Wire railings have a reputation for being prohibited everywhere except at ground level. That’s not true—but it’s easy to see why people might misunderstand.
The actual rule is much more specific. It focuses primarily on the design of railings in areas where young children are present, and therefore specifies exactly when horizontal wires become a problem.
The problem is the bottom 80 centimeters
In areas where children under the age of six may be present without constant supervision, the lower part of the railing must be designed to prevent climbing.
A child who cannot climb through the bottom section usually cannot reach the higher cables.
Horizontal cables act like rungs on a ladder and provide the child with a foothold all the way up.
Applicable Dimensions
In areas where young children may be present, there are a few factors that are particularly important to consider when designing a cable railing.
| Requirements | Dimensions | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Climbing Area | The bottom 80 cm are designed to prevent climbing | Where children under the age of six are present |
| Vertical openings | No more than 100 mm | Where children under the age of six are present |
| Horizontal openings | Not 110–230 mm | Where children under the age of six are present |
| Height | No general minimum height is specified | Determined based on usage and drop height |
Openings in the 110–230-millimeter range should not be present in areas where young children are present. In practice, the spacing between the wires must therefore be planned in conjunction with the height of the railing and the number of wires, while the bottom 80-centimeter zone should prevent climbing.
Here's How to Solve It Anyway
If you want to incorporate the look of wire in a space where young children spend time, there are two clear options.
Divide the railing into two zones
Here, you can keep the horizontal wires and the open look.
For example, use glass or a non-slip surface that prevents the child from getting a foothold.
You retain much of the character of the wire railing, but address the part where there is a risk of climbing.
Select vertical bars
For environments where young children are regularly present, this is often the easiest solution to plan and install.
Why a cable railing is a good choice
Wire railings aren't a worse type of railing—they just have a more clearly defined use than many other solutions.
On low balconies, in gardens, around ground-level patios, and on docks where small children are not left unattended.
The thin wires provide an unobstructed view and have very little visual bulk compared to denser railing solutions.
Choose acid-resistant stainless steel, AISI 316L. Near the ocean and in saltwater environments, the choice of material is particularly important for durability.
In areas where younger children can play without constant supervision, the lower section must still be designed to prevent climbing.
Wire on the stairs
In a staircase, the cable runs at an angle, which means that both the placement of the posts and the cable routing itself differ from those of a straight run.
The posts are placed at the bottom and top of the stairs and serve as the fixed end points for the cable.
If there are intermediate posts, the wire runs through loops in them instead of ending at each post.
This way, the cable follows the slope of the staircase all the way and can be tensioned between the two outermost posts.
Adjustments
The wire railing can be customized quite a bit with just a few choices—from how closely spaced the wires are to the crossbars, mounting, and overall height.
Number of wires
Fewer wires create a more open look, while more wires make the railing denser. The number of wires also determines the spacing between them.
Crossbeam
Stainless steel creates a clean, uniform look. Wood—such as oak or jatoba—gives the railing a warmer, softer feel.
Externally mounted cable
The cable can run along the outside of the posts instead of through them. This creates a slimmer silhouette and a different visual appearance.
Height
The height of the railing can be adjusted to suit the location and intended use. The regulation no longer specifies a general minimum height.
Here's how to do it—step by step
Start by considering who will be using the space. Once you’ve done that, choosing the design, cable spacing, and materials will be much easier.
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Start here
Determine whether younger children can stay there
First, determine whether children under the age of six are likely to be present at the location without constant supervision.
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If the answer is yes
Loosen the bottom 80 centimeters
Make the lower zone climb-proof and place the wire above it—or choose a railing with vertical bars.
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If the answer is no
Horizontal cables are possible
In that case, the horizontal wires are not subject to the specific requirement for fall protection in the lowest 80-centimeter zone.
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Dimension
Calculate the opening dimension
Base your calculations on the height of the railing and the number of wires so that the distance between the wires is appropriate for the specific environment.
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Select material
Adjust the wire to suit the environment
In coastal and other exposed locations, the wire should be made of acid-resistant stainless steel, AISI 316L.
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After installation
Check the voltage
Check the cables after the first season and tighten them as needed so that the opening dimensions do not change as the cable settles.
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If you are unsure
Ask Before You Order
If you're unsure how to assess the environment, it's easier to check the conditions before ordering the railing than to guess.
Will the cable work where you plan to install it?
Tell us where the railing will be installed and who will be using the area, and our customer service team will help you determine whether a cable is suitable or if another solution would be better.
Please feel free to include a photo of the location when you contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cable Railings
The most common questions about safety, children, cable spacing, and materials.
Are wire railings safe?
Yes, in the right place. The problem is the horizontal wires in the bottom 80 centimeters, where children under six are present without constant supervision.
Is it allowed to have a wire railing on a balcony?
On a balcony where young children are likely to be present without constant supervision, horizontal wires are unsuitable in the bottom 80 centimeters, since that section is intended to prevent climbing.
How far apart can the wires be?
In areas where children under the age of six are present without constant supervision, the dimensions of openings must be taken into account. Vertical openings may be no more than 100 millimeters, and horizontal openings in the range of 110–230 millimeters must not be present.
Can I combine wire with something else?
Yes. A lower section protected against climbing—with, for example, glass or a solid infill—and a cable railing above can preserve much of the cable railing’s appearance while the lower zone prevents climbing.
How often should the cable be tightened?
Check the cable tension after the first season and approximately every two years thereafter. The cable may settle slightly after installation and is affected by temperature fluctuations.
Which cable should I choose for coastal use?
Choose acid-resistant stainless steel, AISI 316L. It is better suited for coastal and other environments where the railing is exposed to salt and high corrosion loads.
Are vertical bars safer?
In environments where young children are present, vertical bars are often easier to design safely because they do not provide the same natural foothold as horizontal cables.
