NFPA 4 Bar U-Rack

Brands: SMC

Description

If you want to start a heated debate among Rappel Rack aficionados just ask the group what style is best, J-Racks or U-Racks? Both share benefits such as providing the largest range of friction control with a variety of ropes, being great as either a lowering device or on rappel, not twisting ropes and so on. The benefit that people most often attribute to the U-Rack over the J-Rack is greater strength. This is a fallacy, despite being the common understanding, as the system fails when the rope brakes rather than the device breaking. As a result, both types of racks achieve similar ratings.

U-Racks are used in the opposite orientation as J-Racks in that the rack is clipped to the harness or anchor at the bend area of the frame with the “legs” always pointing away from the user. The U-Rack does not facilitate friction variation by dropping or adding bars as the J-Rack does and the U-Rack should never be used with less than 4 bars. The benefit of the SMC designed 4 bar U-Rack is having the two opposed tied-off bars. This provides the opportunity for quicker tie-off methods (user can braid the rope between the 2 pins much like a boat cleat is used) and the user can have more “fine tuned” friction possibilities on a shorter and lighter system. The 6 Bar version utilizes a single Tie-Off Bar and 5 Brake Bars.

SMC U-Rack assemblies are the only such U-Racks which are UL Certified to the current NFPA standards.
U-Rack may be used as either a rappel or lowering device.
U-Rack provides for even distribution of weight between both sides of the rack.
U-Rack does not twist rope, as can occur when using a Figure 8 type descender.
U-Rack may be used with single or double ropes of varying diameters.
Different length racks provide wide range of friction and control under varying weights and applications.
User may adjust friction by simply wrapping rope around the Tie-Off Bar(s).
Stainless steel rack material provides greater strength, reliability and long lasting service.
Tie-Off Bars are tubular stainless steel for longer life.
Brake Bars are available as aluminum or stainless steel and come in a variety of styles and sizes.
Racks & bars may be purchased separately so that the user may have a greater range of set-up configurations tailored to meet their individual needs for non-NFPA applications and as replacement parts.