Starting a New Project

Having decided the operation feature, the configuration required is also settled if the operation is electric. If operation is manual, configuration may be selected primarily on the availability of storage space, room function, economics and aesthetics.

The order of ascending cost for configuration is: center, side and remote storage. The function or appearance of the room being divided may be such as to preclude exposed stack arrangement. Perhaps storage within pockets, with or without pocket doors, will satisfy that objection.

For heights of more than 18 feet, individual panels are usually preferred to paired panels so, for such heights, side stacked or remote storage will be used and center stacking will not be used.

If your application is for one hour fire-rated wall, the operation must be manual individual panels.

Side Stack Manual Operation Paired Panel Floor Track Required
Side Stack Manual Operation Individual Panel
Center Stack Manual or Electric Manual – hinged as groups Electric – continuously hinged
Example of Remote Stacks Manual Operation Individual Panel Note: Although not depicted, all operable wall configurations can be stored in storage pockets either with pocket doors or without.

When you anticipate noise isolation of Amplified Sound or require the best in long-term durability dictated by intensive usage and exposure to impact or other abuse, select the panel construction from the ALPHA series. Normally this is the “S” panel with 16 gauge steel faces; 14 gauge steel faces for exhibit areas. If sound absorption is needed in conjunction with superior noise isolation, select “P” panel with its 14 gauge steel faces, one perforated, and cover the perforated face with an acoustically transparent fabric or wall carpet.

If you have selected Electric Operation, the panel selection should be made from ALPHA or SIGMA series panels.

If the wall is to be one hour fire-rated then the panel construction must be designated as “X”. There are a number of restrictions about the use of fire rated operable walls, so contact Advanced Equipment early in your design for assistance.

Assuming your application does not require the performance of ALPHA panels, a selection can then be made from the SIGMA series panels. SIGMA series panels utilize the same frame members as furnished with ALPHA panels but weld spacing and face sheet thickness are different.  These panels are less expensive than the ALPHA panels, but durability and service life are not compromised.

Both the ALPHA and SIGMA panels are available with protective vertical edge trim or with trim that does not overlap onto the panel face (finish wraps around the vertical edge).

Available storage space is the prime consideration here. The wider the panels, the wider the storage space and the shallower the depth. For economic reasons, the panel width should be as wide as possible, up to 48 inches. Above 48 inches, consider the width of the finish material you plan to use. Most vinyl wall covering is 54 inches wide and therefore that is the upper limit for panels with vinyl finish. Many woven fabrics and wall carpets are 60 or more inches wide, so the panels can be up to 60 inches wide. Maximum available panel width for ALPHA panel is 60 inches. SIGMA panels are limited to maximum panel width of 54 inches. Actual panel width will be determined by the opening size, wall configuration and number of panels.

Specified track and trolley system must be capable of carrying the loads imposed by the panel weight. Not all track systems offered by Advanced Equipment can be used with each type of wall operation. Refer to the track selection chart on this web site for assistance in selecting the appropriate track for your project. A brief listing of the available tracks, trolley capacity and their operational use is as follows:

When utilized with individual panel configurations, tracks # 1, 1A, 8B, 2 and 8 employ curved turns. Trolleys are preprogrammed to automatically select the appropriate stack track when passing through the stack wye (Y). Change in panel travel direction is accomplished by means of remotely controlled electric track switches.

Track #3 is a multi-directional track system. Typical of multi-directional systems, it requires those who operate it to make conscious decisions as to directional changes: it may also permits accidental reversal of panels. Turns and intersections are angular. These sharp turns will allow impact loads to trolley and track intersection if the panel operator does not take care when moving panels. AEC limits use of #3 track to heights of less than18 feet.

Where practical, the designer should elect to use tracks with curves, Y’s and track switches. These systems provide for automatic directional control and avoid the operational impact opportunities which are characteristic of multi-directional systems.

™Panel finishes available by panel family are as follows:

In addition to the above finishes, AEC will also apply special finishes that may be a combination of any of the above types.

Standard track soffit finish for all tracks is clear satin anodized. All tracks can be furnished with a white paint finish. All tracks can be furnished with optional polyester powder coat finish either standard RAL color or custom color.

Panel perimeter trim finish standards are clear satin anodized or bronze anodized. Optional finish is polyester powder coat either standard color or a custom color.

Options:

The following are available on either manual or electric walls:

1. Mechanical retractable bottom seals

2. Passdoors

• Self Illuminating Exit Sign
• Concealed Door Closer
• Deadlocks
• Door Viewer (peep-hole)
• Window

3. Pocket Doors

• Deadlock

4. Instructional Surfaces

• Chalkboards*
• Liquid Marker Boards*
• Tackboards*
• Eraser Pocket

*specified height or full panel height

The following are available on electric walls:

• Lead panel safety edge
• Storage area safety mat
• Electric interlocks for pocket doors
• Electric interlocks for intersecting walls
• Light fence

Advanced Equipment’s DWSpec™ is the easy way to design and write a specification for an operable wall. The wall characteristics are established as the operator answers a series of simple questions. The program will then offer several storage options for the designer to consider and print both specification and plan view schematic for the wall. The designer need determine only operation and configuration. Click here to access DWSpec™.