Optical Tables Shelves, Free-Standing

Stable, Free-Standing Shelf Unit
Shelving Spans the Length of the Table
Versions for 2.0 m, 2.5 m, or 3.0 m Long Optical Tables
Complete Line of Accessories Available

Cable Racks Available Separately

PTA280

Overhead Shelving Unit
(Optical Table and Supports Not Included)

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Overview
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Features

Stable, Free-Standing Design Does Not Interfere with Vibration Isolation
High-Load-Capacity Shelving Spans Table Length
Shelf Height is Adjustable from 1.098 m to 1.96 m (43.21" to 77.28")
Through Holes in Frame Allow for Easy Cable Management
Compatible with 24-Outlet Power Distribution Strips

Thorlabs' Free-Standing Instrumentation Shelves provide two levels of storage space or mounting surfaces for instruments, power supplies, and other accessories. As a free-standing unit, the operation of the table's vibration isolation system is not affected. Three shelving units are available for compatibility with 2.0 m (6.5'), 2.5 m (8.2'), or 3.0 m (10') long optical tables. The shelf units are also compatible with all of our table supports, including our optical table workstations. The PTA280 and PTA281 each come with two 598 mm (23.5") wide Melamine-faced MDF (medium density fiberboard) shelves (one per level) that can each support up to 135.0 kg (297 lbs). The PTA282 comes with two 598 mm (23.5") wide Melamine-faced MDF shelves per level; each level can support up to 122.0 kg (269 lbs).

The vertical steel support struts feature a range of mounting points to allow height adjustment, and through holes are included in each corner of the frame for easy cable management. The shelves can be replaced with solid aluminum breadboards when using the optional mounting brackets (detailed below). Furthermore, the underside of each shelf is fitted with threaded inserts to allow our power distribution strips, LED light strips, and cable racks to be attached. Lean bars and a post-mounting adapter also facilitate the attachment of post-mounted accessories, such as a monitor mount. These accessories are shipped with all necessary hardware and are described in detail below.

Posted Comments:

loic.morvan (posted 2015-06-16 12:25:00.07)

Hi, Do you provide custom free-standing shelves? Our optical table is 1800 mm long. Thanks

bhallewell (posted 2015-06-19 06:31:31.0)

Response from Ben at Thorlabs: Thank you very much for your feedback here. Unfortunately we are unable to supply custom length free-standing optical table shelves at this time however I will log your request in our internal product idea forum. I would advise considering use of our 2m long PTA280 option.

ruben.criado (posted 2014-05-28 13:52:23.81)

Hi, Do the power strip have any kind of protection? If so, what fuse is used? What is the recommended section of the cable to the power strips? Thanks. Regards

msoulby (posted 2014-05-28 10:05:43.0)

Response from Mike at Thorlabs: The power strips are designed for indoor use and are housed within an impact-resistant, sturdy metal case and offers a built-in circuit breaker. The UK versions of the power strips are rated to 16A (2576W) the EU version is rated to 13A (2184W) both and have a surge protection of 1.75kA for 8/20µsec. The US versions is rated up to 15A (1800W) and is a 6G99 surge protective device. All versions use a 1.5mm diameter cable.

daniel.o-connor (posted 2014-01-20 09:26:26.887)

Is there a possibility to make one of these with a length compatible with a 3.5m optical table?

msoulby (posted 2014-01-21 11:05:25.0)

Response from Mike at Thorlabs: The longest shelf we are able to provide is 2790mm. Unfortunately we are unable to make larger shelf of this design due to concerns over stability and load capacity.

k.worrall (posted 2013-05-13 10:33:33.827)

Can you tell me what material the shelves are made of? As I want to use in a Cleanroom. Also do the shelves attach to the optical table?

jlow (posted 2013-05-13 12:46:00.0)

Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: The shelves are Light Grey U112 Melamine Faced MDF and the sides are 1mm PVC. The shelves do not attach directly to the table.

tcohen (posted 2013-01-15 16:23:00.0)

Response from Tim at Thorlabs: This shelf system would not be stable without the lower fixture. The shelf can be removed but the bars are needed for stability.

david.n.hutchison (posted 2013-01-15 15:28:05.6)

Hi, I have the same question as Azhar: Is it possible to have it without the under table shelf? and is it stable without it? The reason is, we have something immovable under the table.

azhar.zam (posted 2012-09-12 10:43:13.0)

Hi I am from NUI Galway Ireland. Is it possible to have it without the under table shelf? and is it stable without it? Thanks Azhar

user (posted 2011-11-30 14:48:02.0)

A response from Tyler at Thorlabs: Since the BS 546 power outlet isn't one of our standard options I have passed this on to the technical support group so that they can contact you with information about whether we can offer this outlet type as a special item. Thank you, Tyler

asharma (posted 2011-11-29 03:45:48.0)

Hi In south africa we use the BS546 plugs type http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BS_546 Can out power outlet incorporate these plugs? Thanks Regards Ameeth

Free-Standing Optical Table Shelves

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Item #^a	Shelf Length	Compatible Table Length	Shelf Width	Frame Height	Max Shelf Height	Max Load per Level^b
PTA280	2.04 m (6.7')	2.0 m (6.5')	598 mm (23.5")	1.97 m (77.68")	1.96 m (77.28")	135.0 kg (297 lbs)
PTA281	2.65 m (8.69')	2.5 m (8.2')				135.0 kg (297 lbs)
PTA282	3.10 m (10.2')	3.0 m (10')				122.0 kg^c (269 lbs)

Please note that these shelves are delivered in a package that is at least 2.16 m (7.1 ft) long and weighs at least 196 kg (431.2 lbs).
The maximum load is measured using an even distrubution across the length of the unit.
The PTA282 comes with two MDF shelves per level as opposed to the PTA280 and PTA281, which each have one MDF shelf that spans the length of each level.

Side Lean Bars

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Compatible Accessories
Side Shelves
Breadboard Mounting Brackets
Keyboard Holder
Monitor Mount
Ø1.5" Posts
Computer Shelf
Instrument Shelves

Protect the Work Area from Accidental Knocks
Allows for Compatibility with Our Nexus Frame Accessories (See Table to the Right)
Span the Width of the Optical Table
Fit to the Free-Standing Shelf Unit Support Struts
Supplied in Pairs to Fit One End of the Workstation

These Side Lean Bars span the entire width of the optical table on the right or left side. They are sold as a package of two to fit one end of the table. The bars bolt to the support struts of the overhead shelf described above and shield the vibration-isolated tabletop from accidental contact. Once fitted, they allow our selection of our post-mounted Nexus table frame accessories to be used (see table to the right).

Post Adapter for the Free-Standing Optical Table Shelves

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PSY121 Monitor Mount Shown Mounted on the TFA4 Adapter

Compatible with Monitor Mounts, Instrument Shelves,
Breadboard Brackets, or Component Trays
Strong, Steel Construction
Attaches Directly to the Overhead Shelf Uprights via
Included M8 Bolts

The TFA4 Post Adapter allows you to attach post-mounted accessories to the free-standing overhead shelf's uprights. As shown in the photo to the right, the adapter is bolted to one of the uprights using two supplied M8 bolts. Once connected, the 75 mm (2.95") long Ø1.5" post can be used to attach various accessories, such as, such as our monitor mount, instrument shelves, breadboard brackets, or component trays.

24-Outlet Power Strips

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Item #	HDPS24-US	HDPS24-EU	HDPS24-UK
Electrical Specifications
Voltage Rating	125 VAC	220 to 250 VAC	250 VAC
Current Rating	15 A	16 A	13 A
Frequency	50/60 Hz	50 Hz	60 Hz
Power Rating	1800 W	3680 W	3120 W
Full Surge Protection	3 kA for 1 µs	1.75 kA for 8/20 µs
EMI / RFI Filtering	Yes
CE Approved	Yes
Physical Specifications
Cord Length	9.83' (3.0 m)	3 m (9.8')
Cord Gauge	1.5 mm²(16 AWG)
Number of Outlets	24
Body Material	Aluminum
Dimensions (L x W x H)	(68.27" x 2.46" x 1.77") 1734.0 x 62.5 x 45.0 mm	1717 x 67.5 x 58.0 mm (67.6" x 2.66" x 2.28")

Attention:
These power strips are designed for indoor use only. These devices should not be installed in wet or damp areas exposed to moisture. They are not recommended for use with aquariums. We do not recommend plugging one HDPS24 into another HDPS24 or similar surge-protecting device.

24-Outlet, Surge-Protected Power Strips
Three Outlet Types: US, EU, or UK
Electrically Grounded Outlets

These 24-outlet, power strips are available with US-, EU-, or UK-style outlets. Each is designed for indoor use and is housed within an impact-resistant, sturdy metal case. They are fitted with clearance holes for standard 1/4"-20 or M6 cap screws for direct attachment to the underside or side edge of the shelving frame. The units are turned on and off with a rocker switch.

The HDPS24-UK 24-Outlet Power Strip is installed on the front of the overhead shelf of a free-standing shelf unit. It can also be installed to the underside of the shelf.

LED Light Strips

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Item #	PSY240	TFA2
Brightness	1530 Lumens	3600 Lumens
# of LEDs	51	120
Power^a	15.3 W	36 W
Voltage	12 VDC (Power Supply Included)
Dimensions	850 mm x 17.4 mm x 8.2 mm^b (33.46" x 0.69" x 0.32")	1828.5 mm x 17.4 mm x 8.2 mm (71.99" x 0.69" x 0.32")

Power usage per LED is 0.3 W.
A 4.3 m extension cable is included with the PSY240E.

850 mm (33.46") or 1828.5 mm (71.99") Long
ON/OFF Switch
Sturdy Aluminum Base Resists Warping
Frosted Plastic Cover Ensures Even Spread of Light
Shipped with 3 Spring Clips, 3 M6 Screws, and a Power Supply
- The PSY240E Also Ships with 3 T-Nuts and a 4.3 m Extension Cord

These rigid LED light strips are available in two lengths: 850 mm (33.46") or 1828.5 mm (71.99"). They are held in place by three spring clips that are easily fitted to a rack or a shelf, such as our Free-Standing Overhead Shelf or our Nexus Table Frame Overhead Shelves. The strip lights can also be mounted over a bench for general laboratory use. The PSY240E comes with a 4.3 m extension cable, and three T-Nuts for use with our Laminar Flow Enclosures. The three M6 screws shipped with the PSY240E are 6 mm long, making it our only light strip compatible with the Laminar Flow Enclosures.

Cable Tray

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TFC100 and TFC200 Shown Fitted to a Nexus Table Frame and Being Used to Redirect Cables from a Power Supply and Oscilloscope

Attach Underneath or to the Front of the Overhead Shelf Frame (Shown in Photo to the Right)
Ideal for Keeping Electrical Cables and Fiber Optic Patch Cables Out of the Way
Maximum Load Capacity (Evenly Distributed)
- TFC100 and TFC125: 5 kg (11 lbs)
- TFC200 and TFC250: 10 kg (22 lbs)
Four Lengths Available:
- TFC100: 1.0 m (3.29')
- TFC125: 1.25 m (4.1')
- TFC200: 2.0 m (6.56')
- TFC250: 2.5 m (8.2')

These cable trays are designed to be attached either underneath or to the edge of the overhead shelf frame, using the M6 bolts supplied. They are made from 3 mm (1/8") thick steel wire with a powder-coated plastic finish. Measuring 92.0 mm (3.62") high by 109.4 mm (4.31") deep, they are offered in four lengths: 1.0 m (3.29'), 1.25 m (4.1'), 2.0 m (6.56'), and 2.5 m (8.2'). The two shorter trays are supplied with two mounting brackets, while both the longer racks are shipped with three brackets.

Breadboard Mounting Brackets

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Solid Aluminum Breadboard fitted to the overhead shelf frame and viewed from the underside.

Supports Solid Aluminum Breadboards 300 mm to 600 mm (12" to 24") Wide
Fits Over The Overhead Shelf Support Frame (Shown in Photo to the Right)
Strong, All-Steel Construction

These brackets allow any of our solid aluminum breadboards with a width from 300 mm to 600 mm (12" to 24") to be fixed to the frame of the overhead shelf mentioned above. Four brackets are supplied that attach to the underside of the breadboard using standard M6 or 1/4"-20 bolts (not supplied).