Not everything in a warehouse belongs in an open pallet rack bay. Valuable inventory, tools, equipment, small parts and other items may need to be kept separate from general warehouse storage and accessible only to authorized employees. But building a permanent room isn’t always practical, especially when you already have pallet rack in place.
A modular pallet rack wire enclosure can provide a simple solution. Wire security panels can be attached directly to existing pallet rack to create a dedicated, lockable storage area without replacing the rack or building conventional walls.
What Is a Pallet Rack Wire Enclosure?
A pallet rack wire enclosure uses modular wire mesh panels, doors and mounting hardware to enclose one or more pallet rack bays. The panels attach to the pallet rack uprights, creating walls around the storage area. A door provides access, and the enclosure can be secured with a padlock to limit access to authorized personnel.
Because the system is modular, it can be configured around the existing pallet rack and warehouse layout. It can also be incorporated into a new pallet rack installation. The result is a secure storage area that still allows you to see what’s inside.
How Do Wire Enclosures Attach to Pallet Rack?
One of the biggest advantages of this type of enclosure is how it integrates with the pallet rack you already have. The wire panels bolt to the pallet rack uprights using mounting brackets and hardware. This allows the rack itself to become part of the enclosure rather than requiring a completely separate support structure. We recently installed two of these enclosures as part of a warehouse project. The photos show how the panels attach directly to the pallet rack uprights.
See How the Panels Attach to the Rack
We’ve also included a video showing how the modular panels bolt to the pallet rack uprights.
Seeing the installation makes it easy to understand how the system can be added to an existing pallet rack layout.
Can You Add a Wire Enclosure to Existing Pallet Rack?
Yes. That’s one of the main reasons modular wire enclosures are so useful. They can be installed on virtually any style of pallet rack, whether the rack is new or has been in service for years. Instead of replacing your existing rack, an enclosure can be designed around the rack that’s already in your warehouse.
Of course, the existing rack should be evaluated before installation to make sure its condition, dimensions and configuration are suitable for the proposed enclosure. For a warehouse that already has pallet rack in place, this can be an efficient way to add secure storage without starting over.
What Can You Store in a Pallet Rack Wire Enclosure?
There are many situations where a warehouse needs a storage area that is separate from general inventory.
Common applications include:
- Valuable inventory
- Tools and equipment
- Maintenance supplies
- Electronics
- Small parts
- Replacement parts
- Specialized equipment
- Controlled-access inventory
- Items that need additional protection
The wire mesh construction provides a physical barrier while maintaining visibility. Employees can see the contents without having to open the enclosure.
Lockable Storage With Padlock Access
A key feature of these enclosures is the lockable access door. The door is designed for padlock access, providing a straightforward way to control who can enter the storage area. A manager, department or designated employee can control access to the key or combination.
This makes the system particularly useful when certain inventory or equipment needs to be kept away from general warehouse traffic. A wire enclosure isn’t intended to be a guarantee against theft, but it does provide a physical barrier and a controlled-access storage area that is more secure than an open pallet rack bay.
A Recent Pallet Rack Wire Enclosure Installation
Midwest Material Handling recently completed a project that included two modular wire enclosures. The enclosures were installed around existing pallet rack to create secure storage areas within the warehouse. The panels were bolted to the pallet rack uprights and fitted with access doors that can be secured with padlocks.
For this particular installation, we used components from Husky Rack & Wire. The modular design allowed us to configure the panels around the existing pallet rack rather than replacing the rack or constructing a separate storage room. This project is a good example of how an existing pallet rack system can be adapted to meet changing storage and security requirements.
What Are the Advantages of Modular Pallet Rack Security Panels?
The biggest advantage is flexibility. You can add a secure storage area without completely changing the way your warehouse is laid out. The enclosure can be designed around the pallet rack you already have and configured for the items you need to store.
Other advantages include:
Uses Existing Pallet Rack
If you already have pallet rack, you may be able to use that structure as part of the enclosure instead of installing a separate security cage.
Provides Controlled Access
The lockable door allows access to be limited to authorized personnel.
Maintains Visibility
The wire mesh lets you see the contents of the enclosure while still providing a physical barrier.
Protects Valuable Items
A dedicated enclosure provides an additional level of protection for inventory, tools, equipment and other valuable items.
Flexible Configuration
Modular panels can be arranged to fit different pallet rack layouts and storage requirements.
Works With New or Existing Rack
An enclosure can be incorporated into a new rack installation or added to pallet rack that’s already in use.
Are Pallet Rack Wire Enclosures Right for Your Warehouse?
If you have pallet rack and need a secure place to store valuable or restricted items, a modular wire enclosure may be worth considering. Instead of building a permanent room or purchasing a completely separate storage structure, you can use the pallet rack already in your warehouse to create a dedicated, lockable storage area.
The right configuration will depend on your rack, available space, what you’re storing and how the enclosure will be accessed. Midwest Material Handling can help you determine whether a pallet rack wire enclosure is a good fit for your facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a wire enclosure be installed on existing pallet rack?
Yes. Modular wire panels can be attached to existing pallet rack uprights. They can be used with virtually any style of pallet rack, provided the existing rack is suitable for the installation.
Can pallet rack wire enclosures be locked?
Yes. The access doors are designed for padlock access, allowing the enclosed area to be secured and access limited to authorized personnel.
Can I enclose just one pallet rack bay?
Yes. The modular design allows an enclosure to be configured around a single bay or multiple bays, depending on your storage needs and the available rack layout.
Can wire enclosures be added to older pallet rack?
In most cases, yes. One of the advantages of a modular system is that it can be designed around existing pallet rack. The condition and configuration of the rack should be evaluated before installation.
What can I store in a pallet rack wire enclosure?
Common applications include valuable inventory, tools, equipment, electronics, maintenance supplies, small parts and other items that need controlled access.
Does the wire mesh prevent visibility?
No. One advantage of wire mesh is that you can see the contents of the enclosure without opening the door.
Do pallet rack wire enclosures require a separate frame?
Not necessarily. The modular panels can be attached to the existing pallet rack structure, depending on the rack and enclosure configuration.
Are pallet rack wire enclosures permanent?
They are not the same as constructing a permanent room. The panels are mechanically attached to the rack and can generally be modified or reconfigured when storage requirements change.
Need a Secure Storage Area for Your Pallet Rack?
A modular pallet rack wire enclosure can turn an existing pallet rack bay into a secure, lockable storage area without building a conventional room. If you need to protect valuable inventory, tools, equipment or other items that require controlled access, Midwest Material Handling can help you determine the right enclosure configuration for your warehouse.
Contact Midwest Material Handling to discuss your pallet rack wire enclosure project.
