Chair Linking System Rental (AM18)
Since the French decree of 25 June 1980 on fire and panic safety in ERP venues (buildings open to the public), it has been mandatory to comply with the AM18 standard by linking seats together whenever they exceed 50 units.
The chairs in each row must be fastened to one another with fixing hooks or assembly clips so that each chair is secured to its neighbour. Each row may not exceed 16 consecutive seats, or a maximum of 8 seats between a circulation aisle and a wall.
Rows must be fitted with inter-row bars that link them together rigidly.
Link systems connect chairs to one another in order to keep rows stable, aligned and secure. They are particularly useful for conferences, ceremonies, shows, general assemblies, public meetings, training sessions, award ceremonies or events open to the public.
In a row layout, chairs can shift over the course of the event, obstruct circulation or fall out of line. Link systems limit these risks and deliver a neater, clearer and safer installation for guests and organisers alike.
They are recommended for:
- conferences with chairs in rows;
- wedding ceremonies or official ceremonies;
- shows, screenings or speeches;
- events welcoming a large audience;
- installations where the alignment of the chairs must remain stable.
The requirement depends on the type of chair, the number of rows, the venue, the applicable regulations and the expected level of safety. Indoors, link systems improve how well rows hold together. Outdoors, they can also help maintain a neat layout, provided that the ground and the chair model are compatible.
Link systems should be planned in addition to chair rental, particularly when the installation must accommodate a seated audience during a conference, a ceremony or a presentation.
What is a chair link system for?
A link system connects chairs to one another in order to keep rows aligned and stable. It prevents chairs from shifting during the event and improves the safety of circulation, particularly for conferences, ceremonies, shows or public meetings.
When should you plan link systems?
It is recommended to plan them as soon as chairs are set up in rows for a seated audience: conference, ceremony, screening, general assembly, award ceremony or show. The larger the number of participants, the more useful linking the chairs becomes to maintain a neat and secure layout.
Do all the chairs need to be linked together?
It depends on the configuration and the chair model. For a conference or a ceremony with several rows, it is generally preferable to link the chairs across each full row. For a small installation or a private event, partial linking may be enough if the circulation routes remain clear and the chairs are stable.
Are link systems compulsory?
It depends on the venue, the type of event, the configuration and the applicable safety requirements. In buildings open to the public or in layouts with many chairs in rows, they may be required or strongly recommended. It is best to check the constraints with the venue or the technical organiser.
Are link systems compatible with all chairs?
No, compatibility depends on the chair model and the type of link. Before planning this equipment, you need to check that the selected chairs can be linked correctly. This is particularly important if the chairs are designer, folding, stackable or used on outdoor ground.
Feel free to ask our team for advice: we can recommend the link system suited to your event and to the type of chairs you wish to rent.





