Most Common Mistakes for Strut Channel Selection

Improper strut channel selection - how to prevent it?

Main issues that can happen when we discuss the application of strut channels in ventilation systems are mistakes during the installation process. Damages to strut channels commonly occur during installation and exploitation time if construction is overloaded. Some products in a range of fixing techniques are more fragile to damages than others. Market offers variety systems and accessories to mount ventilation system but always it is in a gesture of installer to choose the correct one.
 To guarantee full performance of the system mounted utilizing fixing rails it is necessary to follow below guidance:

All fixing elements used during installation have to be used according to the technical project prepared for the specific building including:

• National requirements and technical standards applicable in a country where the product is installed, especially technical requirements for building and its location.
• Instructions found in the product installation manual,
• Provisions in National Technical Assessment.

Consider the performance characteristics of the product:

• Characteristic and design load-bearing capacity values are calculated by dividing the characteristic load-bearing capacity values by the safety coefficient equal to:

1.54 – in the case of mounting rails and wall support brackets,
2.0 – in the case of channel slide nuts.

• Maximum acceptable load for fixing rails is a minimum tension required to destroy the element. Remember to choose fixing accessories that have material strength tests and have admission to use in buildings.

Snippet from the table of maximum acceptable load capacity of LDB fixing tail in the load diagram (fig. 2)

Fig. 2 An example of a force action diagram.

For more information about the max. allowed load for steel strut channels and channel bracketry check technical sheets. 

• Durability, fixing elements are made of carbon steel or structural steel protected against corrosion with hot-dip galvanising coating, or with an electrogalvanising coating. The electrogalvanising coating is made according to EN 2081: 2011 and EN 4042:2001 standards and its nominal thickness is 5 µm, while the hot-dip galvanized coating is made according to the EN 10346:2015 standard with a nominal thickness of 7 µm which assures the durability of the strut channels and channel accessories.

Proper fix points locations matters!

It is important to choose fixing accessories that have material strength and other required tests to receive a technical approve to be applied in construction. Thanks to correct fixed and slide points location you can continue ducts route in desired direction not damaging them. If you use to long distance between the mounts, ducts could have bent after installation. It will happen, if you forget to consider fixed and slide points in correct location or it is necessary to route two ductworks over small space.

Channel fixing kit - SNP channel nuts (w/o spring) with large 40 mm washers SNP-0806-SR-NK/SNP-1008-SR-NK	Strut channel nuts with a short spring for strut channel 41x21mm SNKL	Strut channel nuts with a long spring  for strut channel 41x41mm SNL

Remember about correct tightening torque

If you use too small tightening torque installing fixing rail, you will not achieve design load-bearing capacity specified in technical tables. Using too much tightening torque you risk to over twist the element and lose stability and strength of construction. Considering all above issues tightening torque is a critical parameter.

Complete & Complementary System

STRUT system products match each other. We offer a wide range of safe mounting accessories for fixing rail system.

STRUT channel system advantages:

• Complex constructions are easy to install,
• Fast installation save time,
• Safe fixing rails connections.

Summary

Choosing the correct fixing rail system you have to calculate two main parameters like load-bearing capacity value and breaking force. Remember to consider construction material and proper tightening torque. Before you start to install the product carefully read the technical product data sheet and make sure you have appropriate tools and mounting accessories.

Do you need more details about fixing rails and accessories? Check our technical catalogue for Strut channels and channel bracketry. Or maybe you need assistance in the selection of the correct product? Please contact us with further questions!