606

Universal Shelving System Planning guide

cm

1
0.5 mm

10

Designed by Dieter Rams in 1960 for Vits and produced continuously ever since

How it works

At the core of the 606 Universal Shelving System is the aluminium E-Track that can be attached directly to the wall. Shelves, cabinets and tables are then hung from the E-Track using no tools simply by slipping the notched aluminium pins into position. Shelves have a second hole so that they may be hung either way up.

If no wall is available or it is uneven the E-Track may be attached to an aluminium X-Post. The system can then stand on the floor and avoid many obstructions allowing the system to be installed accurately in a wide variety of environments. The simple interchangeability of the components encourages either day-to-day rearrangements or complete reconfigurations according to changing needs.

E-Track

Pin

Metal shelf

Vits 2010 All rights reserved

PG032010/EN/GB

Glossary

Metal shelf

The pin attaches shelves, cabinets and tables to the E-Track.

The E-Track attaches directly to a wall or to the X-Post.

The X-Post can be compressed between the floor and the ceiling and/or attached to the wall using the wall bracket.

1:5

Wall bracket Attaches the X-Post to the wall.

The cross rail is always used with the X-Post to brace the structure.

Scale 1:5 2

How much can I put on my shelving?

Your wall/floor/ceiling This shelving system has been in continuous production since 1960; it is tried and tested. But, however good the pedigree, any storage system ultimately relies on the strength of the wall, floor and ceiling to which it is attached. Put simply, the more you intend to load the system, the stronger the wall, floor and ceiling (in that order) should be. Some detective work is needed: Solid wall Made of masonry, brick or concrete, it sounds true and solid when you tap it with your knuckle. Its ideal. Plasterboard wall If it sounds hollow and consistently crisp wherever you tap, it is most likely to be 12.5mm plasterboard on timber or metal studs. Using modern cavity fixings a plasterboard wall will accept most domestic loads. Lath and plaster wall If the wall sounds dull, hollow and somewhat inconsistent over the slightly undulating surface, you may have the least good wall timber laths with ageing plaster. Almost certainly, you will need to rely on the floor, ceiling and strengthened shelving system to achieve a desirable loading (see page 7). Vitss preferred internal wall If you are able to specify a new internal wall, we recommend 12.5mm plasterboard over 18mm plywood or MDF on timber or metal studs. We recommend that you do not try to position timber studs to match the E-Tracks. Rigid floor When you jump on it, it does not flex. Without a carpet, its the best; with a carpet, it is less good. Flexible floor When you jump on it, it flexes or creaks. If you intend to use the floor, this is not ideal. A thick carpet with underlay will not help the load-bearing capability of this floor.

Solid ceiling A steel beam or concrete ideal. Plaster/plasterboard ceiling A continuous plaster or plasterboard ceiling can be used, preferably in conjunction with a rigid floor. Other ceiling A discontinuous suspended ceiling comprising tiles or similar is far from ideal. It may only be used after a ceiling contractor undertakes reinforcing work.

Loading We do not quote specific loading figures for the system as so much depends on the construction of walls, floors and ceilings; the type of fixings used; and how well the system is installed. In this guide we will refer to light, medium and heavy loading of the shelving system. By this we mean: Light loading Display of lightweight objects and limited storage of some smaller books and files. Medium loading Storage of moderate sized books, magazines and files which will occupy most, but not all, of the shelves. Heavy loading Storage of large-format books, records, magazines and files which will occupy all of the shelves. Metal shelves are intended to be load-bearing (the shorter and shallower the shelf is, the stronger it is).

We are not able to accept liability for the poor condition of walls, floors or ceilings against which the system is installed. Accordingly, we reserve the right not to install your system. If you choose to over-rule our advice, we will be unable to accept any liability for a subsequent failure in your wall/floor/ceiling and/or shelving system. If we discover unforeseen problems when we are installing your system, we may have to recommend changes to your installation that will cost extra. The system must not be used as a ladder and neither can you sit or stand on any part of the system.

Cabinet tops are not intended to be load-bearing. Use a shelf immediately above the cabinet for this purpose.

Wall mounted

Semi-wall mounted

Compressed

Fixing directly to an unobstructed wall If you have a clear, solid or plasterboard wall you can attach an E-track directly to it. We call it wall mounted. Shelves, cabinets and tables are then suspended from the E-Tracks. See page 4

Fixing to a wall with obstructions (or an alternative fixing to a clear wall) If your wall is obstructed (eg by picture/dado rails), the system can stand away from the wall and still be attached indirectly to it. We call it semi-wall mounted .

Compressed between floor and ceiling If you have no wall nearby, you can compress the system between the floor and ceiling. We call it compressed .

See page 5 -7

See page 8 -10

Wall mounted

E-Track

Fixing to an unobstructed wall The essential component of the system is the E-Track. It may be fixed directly to a clear wall (either solid or plasterboard, or with care on lath and plaster, see page 2) in any combination of the two widths of the system, 66.7cm and 91.2cm. Remember to add 7cm (3.5cm to the left and right) for the system to be installed and for easy adjustment of the shelf positions.

The E-Tracks are normally set at 34.5cm above the floor (unless you tell us otherwise) so that the top of a cabinet is level with normal table height and/or an integrated table can be added to the system. This has the extra benefits of, usually, keeping the bottom shelf/cabinet just above electrical sockets (low enough to hide them but high enough not to obstruct them) whilst allowing the vacuum cleaner to fit under. Most importantly, if you can see the base of the wall/skirting, the

6.5cm

66.7c

3.5cm

66.7cm

91.2cm

3.5cm

E-Track

table height = 74cm

34.5cm We reserve the right not to install your system if these measurements are ignored

Scale 1:20 5

6.5cm

Semi-wall mounted

X-Post

E-Track

Fixing to a wall with obstructions (or an alternative fixing to a clear wall) Instead of being attached directly to the wall, the E-Track is attached to an X-Post which stands on the floor. The E-Track is normally set 20.5cm above the floor. The X-Post is itself secured vertically using a minimum of two wall brackets.

You can choose this structure simply because you like it. However, it also allows: - the system to stand in front of an obstructed, uneven or partially glazed wall - fixings into the wall to be kept to a minimum - shelves/cabinets to hang lower than electrical sockets to obscure wiring - shelves/cabinets to hang lower than the skirting

A pair of cross rails provides lateral bracing between each pair of X-Posts (three cross rails if the semi-wall mounted X-Post is longer than 300cm). Wall brackets are available in two standard lengths to compensate for deep skirting (see page 13) or similar obstructions (even slim radiators). Remember to add 13cm (6.5cm to the left and right) for the diameter of the floor plates and wall brackets. To offer greater rigidity, a stabilising foot may be added to each X-Post.

6.5cm

66.7cm

91.2cm

6.5cm

Cross rail E-Track

X-Post

Wall bracket

We reserve the right not to install your system if these measurements are ignored

Scale 1:20

6.5cm

66.7cm

91.2cm

6.5cm

See How much space the system needs on pages 12 and 13 6

Semi-wall mounted

Solid or plasterboard wall Rigid floor Semi-wall mounted

Solid or plasterboard wall Flexible floor Semi-wall mounted with stabilising foot

If the wall is solid and the floor is rigid, this system will accept heavy loading of books and files. If the wall is plasterboard, it is important that the floor is rigid. If this is the case, you can put a medium load on the system.

Higher ceilings If the semi-wall mounted X-Post length exceeds 300cm, it is necessary to use three wall brackets per X-Post and three cross rails (5cm high) per pair of X-Posts. Maximum overall height for semi-wall mounted is 350cm, see page 16.

By adding the stabilising foot, the system is strengthened. So, if the desired loading is heavy, or if the wall is not solid or the floor not rigid, then add a stabilising foot.

The top wall bracket should always be above the top of the E-Track

20.5cm 20.5cm

Scale 1:20 7

maximum height 350cm

Semi-wall mounted and compressed

Solid or plasterboard wall Rigid floor No cornice 20.5cm Semi-wall mounted and compressed

Solid or plasterboard wall Flexible floor No cornice Semi-wall mounted and compressed with stabilising foot

For largely aesthetic reasons, the semi-wall mounted system can be taken up to the ceiling, but only if there are no obstructions. If the ceiling is solid and the floor is rigid, extra strength can be gained for the system.

Adding a stabilising foot, and compressing against the ceiling, will further strengthen the system or help to compensate for a hollow wall, flexible floor or plasterboard ceiling.

maximum hei

maximum hei

All systems must be fully dismantled for moving. We cannot accept responsibility for damage caused to the system if it is moved whilst assembled.

X-Post

X-Post Wall bracket The semi-wall mounted and compressed systems cannot go up to the ceiling if there is a cornice.

racketWall bracket

E-Track

E-Track Metal shelf

shelf Metal shelf

Stabilising foot Stabilising foot

Stabilising foot

Scale 1:20

See How much space the system needs on pages 12 and 13 8

maximum hei

34.5cm

Compressed

Compressed between the floor and ceiling Compressing the X-Post between the floor and ceiling allows the system to be used without contact to a wall. The E-Track is attached (normally 20.5cm above the floor) to both sides of the X-Post to allow the structure to be double-sided.

6.5cm In this case, there are two important factors to consider: - the need for a rigid floor - balancing the load on both sides of the system

66.7cm

If the floor is rigid, the ceiling may be plaster or plasterboard. Remember to add 13cm (6.5cm at each end) for the diameter of the floor plates.

6.5cm

66.7cm

91.2cm

6.5cm

6.5cm X-Post

66.7cm

Cross rail

E-Track

We reserve the right not to install your system if these measurements are ignored

Scale 1:20 9

maximum height 191.5cm

Compressed, single-sided

Rigid floor Solid ceiling Maximum height 240cm Compressed, single-sided

Flexible floor Plaster/plasterboard ceiling Maximum height 240cm Compressed, single-sided with stabilising foot

If it is necessary to use the system single-sided without any contact to a wall, it is important to have a rigid floor and solid ceiling. Ideally, even a single wall bracket should be used if the system is near a wall. There is a maximum ceiling height of 240cm.

In this case, even with addition of the stabilising foot, it will be necessary to limit the loading of the system to light/medium.

maximum height 240cm

maximum height 240cm

20.5cm

20.5cm

Scale 1:20

See How much space the system needs on pages 12 and 13 10

maximum height 240cm

maximum height 240cm

maximum height 24

Compressed, double-sided

Rigid floor Solid ceiling Maximum height 350cm Compressed, double-sided 20.5cm 20.5cm Higher ceilings When the compressed X-Post length exceeds 300cm, it is necessary to use three cross rails per pair of X-Posts (two 5cm high rails with a single 17 .5cm high rail at one quarter height, see page 16).

Flexible floor Plaster/plasterboard ceiling Maximum height 300cm Compressed, double-sided with stabilising foot

maximum height 24

maximum height 2

maximum height 2

All systems must be fully dismantled for moving. We cannot accept responsibility for damage caused to the system if it is moved whilst assembled.

If the floor is rigid, the ceiling solid, and the medium loading distributed evenly to both sides, then the system can be compressed to its maximum height of 350cm.

If the floor is flexible and the ceiling plaster/plasterboard, it is both necessary to add a pair of stabilising feet to each X-Post and restrict the height to 300cm. The light/medium loading must still be distributed evenly to both sides of the system.

maximum height 350cm

maximum height 300cm

Scale 1:20 11

maximum height 350cm

maximum height 300cm

What you can fit on your shelves

Holes

3 Small paperback, CD & Blu-ray disc 19cm 16 4 DVD, video & large paperback 16 4 2cm

Shelf depth

16

26cm

Hardback 26cm

228cm E-Track

22

Phonebook

33cm

22

A4 binder US binder

33cm

30

Foolscap 12records (use 65.5 x 36cm shelf only see page 2 Heavy loading) 7cm 30 36 40cm

Space between shelves

Scale 1:10

Vertical dimensions are +/- 0.5cm 12

30cm

depth How much space the system needs

Do not confuse centre-to-centre measurements with the widths of the shelves, which are 65.5 and 90cm. 36cm depth 1cm

usable shelf width 65.5cm (best for heavy loads)

wall 16cm usable shelf width 90cm Minimum width between skirting for 90cm wide shelves = 105cm for 65.5cm wide shelves = 80cm

22cm 30cm

Wall mounted

minium 3.5cm centre-to-centre 66.7cm or 91.2cm Do not confuse centre-to-centre measurements with the widths of the shelves, which are 65.5 and 90cm min 8cm wall

Burglar alarm The performance of 36cm passive infra-red detectors 1cm may be affected if shelves 3.5cm are installed nearby. If you have any doubts, please consult your alarm specialist before deciding Minimum width between walls how close shelves can for 90cm wide shelves = 99cm be fitted. for 65.5cm wide shelves = 74cm 2cm

16cm 22cm 30cm 36cm 1cm matches metal shelves beech or colour Minimum width between walls for 90cm wide shelves = 99cm for 65.5cm wide shelves = 74cm Exposed corner Screws should normally be a minimum of 8cm from an exposed corner.

nat aluminium

Semi-wall mounted

6.5cm

centre-to-centre 66.7cm or 91.2cm Do not confuse centre-to-centre measurements with the widths of the shelves, which are 65.5cm and 90cm

6.5cm

min 8cm min 12cm max 18cm skirting 16cm 22cm 30cm 36cm 1cm Alcove installation When planning a semi-wall mounted or compressed installation in an alcove, remember to measure the available space between the skirting boards to ensure that the floor plates will fit. Also check that the sides of the alcove are straight and true.

Minimum width between skirting for 90cm wide shelves = 105cm for 65.5cm wide shelves = 80cm Scale 1:10 13 3.5cm centre-to-centre 66.7cm or 91.2cm 3.5cm We reserve the right not to install your system if these measurements are ignored

2cm 8cm

Screw Ceiling plate Spring Adjusting bolt X-Post Ceiling plate The ceiling plates of the X-Posts must always be fixed to the ceiling/beam with a secure mechanical fixing. A 35mm screw is supplied for fixing into a timber joist or, with a plastic plug, into a drilled hole in masonry; a selfdrilling fixing is supplied for fixing into plasterboard. The spring must always be inserted between the adjusting bolt and the ceiling plate.

Screw Ceiling plate Spring Adjusting bolt X-Post Screw Ceiling plate Spring Adjusting bolt X-Post Adjusting bolt The top adjusting bolts must always be re-tightened after the initial loading of shelves and checked periodically thereafter. See our installation document Installation and beyond, for detailed instructions.

The system could fail if these instructions are not followed precisely. We are unable to accept any liability for systems that are not fixed in this manner, and reserve the right not to install a system if instructed to omit ceiling fixings.

Skirting/beading depth 6-7cm If your skirting (and/or beading) is up to 3cm deep, you can use the short wall bracket (adjustable from 6cm to 7cm depth). If your skirting (and/or beading) is 3cm to 7cm deep, you should use the long wall bracket (10cm to 11cm depth). If your skirting (and/or beading) is deeper than 7cm, please give us the measurement and ask for extended wall bracket barrels.

6-7cm

10-11cm

10-1

6-7cm

10-11cm

4.5cm

4.5cm

4.5cm

0-3cm

12.5cm

0-3cm

12.5cm 4.5cm

3-7cm

12.5cm

3-7cm

Scale 1:5 14

For your information

Height, width, depth and bay This drawing shows how we refer to height, width, depth and bay.

1cm

Narrow bay E-Track centre-to-centre 66.7cm

Wide bay E-Track centre-to-centre 91.2cm

1cm

7cm

shelf height 11cm

depth

depth

usable shelf width 65.5cm (best for heavy loads)

usable shelf width 90cm

Base of E-Track When installed on plasterboard walls or other soft surface walls, never allow the bottom shelf to be level with the bottom of the E-Track as this may cause the wall surface to fail locally. If the shelf is hung from the bottom hole of the E-Track, loading must be restricted to light/medium weight only. Alternatively, use semiwall mounted.

Scale 1:10

matches metal shelves beech or colour Displaced pin The pin may be displaced if it nat is obstructed by an adjacent aluminium component. However, loading of the shelf should not exceed medium weight.

Scale 1:2 15

min

606 Structure
Scale 1:50 Measurements in cm Height Width Depth

E-Track Anodised aluminium These may be added together lengthways. NB a single pin-hole is omitted at the join of two tracks.

57 .......... 2 .............2 114 ......... 2 .............2 171 ........ 2 .............2 200 ........ 2 .............2 228 ........ 2 .............2

For single shelf. Shelf is level with top and bottom of the E-Track. Solid wall or X-Post only. Light loading only. For single cabinet. Cabinet is level with top and bottom of the E-Track. Cannot be added to bottom of existing E-Track.

11 .......... 2 .............2

39.5 ....... 2 .............2

X-Post Anodised aluminium

Recommended E-Track

Height

If semi-wall mounted, 171 supplied with floor plate. If compressed, supplied 200 with floor and ceiling plates. 228 200+57 171+114

up to 230 231- 260 261- 290 291- 320 321- 350 max

Wall bracket Powder-coated aluminium 2 per X-Post or 3 if height is 300cm+ Barrel extension 12.5 ........ 12.5.........6-7 12.5 ........ 12.5.........10 -11

1.5.......... 1.5 ........6

Cross rail Anodised aluminium 2 per bay or 3 if height is 300cm+ (see pages 6 and 10)

5 ............ 62.2 ........1.5 5 ............ 86.7 ........1.5 17 ........ 62.2 ........1.5 .5 17 ........ 86.7 ........1.5 .5

Stabilising foot Powder-coated aluminium Single One pair Scale 1:20

17 ........ 46 ...........4.5 .5 17 ........ 80 ...........4.5 .5

Scale 1:20 16

Cable conduit (grey) For use with cross rails and X-Posts.

2 ............ 57 ...........1.5 3 ............ 81.5 ........3

606 Shelves
Scale 1:50 Measurements in cm Height Width Usable depth

Metal shelf May be hung either way up. Capacity: 62 CDs, 43 DVDs, 24 videos

11 .......... 65.5 ........16 11 .......... 65.5 ........22 11 .......... 65.5 ........30 11 .......... 65.5 ........36

Capacity: 86 CDs, 60 DVDs, 34 videos

11 .......... 90 ...........16 11 .......... 90 ...........22 11 .......... 90 ...........30 11 .......... 90 ...........36

A4 A4 A4 A3 A4 A3

A3 A3

18 18

18 18

Shelf with hanging rail

11 .......... 65.5 ........36 11 .......... 90 ...........36

A2 A2

A2 A2

79 79

79 79 Bookend Left or right. Non-tip, non-slip Low High 10.5 ....... 10.5 ........15 21 .......... 10.5 ........21

L A4

R A3 A4 A4 A2

A3 A4 A3 A2 A2

L 18 A3 79 A2 18

L R 18 18 18

Sloping shelf Metal 79

79 79 18 18

39.5 ....... 65.5 ........22 39.5 ....... 90 ...........22 11 .......... 65.5 ........36 11 .......... 90 ...........36

79 79 18

A4

A3 A4

A3

A2

A2

79

79

Single shelf (light loading) Laminate or beech veneered, with aluminium sides, may be hung either way up

11 .......... 65.5 ........36 11 .......... 90 ...........36

Double shelf Laminate or beech veneered, with aluminium sides, may be hung either way up

11 .......... 65.5 ........36 11 .......... 90 ...........36

Shelf with drawer Acid-catalysed lacquer or beech veneered top, with aluminium sides

11 .......... 65.5 ........36 11 .......... 90 ...........36

Desk shelf Laminate or beech veneered, with aluminium sides, may be hung either way up

11 .......... 65.5 ........36/55 11 .......... 90 ...........36/55

Integrated table Laminate or beech veneered, with aluminium brackets and leg

74........... 65.5 ........80/120 74........... 90 ...........80/120

17

606 Cabinets
Scale 1:50
Measurements in cm Internal height width depth External height width depth

Cabinet: up-and-over door

33 ......... 62.5 ...... 33 33 ......... 87 ......... 33

39.5 ...... 65.5 ...... 36 39.5 ...... 90 ......... 36

Cabinet: fold-down door with lock

33 ......... 62.5 ...... 33 33 ......... 87 ......... 33

39.5 ...... 65.5 ...... 36 39.5 ...... 90 ......... 36

Perforated back for wires, available to order. See below for internal shelf and aluminium tray

Cabinet: one drawer

32 ......... 55.5 ...... 30.5

39.5 ...... 65.5 ...... 36

32 ......... 80 ......... 30.5 39.5 ...... 90 ......... 36 includes filing rails 1 pair only per 65.5cm cabinet, 2 pairs per 90cm cabinet

Cabinet: one drawer with lock

32 ......... 55.5 ...... 30.5

39.5 ...... 65.5 ...... 36

32 ......... 80 ......... 30.5 39.5 ...... 90 ......... 36 includes filing rails 1 pair only per 65.5cm cabinet, 2 pairs per 90cm cabinet

Cabinet: two drawers

15 ......... 56.5 ...... 30.5 15 ......... 81 ......... 30.5

39.5 ...... 65.5 ...... 36 39.5 ...... 90 ......... 36

Cabinet: three drawers

9.5....... 56.5 ...... 30.5 9.5....... 81 ......... 30.5

39.5 ...... 65.5 ...... 36 39.5 ...... 90 ......... 36

Internal shelf (black metal) For up and over and fold down door cabinets

1.5 ...... 62.5 ...... 31.5 1.5 ...... 87.......... 31.5

L A4 A3

capacity: 108 CDs or 36 DVDs R capacity: 162 CDs or 72 DVDs 18

Drawer dividers (black laminate) Adjustable spacing suitable for organising stationery, bottles, clothing etc; and CDs and DVDs in two drawer cabinet only

4.5 ...... 56.5 ...... 30.5 4.5 ...... 81 ......... 30.5

A2

79

Aluminium tray (natural) 2 per 65.5cm desk shelf, double shelf or cabinet 3 per 90cm desk shelf, double shelf or cabinet Pencil tray (natural) For use with drawer dividers, only

6 ......... 29 ......... 32

2 ......... 21.5 ...... 30.5

Colours off-white black silver

RAL 9002 RAL 9005 RAL 9006

Metal is epoxy polyester powdercoated pre-treated mild steel. Beech is acid-catalysed lacquer over beech veneered and solid lipped laminboard (shelves) or MDF (cabinets). Beech will darken naturally when first exposed to sunlight;

it is therefore advisable to move items on the surfaces during the early months of use. The fronts of beech cabinets and shelf with drawer will be the same colour as ordered shelves (off-white, black or silver).

Cabinet tops/bottoms/fronts in off-white, black or silver are acid-catalysed lacquer over MDF . As the system evolves, some details may differ from those shown/described.

Colours may vary slightly depending upon the material.

18