Better Safe than Sorry

System integrators and design engineers deal with a lot of challenges, but one that probably isn't discussed as much as it should be is installing equipment in a safe and secure way. Without a keen attention to detail, accidents can happen … and they do.

In 2021, an LED panel fall off the wall at a TV station and the anchor injured his nose. It pinned him against his desk on the live set. The collapse was believed to have been a rigging failure, where one of the support points for the overloaded video wall failed.

Accidents can also happen in corporate boardrooms and other Pro AV production spaces. That’s why it’s critical to safely mount, secure, and conceal equipment. Safety involves a combination of proper planning and the correct hardware that accounts for weight load, structural integrity, and proper cable management. Although they might cost extra, sturdy racks and appropriate mounting hardware can be beneficial for the longevity of your equipment. It might even save someone's nose—or your job.

Proper Installation

Level 3 Audiovisual recently completed a massive AV modernization program called Mod ’25 for a Fortune 500 global manufacturer that replaced hundreds of legacy videoconferencing systems with modern, Zoom-enabled collaboration spaces that met strict global standards. The scope of the project included 465 rooms, 28 sites, and 10 countries—and it was delivered in less than 12 months.

One of the keys to a successful installation project is ensuring that all the equipment has been assembled correctly, using all the cables, wires, and screws recommended by the manufacturer. According to Bill McGinty, COO, Level 3 Audiovisual, every project conducted by the company follows a comprehensive safety checklist, which includes verifying all mounts, securing cables, maintaining clear walkways, and scheduling regular inspections.

“As AV technology continues to evolve, becoming more compact, lightweight, and integrated, our commitment to safety and security remains unwavering,” said McGinty. "Whether we’re working in a broadcast studio, a corporate boardroom, or a mission-critical control room, the principles of proper mounting, cable management, and environmental awareness are essential to protecting both people and equipment. These practices are not just about compliance—they’re about creating reliable, safe, and sustainable AV environments."

Manufacturers Help the Cause

For their part, manufacturers try to be as clear as possible in their documentation to describe the proper way to install the equipment and systems. There’s also a wide variety of safety accessories available.

For example, Extron offers several products designed for secure ceiling mounting and cable concealment. Its SoundField pendant speakers are supported by a variety of accessories, including the PendantConnect speaker cable that comes with an integrated steel safety cable for securing the speaker to the ceiling bracket. In addition, Extron’s SMK A speaker aircraft cable kits can be used to reduce lateral movement, when required by local seismic codes, and when suspending the speaker between ceiling beams.

“Proper equipment mounting is essential for crew safety and installation reliability, whether it’s for a rack, projector, display, or below the table,” said Joe da Silva, VP of marketing at Extron. “Our WBA 100 wall and box adapter allows for AV equipment to be mounted near a display, making it ideal for installations with a flat panel display or wall-mounted short throw projector."

Often, cables have to be concealed within furniture or behind cabinets, so Extron offers an entire product line called the Cable Cubby series devoted to cable management solutions. “In addition, our VM 100 Series VESA mount kit conveniently secures products to the back of a display," da Silva added. "The PMK 155 pole mount kit secures and conceals products above the projector or beneath a surface with select Extron Cable Cubby Series enclosures. The unique Half Rack Shelf System allows the mounting of products in space constrained furniture when there is no AV closet or space for full-size equipment racks.”

Determining What's Best

According to Gina Sansivero, VP of marketing and corporate communications for AtlasIED, wall-mounted loudspeakers are often used in corporate boardrooms when in-ceiling loudspeakers aren’t an option or if additional coverage in larger spaces is required. Mounting them properly maintains the aesthetic of the room while keeping cables and mounts concealed.

“Key considerations when choosing the right loudspeaker should be coverage required, the configuration and layout of the environment, and room acoustics,” she said. “They can be surface mounted or recess mounted. When recessed, cable pathways generally run behind the wall, and are hidden, ensuring aesthetic continuity in the room. However, when surface mounted, cables may be visible if they aren’t run behind the walls.”

In this case, AtlasIED carefully considers cable management into loudspeaker and bracket design. “Our loudspeakers and mounting options are easy to install and provide integrators the flexibility needed to minimize aesthetic impact in the rooms,” Sansivero said.

What’s most important is following rules for safety, no matter what production environment you are working in, and understanding which safety solutions work best for a particular environment. Safely installing production equipment calls for careful planning, strict safety measures, and thorough follow-up checks. Main steps include planning, site prep, energy isolation (LOTO), secure rigging and alignment, and final testing and training.

“In broadcast environments, we emphasize the use of certified rigging hardware and secondary safety attachments for overhead fixtures, along with cable ramps and underfloor raceways to reduce trip hazards,” said McGinty. “In corporate spaces, secure wall mounts and in-wall conduits help maintain a clean, professional, and safe environment. And in control rooms, we rely on rack-mounted systems, anti-tip hardware, and clear labeling to ensure operational efficiency and crew safety."

Addressing Safety Concerns

Equipment that is not securely mounted poses serious hazard to the set, talent, and crew. Here are a few tips to improve installation safety practices, including some specifics for displays and cables.

• Check weight capacities: Always adhere to the weight ratings of all mounting hardware, racks, shelves, and walls.
• Use proper fasteners: When wall-mounting a rack or display, use screws, bolts, and anchors that are appropriate for the wall material and are long enough for a secure hold.
• Balance rack loads: For mobile racks, place heavier equipment like power amplifiers at the bottom to lower the center of gravity to prevent tipping.
• Protect against falling objects: When installing overhead equipment, such as speakers or lighting, properly secure suspended units, and mark any flown cables to prevent contact with moving objects.

Wall-Mounted Displays

• Verify the wall structure: Identify and drill into wall studs or use appropriate anchors to support the weight of the display. Drilling into drywall without proper support can weaken the wall.
• Choose the right mount: Select a mount rated to support the size and weight of your specific display. The load capacity of mounts varies among manufacturers.
• Address ADA compliance: In public spaces, ensure wall-mounted items do not protrude more than 4 inches into a circulation path to ensure accessibility and prevent hazards.
• Conceal cables safely: Route cables through walls using in-wall rated wiring or organize them with cord protectors or raceways (an enclosed metal channel) to eliminate tripping hazards.

Cable Management

• Use proper bundling: Use Velcro straps or re-closable J-hooks for bundling cables. Avoid cinching ties too tightly, as this can crimp wires and damage insulation.
• Install cable guards: When cables must cross foot traffic areas, use cable guards to protect people from tripping.
• Label everything: Labelling all cables at both ends makes future troubleshooting and maintenance much easier.