SMACNA Testing & Research Institute Verifies Griplock's Cable Suspension System for Ductwork
Suspension system utilizes high-strength cables and fittings to securely suspend HVAC ducts and equipment
Strut Gripper (downward facing strut, top left), boot gripper (top right), looping grip (bottom left) and strut gripper (upward facing strut, bottom right). COURTESY OF GRIPLOCK
The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA) Testing & Research Institute (STRI) recently officially verified that the Griplock Cable Suspension System for HVAC Ducting is an acceptable and approved alternative to the duct hanger systems prescribed in the SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards (HVAC-DCS), 4th edition, Chapter 5, Tables 5-1, 5-1M, and 5-2.
The announcement comes after an extensive evaluation process conducted by STRI, an independent organization renowned for its expertise in validating HVAC industry products and systems. The comprehensive assessment evaluated the Griplock Cable Suspension System’s performance, durability and compliance with industry standards.
Based on the results of rigorous testing, STRI has confirmed that the Griplock Cable Suspension System meets or exceeds the required criteria set forth in the SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards. This validation establishes the Griplock Cable Suspension System as a reliable and effective alternative for supporting HVAC ducting installations.
The Griplock Cable Suspension System offers several key advantages over traditional duct hanger systems. Its innovative design utilizes high-strength cables and fittings to securely suspend HVAC ducts and equipment, ensuring stability and safety. By replacing conventional hangers, this system provides increased flexibility in duct layout and simplifies installation, thereby reducing labor and material costs.
The verification of the Griplock Cable Suspension System as an acceptable alternative represents a significant development for the HVAC industry. Professionals involved in ducting installations can now confidently explore the utilization of this modern suspension system while adhering to the SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards.
For more information about the Griplock Cable Suspension System and its verification by the SMACNA Testing & Research Institute, click here.
SMACNA specified that upper attachments of the system directly to structures (without another device transferring the load between the wire rope and structure) have an allowable load not more than one-fourth of the wire rope system failure load. Lower attachments, such as illustrated in the HVAC-DCS Figure 5-5, shall have a minimum safety factor of two and shall not be used in a manner that would deform the duct shape or cause excessive concentrated loads on the duct.
Further, SMACNA states wire rope passed continuously under round and rectangular duct (with both ends attached overhead) is acceptable provided that duct shape is retained and points on contact with the duct are not overstressed. Stress distribution saddles should be used as necessary.
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