Choosing an articulating surgical pendant means choosing how the arms are arranged: a rigid column, a single rotating arm, a double or tandem arm, or a bridge. Each configuration trades reach, flexibility, ceiling space and load. This comparison explains how single-arm, double-arm and articulating pendants differ and when each suits an operating room, an intensive care unit or an anaesthesia workplace.
Rigid columns and fixed heads
A rigid pendant holds the service head at a fixed point. It is the simplest configuration, quick to install and usually the lowest in purchase cost. The MZ Liberec PS07 is a rigid pendant with horizontal head A in 700, 800, 900 or 1000 mm lengths, described by the manufacturer as having straightforward installation and a lower purchase price. SIMEON Sim.CARRY 50 is the rigid column in its family.
Rigid pendants suit anaesthesia stations and ICU bed heads where the position never changes. They offer no reach, so the equipment must be placed where the pendant is.
Single rotating arm
A single arm adds rotation and reach. The service head can swing to the side of the table, move out of the way for imaging or follow a changed bed position. MZ Liberec OK07 offers rotary models with arm lengths of 600 to 1000 mm, and TAURUS offers rotating arms of 450 to 1350 mm, up to 400 degrees with pneumatic brakes or 350 degrees with electromagnetic brakes.
The single arm is the usual choice for general surgery and for anaesthesia when the machine stays on a cart. It keeps the ceiling clear and carries a lower structural load than multi-arm systems.
Double arm and tandem arrangements
A double-arm pendant carries two service heads from one column, and a tandem arrangement joins arms in series to extend reach. This allows, for example, one arm for gases and sockets and another for shelves and monitors. TAURUS is offered in rigid, single-arm, double-arm and tandem configurations. Sim.CARRY 100 and 200 have one or two extension arms of 450, 600, 800 or 1000 mm.
The price of reach is load and space. TAURUS lists up to 500 kg for a single 850 mm arm but 320 kg for a double 850 plus 850 mm arrangement, so check the permitted load for your actual configuration. Double arms need more clearance from lights and imaging, and the ceiling must carry the higher moment.
Height-adjustable and motorised arms
Height adjustment lets the team bring equipment close to the working level and lift it clear when not in use. OK07 includes height-adjustable models, and TAURUS offers a height-adjustable version with a tilting arm and a lift of 540, 710 or 965 mm. Sim.CARRY 150 and 250 use a motorised arm with a length of 800 mm.
Motorised movement helps heavy loads such as large displays and anaesthesia machines. Check control logic, emergency release and service routines before specifying it, and compare against the simpler brake-controlled options.
Which configuration suits which room
As a rule: choose rigid for fixed ICU bed heads and simple anaesthesia stations, single rotating arm for general ORs, double or tandem for rooms with many devices and moving beds, and height-adjustable or motorised for hybrid and heavy-display rooms. Lojer Solido pendants are built to order, so the configuration can follow the room instead of a catalogue default.
For selection basics read our surgical pendant buying guide, and for ICU layouts see the ICU pendant guide. Beckfinity can compare the options for your room drawings.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a single-arm and a double-arm surgical pendant?
A single-arm pendant has one rotating arm with one service head. A double-arm pendant has two heads from one column, which adds flexibility but needs more clearance and structural capacity.
What does articulating mean for a pendant?
It means the arm has joints that allow it to swing and extend, so the service head can be positioned where needed instead of staying at one fixed point.
Is a rigid pendant good enough?
For fixed positions such as ICU bed heads or anaesthesia stations, yes. Where reach or changing layouts matter, a rotating arm is more suitable.
Are height-adjustable pendants worth it?
They help with heavy displays and shared spaces. Compare the benefit with added complexity and service needs.
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