CRASH TESTED VAN RACKING

There are different ways to test security. Some manufacturers perform tests solely using computer simulations and calculations. Some do crash tests under their own auspices and with their own set goals. Our path is a combination of both, where one of our subgoals is to do it according to a specific international standard, and of course, using an independent approved test institute. These are tests with very tough requirements and close to reality in order to achieve a safe working environment for persons using vans. We push these requirements to the limit by, for example, adding more cargo than specified or something else that complicates the circumstances.

We did our first crash test in 2001 at Milbrook in England according to ECR R17.07, which we passed with flying colours. Crash tests, requirements, and wishes change over the years, and we have continued to perform regular tests.

We performed our latest crash tests at RISE Research Institute of Sweden AB, (formerly Statens Provningsanstalt). The crash tests are performed in accordance with the standard INRS NS 286 which applies to van racking. We also perform other types of tests at different test institutes, such as shake tests that simulate several years of use on the road. We also perform our own tensile and pressure tests, to check, for example, the strength of securing products. During a year like 2020, we performed two different tensile tests of five products and eight crash tests according to INRS NS 286, with reassuring and very good results.

A brief description of the test standard INRS NS 286

The van racking is mounted on a crash sledge with a sidewall in the same way it is attached to a van. The shelves, plastic trays, and drawers are then loaded with carefully calculated ballast weights that only partially fill the length/volume of the cargo space. The crash sledge is driven at a speed of just over 50 km/h and goes straight into a barrier with a very short deformation zone. The load must be at least 25 G at the crash! Because the weights can move forward a bit, the vehicle will be hit with another impact from behind, fractions of a second after the first impact, similar to how the load in your own van will travel in the event of an accident. The requirement for approval is that the van racking may move no further than the specified dimensions from the original position and that no part or cargo may fly out of the van racking.

For System Edström, and our customers who use our well-proven system, it is important that the van racking gets a passing mark. Our aim is to be at the forefront when it comes to safety, and we can assure you, we’ll always test our products and challenge specifications and limits.