HANGERS AND SUPPORTS

Secure, balanced, and project-compliant fastening of pipelines used in fire extinguishing systems is an important part of the mechanical integrity of the system[cite: 1]. Pipe hangers and pipe clamps are used to connect fire installation pipes to the building's load-bearing system, to carry the weight of the pipeline, and to help the installation remain stable during assembly and operating conditions[cite: 1].

Especially in sprinkler fire extinguishing systems, fire cabinet installations, water-based fire extinguishing systems, and similar fixed fire protection installations, choosing the right hanger and connection equipment is important[cite: 1].

For pipe hanging equipment used in fire protection installations, UL 203 is one of the important standards covering the performance requirements of pipe hanging equipment used for fire protection purposes[cite: 1]. UL 203 covers specific hanging equipment used in sprinkler, water spray, and other fire protection piping systems[cite: 1].

As AY-SO, we supply pipe hangers, clamps, and connection equipment that can be used in the installation of fire extinguishing systems, with UL Listed and FM Approved options according to project and technical specification requirements[cite: 1].

Why are Pipe Hangers and Clamps Important in Fire Installations?

In fire extinguishing installations, pipes do not only carry water or extinguishing fluid; they must also be appropriately supported by considering the mechanical loads, vibrations, and operating conditions that may occur within the system[cite: 1].

• Securely fixing the pipeline to the building's load-bearing system[cite: 1]
• Preserving the positions of the pipes determined in the project[cite: 1]
• Carrying the weight of the pipeline from appropriate points[cite: 1]
• Positioning the installation in a balanced way during assembly[cite: 1]
• Protecting the mechanical integrity of the fire installation[cite: 1]
• Applying support systems designed against seismic movements when necessary[cite: 1]

In sprinkler systems, pipe supports and hanging systems are one of the important parts of the design and installation of the system[cite: 1]. Therefore, hanger and clamp selection should be made considering not only the pipe diameter but also the project, pipe type, loads, building characteristics, and the requirements of the applicable standard[cite: 1].

What is UL 203?

UL 203 – Pipe Hanger Equipment for Fire Protection Service, is the UL standard that evaluates the performance of pipe hanger equipment used for fire protection purposes[cite: 1].

The standard covers the performance requirements of specific pipe hanger equipment used in sprinkler systems, water spray systems, and other fire protection piping systems[cite: 1].

In fire installations, it is important to select hanging equipment evaluated under UL 203 with the correct product model and apply it in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions[cite: 1].

Therefore, having only the "UL 203" mark on a product should not be considered sufficient; the actual UL Listing status, manufacturer information, product model, and usage area of the product must be checked[cite: 1].

FM Approved Pipe Hangers and Clamps

FM Approved is a certification statement used for products that have been tested by FM Approvals and meet the relevant performance criteria[cite: 1].

FM Approvals subjects various products, including fire protection equipment, to independent testing and evaluation processes[cite: 1].

If pipe hangers and clamps to be used in fire extinguishing systems are required to be FM Approved, the compliance of the manufacturer, model, and certification scope of the product with the project requirements must also be checked[cite: 1].

Types of Pipe Hangers and Clamps

Pear Ring Hanger

Pear ring hangers are among the connection elements used in fire installations to connect pipes to hanger systems[cite: 1]. It helps to securely support the pipeline[cite: 1]. When selecting products, pipe diameter, pipe weight, hanger type, and the structural connection point to be used must be evaluated together[cite: 1].

Clevis Hanger

Clevis hangers are common connection equipment used especially in fire sprinkler installations to support pipes via threaded rods or appropriate hanging elements[cite: 1]. Providing the connection of the pipeline to the hanging system, these equipments can be produced in various sizes according to different pipe diameters and load requirements[cite: 1].

Steel Pipe Clamp

Steel pipe clamps are durable connection elements used for fixing and supporting pipes[cite: 1]. They can be preferred in fire installations for connecting pipes of various diameters to the structure or hanging system[cite: 1]. The actual load capacity and usage limits of the products must be checked from the manufacturer's technical documents[cite: 1].

Steel Pipe Clamp with EPDM Rubber

Pipe clamps with EPDM rubber can be used to reduce the contact between the pipe and the metal clamp and provide advantages in terms of vibration, surface contact, and noise depending on the application[cite: 1]. Models using EPDM rubber can be especially preferred in applications where the operating conditions of the installation and suitability for the pipe surface are important[cite: 1].

Beam Clamp

Beam clamps are mounting equipment that allows connection to suitable structural elements[cite: 1]. They can be used as a structural connection solution, especially in applications where drilling or welding is not suitable[cite: 1]. Before using a beam clamp, the load-bearing capacity of the structural element it will be connected to and the design conditions of the connection must be evaluated[cite: 1].

U-Bolt Hanger

U-bolt clamps are U-shaped connection elements used to fix pipes to specific load-bearing systems[cite: 1]. U-bolt products, which have carbon steel and galvanized options, can be preferred in different pipe diameters depending on the application[cite: 1]. The use of U-bolt type hangers in fire protection installations should be evaluated according to the requirements of the relevant project and applicable standard[cite: 1].

Threaded Rod

Threaded rods are important connection elements used in pipe hanging systems to connect clamps and other hanging elements to the load-bearing system[cite: 1]. They can have different diameter, length, and material options[cite: 1]. Alternatives such as carbon steel, alloy steel, and stainless steel can be evaluated according to the requirements of the application[cite: 1]. When selecting a threaded rod, not only the diameter but also the load capacity, connection type, hanger length, and environmental conditions must be taken into account[cite: 1].

How to Select Products for Pipe Hanger Systems?

1. Pipe Diameter: The clamp and hanger must be suitable for the pipe diameter[cite: 1]. Using a clamp of the wrong size can negatively affect the reliability of the connection[cite: 1].
2. Pipe Weight: In addition to the pipeline's own weight, the weight of the water or other fluid inside it must also be taken into account[cite: 1].
3. Structural Connection: The suitability of the reinforced concrete, steel construction, beam, or other load-bearing element to which the hanging system will be connected must be evaluated[cite: 1].
4. Certification: If the project specification requires a UL Listed or FM Approved product, the actual certification status of the product must be checked through the records of the manufacturer and certification bodies[cite: 1].
5. Corrosion Conditions: In areas with moisture, outdoor environments, chemical atmospheres, or high corrosion risk, the material and coating properties of the product gain importance[cite: 1].
6. Seismic Requirements: Normal pipe hangers alone may not be sufficient in buildings with a risk of earthquakes[cite: 1]. Seismic support and connection solutions required by the project must be evaluated separately[cite: 1].

Importance of Using UL Listed and FM Approved Products

The reliability of the equipment used in fire protection systems is important for the overall performance of the system[cite: 1]. The testing and certification processes of independent organizations like UL and FM ensure that products are evaluated according to specific performance criteria[cite: 1].

However, the phrase UL Listed or FM Approved does not mean that the product can be automatically used in every project[cite: 1]. The certification scope, model number, size, intended use of the product, and the technical specification of the project must be evaluated together[cite: 1].

Since approvals granted by FM Approvals must be evaluated within the scope of specific products and usage conditions, it is important to check the current certification information of the product during the purchasing and project phases[cite: 1].

Application Areas

Shopping Malls and Commercial Buildings

Warehouse and Logistics Facilities

Industrial Facilities

Factory and Production Facilities

Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities

Hydrant Installations

Wet Pipe Systems

Office and High-Rise Buildings

Dry Pipe Systems

Hotels and Accommodation Facilities

Parking Lots and Indoor Areas

Pre-action Systems

Sprinkler Systems

Fire Cabinet Installations

Fire Pump Installations