4.0 ATTACHING THE CABLE AND HARDWARE
Each complete system comes with a cable system and a Slider unit. The cable system includes an upper cable support
bracket, a lower cable support bracket, cable, shackle, karabiner, and hardware and tension spring.
Trylon TSF offers (2) different types of cable; the standard is a 3/8” diameter 7x19 strand galvanized aircraft cable,
with a optional 3/8” diameter 7x19 strand stainless steel cable Type 302/304.
The cable support brackets and associated hardware are designed to attach to ladder rungs or other structures as per the
installation drawings attached. For ease of climbing it is recommended that the cable support brackets be centered on
the ladder rungs, allowing the maximum space for hands and feet when climbing and descending the ladder. This will
also help prevent a pendulum effect if a fall occurs.
The lower cable support bracket is installed as close to ground level as possible, with the “hook” end at the bottom.
Ensure that you attach the bottom bracket to two rungs of the ladder. The hook end has provision for attaching the
turnbuckle and spring arrangement used for tensioning the cable. Attach the turnbuckle to the hook end of the cable
support and then affix the spring to the turnbuckle. It is a good idea to center the turnbuckle housing on the threaded
rods. Extend the distance between the threaded rod ends to allow maximum take up of slack upon tensioning.
The top cable support bracket is installed at the top of the ladder. Ensure that you attach the bracket to the top two
rungs of the ladder. The hook end of the top bracket is always installed at the top for two reasons. With the hook end
at the top, the user gets the most use from the cable. More importantly, the bracket is designed to absorb energy in the
event of a fall, reducing shock loads on the person falling. This energy absorption is accomplished by a bending action
in the cable support bracket. Never install the top bracket upside down (i.e. hook at the bottom).
The upper end of the cable assembly includes a factory-formed eye termination with a proper sized thimble. A wire
rope thimble and u-bolt clamps are provided to terminate the cable at the lower end. The upper end of the cable is
attached to the top bracket with a shackle supplied in the system. Install the cotter pin to prevent loosening of the bolt.
The lower end of the cable is attached directly to the spring, which fits snugly on the thimble.
After the cable has been attached at the top end, you can terminate the bottom end of the cable. First fit the cable onto
the 3/8” thimble, attach the cable clamps provided, install with the spring and then tension the spring to eliminate any
slack in the cable. This is to remove unnecessary side-to-side flexing of the cable. The spring will allow for thermal
expansion and contraction of the tower and some side loads on the cable from wind and / or climbing action. Cut excess
cable off the bottom end.
Intermediate cable guides (stand-off brackets) are supplied that secure the cable to prevent it from chafing against the
ladder in windy conditions and to prevent the cable from vibrating. These cable guides are fastened to the ladder rungs.
Approximate spacing for the guides is 25 ft intervals. Stagger the cable guide spacing from 23 to 27 ft at random
intervals to cancel the tendency for harmonic vibration of the cable under certain wind conditions. To bypass the cable
guides with the Slider, remove the cable from the guide you are passing by pulling the cable from the guide (DO NOT
REMOVE CABLE SLIDER FROM THE CABLE TO PASS CABLE GUIDES). It is recommended that you re-insert
the cable in the guides as you pass them. No tools are needed to insert or remove the cable from the guides, just push
and pull the cable as needed.
Avoid contacting the vertical lifeline (safety cable) with sharp edges, protruding bolts, electrical and other hazards that
could cause damage.
