Aluminum truss looks simple, but choosing the wrong series or ignoring the load tables is how rigs end up over-stressed. This guide explains the common Global Truss series, how to read a load table, and the hardware that has to go with every stick.
The common series
- F32 I-beam (ladder) truss — two chords, light and compact, for décor, banners and small lighting loads on short spans.
- F33 triangle truss — three chords, lighter than square truss, for modest fixture loads, exhibitions and DJ rigs.
- F34 square truss (290 mm) — the workhorse for lighting rigs, small line arrays and goal posts. Conical connectors with pins and R-clips make assembly fast.
- F44 heavy-duty square truss (400 mm) — for heavier loads and longer spans.
- 12-inch bolt-plate truss — the North American touring standard, joined with bolts through end plates; strong, stackable and easy to dolly.
- Trusst 290 mm box truss by CHAUVET uses a compatible 290 mm format for entry-level rigs.
Reading a load table
Every series publishes allowable loads by span. A uniformly distributed load (UDL) is weight spread evenly along the truss (a row of PARs); a centre point load (CPL) is concentrated in the middle (one heavy moving light or a sub). Point loads reduce capacity dramatically, so model the worst case. Note how the truss is supported — two points at the ends is the usual table condition; cantilevers and multiple supports change everything. Deflection limits also apply: a legal load can still sag visibly on a long span. When in doubt, have a qualified rigger or engineer review the plot.
Connectors and hardware
Use the manufacturer’s connector hardware (conical pins, clips, bolts) and inspect it every load-in. Fixtures hang from rated clamps matched to the chord diameter (50 mm / 2 in on most truss), each with its own safety cable. The Light Source Mega-Clamp and Mega-Coupler families and Global Truss clamps cover fixed, swivel and sliding couplers; Mega-Beam Clamps and Mega-Truss Picks provide rated motor and dead-hang points.
Corners, circles and kits
Goal posts, arches, box grids and circles are built from standard corners, junctions and arc sections. Circle kits range from 2 m décor rings to 40 ft arena rings in 12-inch truss. Base plates and ballast make free-standing structures safe; for anything flown, the rigging points and hoists are a separate engineered discussion.
Ground support
When there is nothing to hang from, crank stands (Global Truss ST-180, DT-PRO) lift small truss spans, and sleeve-block ground support towers let chain hoists raise a full grid. Outriggers, base plates and leveling matter as much as the stand rating.
Transport and care
Truss dollies sized to your series protect connectors and speed load-outs. Inspect for cracked welds, bent chords and worn connector holes; retire damaged sections. Truss systems ship by freight; a handling fee is shown at checkout.
Browse truss sections, corners and kits, clamps, couplers and safety cables, crank stands and ground support and truss dollies. Send us a sketch with spans and loads and we will quote the complete kit.
