Discover everything you need to become well-versed in lighting trusses and make the right choice to suit your specific requirements. We will take you through the essential steps to select the perfect truss for your unique application. So, let’s start with the fundamentals.
What is a lighting truss?
A lighting truss, also called a stage truss, is a sturdy framework for crafting breathtaking displays. It allows you to suspend lights, speakers, signs, projectors, screens, etc., and the best part is its modularity and adaptability. The features of truss include:
- Modular: Structures are easily assembled by connecting truss components for swift installation.
- Customisable: Whether your needs are large or small, trussing can evolve to accommodate your changing requirements.
- Portable: Crafted from lightweight aluminium, the truss offers a mobile display solution.
- Strong: Truss constructed with 6082-T6 aluminium alloy can support significant weight.
Choosing the appropriate lighting truss
Different events, from concerts to corporate gatherings, rely on the versatility and dependability of lighting trusses to craft captivating visual displays. Lighting truss’s modular design empowers event planners and designers to create distinctive structures to elevate the ambience of any occasion. Despite its lightweight construction, the truss is robust enough to support lighting rigs, sound systems, and other equipment while being easy to transport and assemble.
However, lighting truss has recently found applications in unexpected places, including retail stores, churches, food trucks, and virtual reality venues. Businesses are using trusses to showcase their products and services uniquely, whether they own or lease the premises.
- Retail stores and car dealerships employ trusses in their showrooms to accentuate product lines with lights and signage.
- Gyms use trusses to hang TVs from the ceiling and to create ninja warrior courses.
- Galleries and museums use trusses to mount lighting and exhibit pieces throughout their spaces.
With several options available, choosing the right lighting truss might seem daunting. However, understanding the basics can simplify the process. This is how you determine the perfect truss for your current needs and future possibilities.
Determining your lighting truss needs
It is vital to consider the intended applications for your lighting truss.
- Consider the equipment it will need to support, for example, lights, speakers, signs, decorations, cables, TVs, screens, or video walls.
- Do you need the truss to be permanently installed or free-standing?
- Will you use the truss outdoors?
- Do you need to transport the truss in a car, van, or truck?
This will guide you in selecting the appropriate truss to ensure the safe creation of your display. For instance, larger outdoor structures may demand heavy-duty trusses with added supports to withstand unexpected weather conditions.
Determining the right lighting truss size
Lighting truss comes in various sizes, each tailored for specific purposes.
Numbers denote truss sizes, and these numbers refer to measurements. For example, the 290 Truss measures 290 mm x 290 mm from the outer edges of each large tube that forms its shape, known as chords.
100 Truss – purely decorative
The 100 Truss is a super lightweight and purely decorative solution. It is not designed for rigging or supporting heavy loads. This truss size is a favourite among florists, at weddings, and for displays at functions where aesthetics take precedence.
200 Truss – the most portable
The 200 Truss is your go-to for a highly portable and sturdy display truss. It’s an excellent entry-level option for hanging small lights, signs, and banners. It is ideal for commercial fit-outs, shop front displays, exhibitions, and smaller events.
290 Truss – the best all-rounder
When versatility is key, turn to the 290 Truss, also known as F34 Truss. This all-rounder can create robust structures for both indoor and outdoor settings. It’s a dependable choice for multiple applications.
400 Truss – ideal for heavy-duty use
For heavy-duty needs, the 400 Truss is the solution of choice. It’s a strong and sturdy truss popular with event production companies. Theatres and large music festivals rely on the 400 Truss to safely support professional AV equipment.
Choosing the right truss shape
Lighting truss comes in five distinct shapes, each offering unique functionalities based on strength, design, and budget considerations. You can easily identify which truss shapes are suitable for heavier loads by counting the number of chords (largest tubes) on the truss. More chords indicate a greater load-bearing capacity.
Tube truss – ideal for bracing
Tube truss is excellent for bracing, often used to support larger truss structures and handle lightweight tasks with ease.
Flat truss – the most portable option
Flat truss, or ladder truss or i-beam truss, is a highly portable choice often used with other truss shapes. Its versatility allows you to hang banners, decorations, curtains, or lights.
Tri-truss – triangular excellence
Tri-truss boasts three chords that form a triangular shape. It is an affordable alternative to box trusses and is popular for lighting and decorative use in commercial fit-outs, gyms, and exhibition stands.
Box truss – versatile and popular
Box truss is the most versatile and widely used style, offering a stronger and more adaptable design than tri- or flat truss. It features four main chords and ample space along the truss to attach clamps and equipment.
Five-chord truss – supporting heavy loads
Designed to sit atop your truss structure, the five-chord truss is tailored to hang heavy LED walls and screens safely. A balanced central chord distinguishes this truss style, providing the extra strength required for heavier loads like LED screens, display panels, lighting, and signs.
Determining the amount of lighting truss
When it comes to the amount of lighting truss you need, your design and the scale of your display are pivotal. In essence, the more lengths of truss at your disposal, the larger and more grandiose your display can become. Truss lengths, often referred to as “sticks of truss,” encompass a range from half a meter (500 mm) to three meters (3 000 mm) and even beyond. This extensive range empowers you to construct structures of varying sizes tailored to your specific vision.
However, it’s imperative to ensure you have the correct truss lengths for your project. Additionally, don’t overlook the importance of having enough spigots, pins, and clips on hand to connect the truss elements securely.
Unleashing creativity with lighting truss
Lighting truss is more than just a practical framework; it’s a versatile tool for unleashing creativity. With truss, you can craft structures in diverse shapes by incorporating truss cubes, corners, and circles into your designs.
For instance, six-way truss cubes allow you to interconnect truss lengths in up to six directions, facilitating complex configurations. Each cube needs fixtures, pins, and clips for two sides.
Corner truss pieces become the meeting point for original designs, offering various angles (45°, 60°, 90°, 125°, 135°, 180°) to create distinctive truss structures and layouts.
Ensuring stability in your truss structure
To guarantee the stability of your lighting truss structure, particularly in outdoor or free-standing scenarios, base plates are a critical component. These plates affix to the lower portion of the standing truss and provide a robust foundation for your structure. Furthermore, incorporating top plates can offer additional mounting points for speakers and lights. Top plates come in various sizes and shapes, with larger versions featuring laser-cut handles for easier transportation. To enhance stability, consider placing sandbags on top of your base plate.
Look for base plates with multiple mounting options. This allows you to discreetly conceal or integrate the base plate into your setup, contributing to a cleaner and more polished appearance for your truss structure.
Exploring essential truss accessories
Crafting an exceptional truss structure involves more than the framework itself; it’s about the accessories that elevate your setup to the next level. Accessories such as clamps, shelves, brackets, adapters, and mounts empower you to securely affix audiovisual equipment, decorations, and signage to your truss. Here are a few standout truss accessories.
- Clamps for attachment: Truss clamps come with weight ratings to support a wide range of equipment. These clamps are versatile for attaching lights, TVs, fog machines, fans, banners, and more.
- Spigots for connection: Spigots, pins, and clips are vital in connecting truss lengths. Specialised half spigots facilitate the connection of cubes and base plates with truss lengths.
- Mounts for security: There’s a mount available for almost any equipment you wish to hang. Whether it’s moving headlights, TVs, speakers, projectors, or even laptops, you can confidently mount them atop a truss shelf.
- Scrims for covering: Scrims offer a practical solution for concealing cables or older, scuffed truss sections. For added appeal, consider using a white fabric scrim with a box truss and an upturned light inside to make your truss glow.
Size considerations with truss accessories
It’s essential to remember that truss accessories are tailored to specific truss sizes. These measurements are primarily determined by the diameter of the main chords, the largest tubes on the truss structure. Matching the right-sized clamp, spigot, or mount to your truss is crucial for compatibility. For instance, the 290 truss features 50mm chords, necessitating 50mm accessories for a seamless fit.
How to build a truss structure
Building small truss structures can be a straightforward process, requiring nothing more than a hammer and some physical effort. Trussing is designed to be genderless, meaning it can connect at either end with precise alignment.
Large-scale truss structures may necessitate specialised load-shifting equipment, such as chain motors, chest harnesses, and arresting shock absorber lines, to erect the truss safely. It is always advisable to consult a structural engineer for guidance about your specific application.
Understanding truss deflection
Truss deflection is a critical factor when calculating the load-bearing capacity of a lighting truss. It refers to the vertical movement or bending that occurs when heavy loads are applied to the main truss tubes. Excessive deflection can compromise the safety and structural integrity of the truss.
To determine how much weight your truss structure can safely support, refer to the provided truss load ratings. Understanding these ratings and how to interpret them for your unique real-world applications is essential for maintaining a safe work environment.
Contact StageOne for details
Selecting the right lighting truss is a critical decision for any event or display. It serves as a versatile, modular, and indispensable tool for professionals in a variety of industries. By considering factors like the intended purpose, size, shape, length, and necessary accessories, you can create captivating displays that captivate your audience.
At StageOne, we’re passionate about trusses and the success of your installation. Our unwavering dedication to safety and quality ensures you can trust our products to deliver outstanding results consistently. If you’re ready to elevate your displays to the next level, browse our extensive range of lighting trusses today.
Contact us today for more information about our lighting truss, to become a reseller, or to find a retailer.
