Suspended lighting grid: points, loads and lifting plan

Define lifting and final suspension

Ask GLMedia about rental options for your event. The proposal is subject to availability, confirmation of the model and configuration, and the venue’s technical requirements.

Identify the truss system, venue points, hoists, controls and rigging hardware. Separate the lifting operation from the final suspended condition; a point approved for static suspension is not automatically a lifting point.

Venue-point limits and hoist classification

Venue points

Use the documented capacity of the complete point and its permitted force directions, rather than an isolated fitting rating.

Hoist classification

A D8+ label or double brake alone does not approve the complete overhead system.

A competent rigging team and structural designer must review the actual configuration. Manufacturer limits, local requirements and venue policy apply together.

Rigging plot and complete load schedule

Prepare a rigging plot with identified points, trim heights, truss orientation, equipment and cable weights, load positions and calculated reactions. Document hoists, controls, attachments, inspections and the agreed retention arrangement.

Checks before the planned lift

1. Obtain venue authorization and verify actual point identities against the approved plot.
2. Resolve load distribution and lifting conditions with the responsible designer; do not divide total weight by the number of motors.
3. Agree supervision, communication, exclusion zones and emergency actions before work. Review every change before lifting.

Three technical questions

• The eyebolt rating is higher than the venue point limit. Which applies?
• Can another motor make the loads equal automatically?
• Does D8+ mean no other retention or review is required?

Limits before installation

Do not use a general beam table as approval for a grid or multipoint structure. NRAG guidance is contextual guidance, not confirmation of local legal compliance.

Technical guidance and manufacturer scope

• NRAG venue point guidance
• NRAG overhead hoist guidance
• TOMCAT scope of load tables

Preparing a conference rigging inquiry

Start with the date, room, event purpose and an approximate idea of what needs to be suspended. If drawings or exact models are not available yet, identify the missing information: we can organize options and the scope to quote before the design is finalized.

To compare a flown grid with a floor-supported solution, we collect venue and production information. A floor-supported option also needs its footprint, floor conditions, audience access and system documentation reviewed; the absence of ceiling points does not automatically approve that option.

1. Ask the venue technical contact for the current drawing, authorized point identification, load criteria and the person who receives and approves submissions. A ceiling photo can guide the inquiry but does not establish points or capacities.
2. Provide approximate clear height, obstructions and restricted areas. Separate the desired equipment height from point locations and the space needed for installation.
3. Collect load-in, installation and load-out windows, access routes and restrictions on lifting or suppliers. Confirm which tasks require venue staff and which production may undertake.
4. Agree on deliverables: the venue supplies conditions and authorizations; production supplies documented equipment, positions and loads; competent review checks the design and its acceptance. Identify the revision, owner and open items for each document.

• 4Wall — rigging, venue criteria and production coordination

Preparing sling, shackle and edge-protection selection

To quote accessories, link each connection to the rigging sketch. Start with readable label and marking photos, purpose and approximate dimensions; final selection requires the actual components and configuration. We do not assign capacity from color, apparent diameter or resemblance to another part.

1. List each location: sling manufacturer and reference, identification, length, material, marked capacity and matching document; for a shackle, identify the body, original pin and closure system. Keep certificates and history linked to the pieces.
2. Draw what each connection joins and where it contacts edges or surfaces. Record the route, geometry, intended angles and movement so competent review can determine the configuration and protection from applicable documents. A sleeve alone does not demonstrate adequate edge protection.
3. Isolate pieces with uncertain identity or condition and record findings before proposing replacements. The offer can separate hardware, specified protection, inspection and assistance; every substitution must be checked against the assembly again.

• CM — Pocket Rigging Guide, 2022: shackle and sling use
• CM — Rigging & Attachments: shackle use, care and inspection

CM Prostar: information for assessing the hoist and assembly

Start a Prostar inquiry with the date, venue, task and approximate travel. Specifying equipment and scope requires matching its variant and accessories; the family name does not identify a unit’s voltage, control or capacity. The CM Prostar manual P/N 192045152 Rev AB (August 2019) prohibits using the hoist to lift, support or transport people and lifting loads over people; it requires everyone to remain clear of the supported load.

1. Collect a readable nameplate, model and serial number, capacity with units, supply and controller reference. The identified official manual is P/N 192045152 Rev AB, August 2019: confirm applicability to the unit before using it as a procedure.
2. Separate transport receipt, installation and inspection: record shipping or equipment damage and available documents. No shipping damage does not establish current operational inspection.
3. Include chain and travel, container and attachment, hooks and accessories in the assembly list. We can assess supply, installation or operation as agreed; the responsible team must resolve documentation and use conditions before work.

• CM Prostar — P/N 192045152 Rev AB, August 2019