The Intrim Connecta Rail is a continuous dowel handrail system designed for use in commercial, healthcare and residential applications, especially in aged care facilities, hospitals and homes.

The Intrim Connecta Rail consists of a 40mm or 50mm diameter timber dowel handrail and stainless steel accessories including stainless steel 90-degree and 45-degree bends, end caps and handrail brackets.

It’s important to install the Intrim Connecta Rail handrail system as per the following instructions. Failure to comply with these installation instructions may void any warranty. Please also refer to this installation video for further assistance.

Pre-installation checklist

  1. Ensure nogging in wall prior to plastering for fixing of handrail brackets at correct height.
  2. Inspect all material for damage or missing parts. If you find goods to be damaged or missing, please contact the supplier.
  3. Determine height of handrail above finished floor using local building code requirements. Subtract 55mm for 40mm dia and 65mm for 50mm dia from the handrail height to mark the height of top of stainless steel wall plate. Flick a chalk line or use laser level to mark height.
  4. Handrail will be supplied in random lengths. Match lengths of handrail to sections of wall to minimise wastage.
  5. Start installation of handrail on the lengthiest walls. You may need to join multiple lengths of handrail together with SS40J/SS50J or 45 degrees mitre cut to achieve the required length of handrail for that section of wall.
  6. Timber rail to start 120mm from door frame or end of wall, which allows enough room for the return to be attached to the end of the timber rail.
  7. Cut lengths of timber handrail using an 80-100 tooth saw blade or equivalent. Use equipment that will ensure all cuts are square.
  8. Sand cut edges of timber handrail, slightly applying a small bevel to remove any splintering from cutting.

Attaching handrail brackets to handrail

  1. Handrail brackets are to be spaced at a maximum of 900mm centres for 40mm dia and a maximum of 1200mm centres for 50mm dia. Wall mounting brackets should start no more than 150mm from the end of timber handrail.
  2. Place timber handrail on a flat surface and secure to prevent rotation. Ensure any variations in timber rail are placed to the underside of the handrail.
  3. Using the second U shaped drilling jig provided, drill 15mm diameter holes in timber handrail to full depth of thread plus 2mm deep for clearance, then remove U shaped drilling jig and drill a 15.5mm hole in the top 5mm of the 15mm diameter hole to allow for the body of the handrail bracket.
  4. Insert threaded upright of handrail bracket into the hole turning bracket in a clockwise direction to wind into underside of the handrail.
  5. Ensure all brackets finish rotation in the same position ready for fixing to wall.

Attaching handrail to wall

  1. Use the assembled handrail as a template to drill clearance holes in the wall for mounting by aligning upper edge of handrail bracket with height mark on wall.
  2. Attach handrail brackets to wall using appropriate fixings.

Attach 90° bends, 45° bends and end caps to the handrail

  1. Use Connecta Rail drilling jig to drill hole to the centre of end of timber handrail.
  2. Insert JF01 Joining Fastener to hole in end of handrail with hex key, turning in a clockwise direction until tapered piece is left protruding from end of handrail.
  3. Apply masking tape to end of handrail to protect ends of timber handrail from adhesive during assembly.
  4. Apply a small amount of Premium Construction Adhesive to end of handrail.
  5. Locate hole in 90° bend/return, 45° bend/return or end cap over end of joining fastener in timber handrail.
  6. Rotate bend or end cap until parallel and properly orientated. Insert the Allen key provided into the hole in the underside of the stainless steel accessory and tighten. Overtightening may cause damage to thread in the stainless steel accessory.
  7. Use coating provided and a paint brush to repair any scratches or scuffing that may have occurred during installation.

Coating of timber component to Connecta Rail (Not applicable if precoated)

  1. To protect the stainless steel surfaces from coating, apply masking tape to the end of the bend or end cap and handrail brackets prior to coating.
  2. Stainless steel handrail brackets and bends/returns or end caps may be removed prior to application of clear coating.
  3. Using a Cabot’s Cabothane Clear or equivalent, apply 3 coats to the timber. Coating can either be sprayed or brushed. Lightly sand after the first coat. A stain may be applied prior to coating with Cabot’s Cabothane Clear.