Cable display systems for A3 A2 A1

Classic versus Gripper cable kits

The kits on this page are our Classic cable display kits. The side fittings to secure A3, A2 and A1 pockets onto the wires attach using two gub screws - one to hold the acrylic pocket and the other to attach the easy-access pocket to the cable and set the height.

In our Gripper kits, height adjustment is achieved with a push-button device built into the side fittings. View Gripper Kits, which are slightly dearer but are more convenient for subsequent height adjustment.

Some popular cable kits with A3 or A2 pockets

• CKIT.2A3/P: Cable display system | Suspended A3 acrylic pockets for window or wall to wall
• CKIT.2A2/P: A2 Cable poster kit | A2 acrylic wall poster display with 2 A2 poster holders

Space required to install a cable display system with 2 or 3 bays

The width depends on the size of the pockets ordered and the number of bays. Multiply the nominal pocket width by the number of bays. The nominal width makes an allowance for cable fittings and visual clearance.

A3 nominal width: 40 cm

A2 nominal width: 50 cm

A1 nominal width: 70 cm

The height is very flexible as the supplied cables are 4m long (the average room is about 3m high) and the pockets can be positioned anywhere up and down the cables. However, please consider readability: poster pockets below knee height or above head height are not going to be easy to read.

Setting our dimensions

Exact setting out dimensions are shown in the diagrams supplied with your order. Note that end bays and intermediate bays have fractionally different centre-to-centre fixing hole dimensions.

Installing cable displays

Successful installation requires the ability to drill into walls, floors or ceilings with precision to ensure cables end up vertical and correctly spaced apart. Screws and plastic plugs are supplied for typical installations, but the installer should be able to assess any special fixing requirements due to individual site circumstances. They should also be used to consider whether buried electric cables or pipes might cause issues. We suggest that installation is carried out by a tradesperson or competent DIYer.

How anchors are fixed to the wall, floor or ceiling

Swivel anchors comprise a threaded circular base plate which is attached to the wall, floor or ceiling using a single screw, plus the main body which then twists onto the base plate. This provides a concealed fixing. The swivel feature means that the same fitments can be used on a vertical surface (wall) or horizontal surface (ceiling or floor), or an angled surface (sloping ceiling).

How cables are tensioned

The supplied cables are 4m long, 1.5mm diameter galvanised wire with a termination at one end. The wires are very strong, provided that the top and bottom anchors are fixed securely into a wall or ceiling capable of providing a suitable anchoring point.

To achieve taut cables, there is a threaded adjustment in the top anchor fitting - a threaded barrel containing a small spring to compensate for any cable stretch over time. Initially, the cable should be pulled tight from the opposite end with a few threads showing at the top anchor. The cable is gripped by the bottom anchor, which has a convenient in-built cable gripper. Initial tension is achieved by pulling taut. Final tension is achieved by winding up the threaded barrel at the top anchor. (The anchors can also be reversed to enable tensioning from the bottom if preferred.)

The supplied cables are 4m long, so normally there is excess cable to be trimmed off once the cables are all fitted and correctly tensioned. Always leave a short tail visible so cables can be re-tensioned if required.

Tools typically required

We supply all fittings and parts, including Allen keys and screws. The installer is likely to require the following tools:

Tape measure and pencil

Sprit level and plumb line (plumb bob)

Electric drill and masonry drill bits

Cross-head screwdriver

Wire cutters to trim off excess cable. We sell good-quality wire cutters.