Attach Restraining Strap to C-Clamp Bolt?

3/18/2024

Can a seismic restraining strap, when used in conjunction with a C-type beam clamp, have the locknut on the clamp that's used for securing the bolt also be used to secure the seismic strap?

Any advice would be great - I'm not able to get a cutsheet for the Caddy 300 clamp and a 35 Seismic Restraining Strap. Thanks for any advice.

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8 Comments

Pete H

3/18/2024 06:56:13 am

https://www.nvent.com/en-us/caddy/products/300-universal-beam-clamp-0/pdf?measure_system=imperial

First, a cutsheet for the caddy 300 clamp.

https://www.nvent.com/en-us/caddy/products/35rs-two-hole-retainer-strap-0/pdf?measure_system=imperial

The cutsheet for the caddy 35rs.

Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure this is not how they work per their listing as using the locknut of the beam clamp seems a bit too rigid for a seismic application. Normally the listed assembly looks like Tolco/Viking have it here:

https://www.vikinggroupinc.com/sites/default/files/usrelated/tolco/fig69r.pdf

Please be advised that the last image is for tolco/viking and not caddy, so maybe the Caddy ones can work the way you have it hung, but it definitely looks off to me. Argco's is similar tot he tolco/viking image:

https://www.argco.com/pdf/techdata/Beam_Clamp_Retaining_Strap_TechData.pdf

Glenn Berger

3/18/2024 08:18:29 am

The answer to the question of "can it?" is yes. The way the photo shows it, is the way I have seen it done.

Brian Gerdwagen FPE

3/18/2024 08:18:54 am

Yes. It can be used as shown. But I would caution calling it "Seismic Restraint." It is required in seismic zones, but only to prevent the c-clamp from walking off the beam. It does nothing to restrain the piping. Other solutions are needed for that.

Anthony

3/18/2024 08:44:47 am

Looks fine to me. The 'listed' straps for beam clamps I've seen always have a hook and are just held on to the I beam with friction and bending the strap over the far edge of the beam.

RYAN HINSON

3/18/2024 10:40:35 am

One needs to carefully review the cutsheet of the retainer strap being used and make a call to the mfgr if necessary. I have looked up several from several manufacturers including Cooper B-Line (Tolco) Fig. 69 and 69R, Anvil 89X, and Caddy 35RS. They all have their own unique requirements. It should be noted that Cooper B-line includes the following:

"Important Note: "Good installation practice of a retaining strap requires that the strap be held tightly and securely to all component parts of the assembly. Therefore a locking mechanism of some kind, such as a hex nut for the Fig. 69 or the beveled locking slot of the Fig. 69R will provide a more secure reliable installation."

It should also be noted that the indicated configuration in the photo appears to match that of the Cooper B-line Fig. 69R retrofit strap the cuts I looked up. The others only show the strap attached to the ATR, not the set screw.

Again, a call to the mfgr tech support is recommended to get the specifically listed configurations allowed.

Jack G

3/18/2024 10:46:18 am

Looking at the picture, I would not install the strap or anything between the beam clamp locknut and beam or structure.
By doing so it adds an additional point of failure.
Beam clamp - rod- locknut and beam ,all with different expansion/ contraction properties. Especially in a warehouse in say Texas. If you tighten when strap has expanded, at night it contracts creates a little more space.
Nut should lock in beam clamp only.
Opinion. 57 years .

Jimmy

3/20/2024 09:25:14 am

NFPA 13-21

18.7.4

A lock nut on a C-type clamp shall not be used as a method of restraint.

What's your interpretation of this. No straps under lock nuts on c-clamp?

Jimmy

3/20/2024 09:34:22 am

Reviewing the photo I would also say the strap is not tight on the beam flange. if the clamp moved the distance of the gap it would be close to coming off the beam flange. All cut sheets I have viewed show zero gap when installed.

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Attach Restraining Strap to C-Clamp Bolt?

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