You are correct. I have not done this particular type of job before. Our main focus is the design and installation of home theater and home automation. However, over the years, you run across "odd" jobs and feel the need to broaden your talents and list of accomplishments.
I have dealt with sports bars, dentist offices, retail showrooms, banquet halls, etc. for clients, so the concept of what needs to be done is not worrying me. We have an employee who has a mechanical engineering degree and has surveyed the job already. I'm just trying to cover all angles for ideas that may be better than we have come up with already.

This is what I mean...you need a Structural Engineer not a mechanical engineer to take a look at the site. It might cost you a few bucks but it's like taking a cab vs. paying for a DUI....If something goes wrong :( Don't chance it. I have done many of these type of installs and I seriously recommend using a structural engineer - hopefully you can use the guy who engineered the structure in the first place. I just wouldn't want anything bad to happen and it's really your responsibility to make sure it's all good.

I did one recently at another establishment like D&B's in Denver... I found that Berkely Fishing Line and couple Eagle Claw Swivels worked just fine...

now don't get your panties in a wad...it was TWENTY POUND FISHING LINE...and we put it in all four corners...MORE THAN ENOUGH for TV's up to 80 LBS...

Our mechanical (heating, A/C) engineer told us it would be fine...so because it was cheaper than our STRUCTURAL or CIVIL engineer's suggestion, we went with it.

Our attorney advised us to supply the night club with a lifetime supply of Excedrine Headache Medicine, and that we should be okie-dokie!

Anyway...no problems yet, although they sway MUCH more than we'd like, and people seem to avoid standing under them!

avdude

hahahaha - that was pretty good...

ohh...that reminds me - have you used aircraft cable to hang tv's or displays before?

I always wanted to do that...as long as you get the crimp right cable is super strong...I just don't know if it can be done without the TV's swinging around or twisting though.

JBJ...

I actually HAVE used aircraft cable (850lb test, if you're talking about 1/4" stranded, jacketed cable, although I've never heard of it being called aircraft cable) to hang several large Da-Lite Screens...but they are snugged to heating ducts, so they don't move at all...

and the funny thing is, the cable is the WEAKEST part of the system...the rest of the rigging I used (including the crimps) is rated at 1050lbs plus, PER POINT, times 4...so, for my 100 pound screens, I have basically OCTUPLED (spelling, meaning?) the weight rating per corner (taking into consideration the weakest link)...

I would think, when properly anchored, that kind of system would suspend a 100 pound TV no prob, even if it did sway a little...

avdude

Thanks to all you guys! This gives me great ideas and a much more cautioned approach. Thanks again.

AVDude,

What you did what correct. Because at 2am. there will probably be 8 drunk monkeys using it as a swing.:)

roflmao

avdude

Let's not forgot aesthetics. A professional installation must balance the aesthetic with the engineering required to do the job safely.

Faced with the scenario of hanging heavy steel over people's heads in an open ceiling here's how I see this playing out:

THE HILLBILLY: Welds together some bits & pieces of old car parts to fashion a beam clamping mechanism from which 4 swing chains are strung down to some eye bolts protruding through a piece of flat plywood that has no surface preparation or sealer. Power & video cables drap across empty space over to a convenient ceiling receptacle. No client consultation. Aesthetic: none. Safety: none.

THE AMATEUR: kludges bits and pieces of strut, beam clamps and threaded rod together by 'best guessing' what he/she thinks 'ought to do the job'. PVC tape used to neatly bundle power & video. No client consultation. Aesthetic: seventh grade mechano-set construction. Safety: it depends...

THE AMATUER with an 'artistic eye': does the same as the amateur but spray paints the entire mess to match the surrounding colour. Even considers using matching cable ties for the power & video cables. No client consultation. Aesthetic: a bit better. Safety: it still depends...

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...everything in between...
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THE SEMI-PROFESSIONAL: Consults with structural engineer for permissable loads on ceiling steel. Finds a pre-engineered solution, or has a structural engineer design something that will work. Aesthetic: it depends... Safety: Excellent.

THE PROFESSIONAL: Consults with client for a general look. Consults with structural engineer for permissable loads on ceiling steel. Has fly steel designed and modeled with consideration for power and video cabling, serviceability, and user-operation. Coordinates power and video locations with electrician. Renderings submitted to client for approval, and determination of paint colours. Fabrication and/or assembly drawings stamped by structural engineer. Installation by installers trained for rigging, safety, and lift operation. Aesthetic: Just as the client wanted it. Safety: Excellent.

Actually this would qualify under the semi-pro or maybe actually the guy without a license.

If you are not doing you own electrical WHENEVER POSSIBLE you are missing out on a huge area of profit. It's REALLY simple...anyone can grasp the concepts - look at how stupid sooooo many electricians are!

Forget selling central vaccuum as an upsell!

Screw all those lame popcorn machines!

The profit margin a lot of times on electrical is way above 1000%

For example, you COULD (not recommended) sell all your A/V equipment to the customer at cost and still come out ahead if there is an equal amount of electrical work to be done. Charge normal electrician rates for electrical and discount the "flashy" A/V - give them a TV at cost, they love that!

Otherwise I agree for the MOST PART of your post.