertical position. Gently slide the gate into the intended opening, shim under the base plates so the posts are plumb, and securely anchor assembly to the floor. Connect assembly to wall panels.

Q: How do ceiling panels attach to the wall panels?

In most cases ceiling panels are attached to wall panels with slotted angle that is bolted to the edge of the top wall panel. Ceiling tubes may also be used as horizontal support for the ceiling. Specific methods of attachment are detailed in the instruction manual. (link to instruction manual)

Q: Should the partition be field braced?

The need for field bracing depends on each individual layout and site condition. Most installations do not need to be secondarily braced. Long straight runs are a good candidate for field bracing, as are extra tall installations. WireCrafters offers several optional parts to make this job easier, ask your sales person for assistance.

Q: How should the partition be field braced?

Depending on site conditions bracing may be connected to adjacent rack, shelving, or the building structure. Rigidity can also be added by bracing across corners of a layout.

GUARDING/SAFETY - PHYSICAL BARRIER

Q: What dimension is the standard sweep for WireCrafters physical barrier?

Our standard sweep space for 5' or 6' high physical barrier is 1' 0". Other sweep space dimensions are available.

Q: Is a 1'-0" sweep space in the physical barrier OSHA approved?

The acceptability of the sweep space dimension is dependent on the equipment being guarded. In many situations the 1' 0" sweep space is acceptable.

Q: Does WireCrafters supply interlocks with orders for Physical Barriers?

No, due to the variety of interlocks on the market, and the varying requirements of different machinery, we have found it better to provide mounting plates on the partition openings where the interlocks can be mounted. If you supply us with a template of your interlock device we can fabricate the interlock plates with mounting holes for the device.

Q: Does the wire partition have an impact rating?

We do not have impact ratings for the product.

PROTECTIVE RAILING -MEZZARAIL®

Q: Can MezzaRail® Panels be installed on stairs?

Standard MezzaRail® panels cannot be installed on stairways. However we can fabricate panels for this purpose.