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Pipe Clamp to support LX bars


Speakercon

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I was at a school a few days ago and spotted some LX bars (looked a professional install, not a DIY job) which were attached to the threaded bars using these pipe clamps, as shown below.

 

 

 

I've never seen them used in this way (I thought they were just for supporting plumbing pipes) and was wondering if anyone else had seen this and if it was cause for concern.

 

 

s-l300.jpg

(Apologies for the spelling error in the title)

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I'm not sure what the load rating of those pipe clamps is, but I wouldn't feel comfortable using them to support a heavily loaded bar above people's heads.

 

They do have their uses within the industry, but my choice would be the traditional bar and saddle with deep threads through thick metal.

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No problems

 

The above clamp isn't rated and therefore shouldn't be used for anything that carries weight.

 

They are designed solely for running plastic conduit etc, like you've said.

 

All the best

Timmeh

 

They're not used for plastic conduit. They're standard pipe hangers used for suspending steel pipe like sprinkler pipe or water/heating pipes. The picture above shows fairly lightweight fixtures, but I wouldn't trust them for a heavy load.

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What have the installers given as a safe working load? This should be marked on the IWB or in the installation completion paperwork.

 

These fittings, known as Munsen rings, are usually used to support pipework that has a fairly predictable load. Personally I would want to see something like a Doughty universal saddle on M12 studding holding up a lighting position.

 

I wouldn’t stand under this as it is.

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Are those bolts just threaded in to the aluminium strip? That seems a pretty big weak link from a visual perspective? Two or three threads in a bit of ali isn't that tough - a bit of extra oomph screwing them up could strip the thread with not too much effort.
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Are those bolts just threaded in to the aluminium strip? That seems a pretty big weak link from a visual perspective? Two or three threads in a bit of ali isn't that tough - a bit of extra oomph screwing them up could strip the thread with not too much effort.

 

These are plated steel but the 'hole' is punched through, leaving a tube formed in the which is threaded, the thread is about 3 times the original thickness of the metal.

 

<br />Thanks, that's what I thought. I shall alert them to the concern. I actually took a quick photo of one of the bars.<img src="http://i1344.photobucket.com/albums/p650/Wiresandplugs/2_zpskfvjewdq.jpg" />

That is nothing like a professional installation, it is an amateur botch. If it was me I would not be highlighting it as a problem, I would be starting H&S actions.

 

The fittings are totally unsuitable and the room should be put out of bounds until it's sorted.

 

I'd also want to know what they have suspended the threaded rod from above the ceiling.

 

11 years ago I installed 5 IWB's in a junior school, last year the school was replaced and the builders had included 'stage lighting' in their build. Luckily the teacher who does most of the drama saw the drawings of a steel scaffold tube suspended on 3 brass munson rings and a socket in the ceiling. She arranged for the builders to have a look at the sort of job the school was expecting, I got the job to de-rig and re-install the existing system.

The builders provided rated fixing points though as it's a wooden beam roof.

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I've just read through my reply again and I realise my words are not strong enough.I have also inspected a random sample of one of those fittings and the nut for the drop rod is only held on to the half ring with a 'delicate' weld on each side.I'm sure it would take my weight if trip came to fall but I would not feel happy about it.As a matter of interest how many supports are there and how long is the bar?
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No idea on the safe working load, I was just passing though the building and noticed it really.

 

I can't remember 100% but I think there were four supports and the bar looked about 6m. Only had four parcan's on it currently, but I guess there's always the potential for more fixtures to be added in the future. I would think the install was done when the school was built 10 years ago.

 

 

 

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No idea on the safe working load, I was just passing though the building and noticed it really. I can't remember 100% but I think there were four supports and the bar looked about 6m. Only had four parcan's on it currently, but I guess there's always the potential for more fixtures to be added in the future. I would think the install was done when the school was built 10 years ago.

I was taught to have a fixing every 1.2m but I believe this is much closer than needed, I aim for 1.2 or 1.8m (2 or 3 tiles) to make installation easy and from advice on BR I understand 2.0m is generally considered about the limit, making 4 fixings acceptable for a 6m bar.

However unless those fixings have been load tested (or load rated by manufacturer, which is not the case with the samples I have in my possession) then I still say they need replacing with better fixings.

 

As it is with 4 Parcans, I'm sure it will be perfectly safe but I think most bar users on BR will be only too happy to tell how easy it is to add several hundred kilos of weight which will put the structure at risk.

 

Does the school have to have regular inspections?

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