Cable Railing: Series 9C

Cable Railing used on stairs and a landing

Cable Railing

Superior Aluminum Series 9C Cable Railing offers a sleek, modern solution without the bulky fittings typical of traditional cable railing. The hidden fittings, integrated into aluminum posts, provide a smooth, streamlined finish that enhances the visual appeal of any project.

Customization is at the heart of this cable railing system. The Superior team can build to any height or length, tailoring each aluminum railing to your exact specifications. As a result, installation is quick and efficient, saving time and reducing hassle on the job site so you can enjoy your new cable railing sooner.

The aluminum construction ensures long-lasting durability and low maintenance, while the stainless steel cables deliver a stretch-proof, resilient system designed to meet ADA, ICC, and OSHA standards. With this combination of strength, style, and compliance, Series 9C Cable Railing is built to endure and impress.

Complies with the following building codes:

  • OSHA
  • ADA
  • ICC

Features

Unimpeded View

Cable rail offers an uninterrupted view while still being a secure system, so you can enjoy a skyline or view over the water worry-free.

No Bulky Fittings

All devices used for fitting and tensioning are concealed inside posts to keep sightlines pure.

Modern Design

Stainless Steel cables are horizontally placed to create a modern, sleek finished product.

Standard Finishes – Always Available

WHITE

BLACK

DARK BRONZE

*SATIN ANODIZED

GRAY

The Ladder Effect Debunked

The Ladder Effect in the International Building Code

Some resources will tell you that products such as Superior Aluminum Series 9C Cable Railing, 5C Pipe Cable Railing, and 9H Horizontal Rail do not meet code requirements because they cause a “ladder effect.” However, this is a myth stemming from one code edition nearly 20 years ago referencing this phenomenon that was quickly revoked. Furthermore, all reference to said “ladder effect” was removed in the next and all subsequent editions of the code. In addition, numerous hours of research have been performed, and no issue of safety has been determined in regards to a railing with horizontal components.

Since this research was complete, no wording referring to the “ladder effect” has returned to any coding documentation. Additionally, it’s important to note that the ICC’s commercial code (herein referred to as the IBC) has never contained any wording restricting the use of horizontal components in guardrails. The exact wording of the various editions of the IRC can be seen below.

IRC 2000 Edition (The only code released containing the “Ladder Effect” terminology)

R316.2 Guard opening limitations: Required guards on open sides of stairways, raised floor areas, balconies, and porches shall have intermediate rails or ornamental closures that do not allow passage of a sphere 4 inches (102mm) in diameter. Required guards shall not be constructed with horizontal rails or other ornamental patterns that result in a ladder effect.

Exception: The triangular openings formed by the riser, tread, and bottom rail of a guard at the open side of a stairway are permitted to be of such a size that a sphere 6 inches (152 mm) cannot pass through.

Current IRC 2018 (Note the continued absence of the "Ladder Effect" terminology)

R312.2 Guard opening limitations: Required guards shall not have openings from the walking surface to the required guard height which allow passage of a sphere 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter.
Exceptions:

1. The triangular openings at the open side of a stair, formed by the riser, tread, and bottom rail of a guard, shall not allow passage of a sphere 6 inches (153 mm) in diameter.

2. Guards on the open side of stairs shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 4-3/8inches (111 mm) in diameter.

It is clear that after an initial push to regulate guards with horizontal components, the code council determined this was a mistake, thus proving that aluminum railing by Superior with horizontal lines is not only safe but also code-compliant.

Please Note: Even with the above changes to the International Residential Codes, every code jurisdiction could be different, and a few may still be relying on the earlier 2000 code interpretation. Therefore, it is important for architects, fabricators, contractors, and homeowners to confirm local codes as related to the railing products they choose to install.