Pipe clamps, the guarantee of optimum support for your HVAC networks
The success of an HVAC installation depends on a solid foundation. Fastening clamps, the veritable sentinels of your networks, absorb stress and vibrations to guarantee durability and performance. From thermal insulation to resistance to heavy loads, explore with SUFIX the technical solutions that make the difference and ensure peace of mind for installers and end-users alike.
Pipe clamps are essential in HVAC installations. These technical components are indispensable for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and longevity of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems. With over 20 years of expertise in anchoring, suspension, and fastening solutions, SUFIX supports you in choosing the right clamp for each specific application.
Contents
- Introduction: The strategic importance of clamps
- The different clamp families for HVAC applications
- Product focus : The OBMC SUFIX clamp
- Selection criteria: How to choose the right clamp?
- Specific HVAC applications
- SUFIX support: Beyond the product
- Answers to frequently asked questions?
Why are pipe clamps so important?
HVAC networks are subject to various constraints: thermal expansion, vibrations, variable loads, and changing environmental conditions. Pipe clamps are the first element capable of absorbing these forces and ensuring secure mounting. An inappropriate choice can lead to major problems:
- Pipe rupture
- Transmission of vibrations to the building structure
- Condensation formation and thermal bridges
- Premature corrosion
- Energy inefficiency
Main types of clamps for HVAC applications
1.Insulating clamps
These clamps are specially designed to prevent condensation and thermal bridges in air conditioning and refrigeration installations. They are essential for:
- Cold, hot, or mixed water networks
- Systems requiring continuous thermal insulation
- Installations where condensation prevention is critical
Our SUFIX insulating clamps incorporate a coating that ensures a continuous vapor barrier for insulation systems, while effectively supporting the load of the piping.
2.Mounting clamps
Primarily used for supporting pipes, networks, and tightening flexible ducts, these clamps offer a versatile solution for various HVAC applications:
- Circular ventilation ducts
- Heating systems
- Domestic hot water networks
- PVC networks
Our range includes clamps of different diameters and a complete set of accessories such as suspension brackets and perforated straps.
3.Heavy-duty clamps
For industrial installations or systems requiring robust support, our heavy-duty clamps can support up to 7500 kg.
They are perfectly suited for:
- High-temperature networks
- Large circular air handling systems
- Demanding industrial installations
Focus on the SUFIX OBMC clamp
The SUFIX OBMC clamp perfectly represents our commitment to quality and performance in the field of fasteners for ventilation systems.
Technical specifications
- Composition: Sendzimir galvanized steel with rubber gasket
- Main application: Suspension of circular ventilation networks
- Dimensional range: 17 sizes available from Ø80 to Ø1000 mm
- Fixing points:
- 1 top fixing point with welded M8/M10 base up to Ø400mm inclusive
- M10 ear attachment for diameters > 400mm
Load capacities
The SUFIX OBMC clamp offers excellent performance in terms of maximum allowable static load:
- 70 kg for diameters from 80 to 400 mm (thickness 1.8 mm)
- 100 kg for diameters from 450 to 1000 mm (thickness 2.3 mm)
Compatible accessories
The SUFIX OBMC clamp can be complemented with specific accessories such as the terrace support rubbertoot, ideal for rooftop installations.
Implementation Recommendations
To ensure optimal and secure installation of SUFIX OBMC clamps, we recommend following these precise instructions:
- Correct handling: Do not use the clamp by the ends for screwing but use an appropriate tool.
- Tightening technique:
- Hold the clamp nut with a tool
- Tighten the screw or threaded rod without forcing
- Stop when the screw or threaded rod reaches the stop
- Do not exceed a tightening torque of 10 Nm when screwing onto a threaded rod
- Choice of fixing point:
- For diameters up to 400 mm inclusive: use the central fixing point for horizontal duct installation.
For diameters greater than 400 mm: use the 2 ears of the clamp.
- For diameters up to 400 mm inclusive: use the central fixing point for horizontal duct installation.
- Vertical mounting: In this case, always use the 2 ears and do not use clamps with the central fixing point to support the load.
Selection criteria for pipe support clamps
Temperature
The temperatures of fluids circulating in HVAC tubes generally vary between -30°C and +110°C. For standard applications, our clamps with EDPM band are perfectly suitable. For higher temperatures (up to 200°C), we recommend our solutions with red-brown silicone-based rubber band.
Maximum allowable load
Clamps must be chosen according to the load supported by the pipes, their material, and their content, to ensure safe and reliable fastening.
Tube material
The choice of clamp must be compatible with the tube material:
- For plastic tubes (PE, PVC, PP): clamps with green isogaine
- For metal tubes: attention to galvanic couples (for example, avoid bare galvanized steel clamps to fix a copper tube)
Dimensions
The inner diameter of the clamp must correspond to the outer diameter of the tube. Some of our clamps allow the tube to move in case of thermal expansion or contraction, while others can be configured as fixed points.
Installation environment
The installation environment significantly influences the choice of clamp:
- For standard indoor installations: classic galvanized clamps
- For outdoor installations or coastal areas: clamps with special corrosion-resistant coating
- For aggressive environments: stainless steel clamps
Special Requirements
Some projects require specific characteristics:
- Sound insulation: our two-screw pipe clamps ensure noise reduction up to -18dB(A) according to DIN4109 standard
- Quick installation: quick fastening systems for maximum time saving
- UV resistance: special clamps for outdoor installations
Specific applications in climate engineering
With 20 years’ expertise in HVAC systems, SUFIX offers fastening and support solutions tailored to the specific requirements of each HVAC application. Our comprehensive range guarantees optimum installation performance while meeting the specific challenges of different system configurations.
Ducted Systems
For centralized air conditioning systems with distribution in false ceilings, our installation clamps allow simple, quick, and secure fastening of fluid connections and cables.
Cassette Systems
Cassette air conditioning units require secure fastening of connections between outdoor and indoor units. Our solutions guarantee reliable and efficient installation.
Split Systems
For residential and small commercial installations, we offer aesthetic and easy-to-install solutions, with clamps that can blend harmoniously into the building design.
Rooftop Installations
Our anti-vibration supports are specially designed for ventilation and air conditioning systems installed on roofs, absorbing vibrations and protecting roof waterproofing.
SUFIX Expertise at your service
With more than two decades of experience in the field of HVAC fasteners, SUFIX offers you:
- A complete range of modular solutions for all types of hydraulic and ventilation, electrical networks and air conditionning networks.
- Products tested and certified according to the strictest standards.
- Personalized technical support to choose the solutions best suited to your projects.
Our solutions meet the needs of professional HVAC installers in many building areas: ventilation, air conditioning, heating, plumbing, electricity, industry, and fire protection.
The choice of the right pipe clamp is an essential step in the design and installation of efficient and sustainable HVAC systems. By taking into account the specific criteria for each project and relying on the expertise of specialists like SUFIX, climate engineering professionals can guarantee secure, efficient, and long-lasting installations.
For any questions regarding our fastening solutions or to obtain personalized advice for your project, do not hesitate to contact our team of experts.
FAQ: Everything you need to know about HVAC pipe clamps
Insulating clamps incorporate an insulation layer (usually polyisocyanurate foam or elastomer) with a vapor barrier coating, preventing thermal bridges and condensation. Standard mounting clamps, on the other hand, are primarily designed for mechanical support without thermal insulation function.
The installation frequency depends on several factors: the diameter and material of the tube, the type of fluid transported, and environmental conditions. For water-filled steel tubes, the recommended distances generally vary from 1.2 m for small diameters up to 6.8 m for larger diameters. Consult our support capacity tables for precise recommendations.
Yes, our range covers all fastening needs for all types of piping: steel, copper, plastic (PVC, PE, PP), etc. However, it is essential to choose the model adapted to the tube material to avoid galvanic corrosion or deformation problems.
The maximum allowable load is indicated in our technical data sheets for each model and diameter. It depends on the size of the clamp, its material, and its design. For the SUFIX OBMC clamp, for example, the maximum allowable static load is 70 kg for diameters from 80 to 400 mm and 100 kg for diameters from 450 to 1000 mm.
To avoid condensation, use our PIRFLEX or PIRFLAM insulating clamps that incorporate thermal insulation and a vapor barrier coating. These clamps ensure perfect continuity of insulation and vapor barrier, thus eliminating the risk of condensation at support points.
Our insulating clamps support service temperatures ranging from -40°C to +90°C on the insulation side, and from -30°C to +70°C on the coating side. For other version of clamps, the temperature range extends from -100°C to +90°C on the insulation side. For very high temperature applications (up to 200°C), we offer solutions with red-brown silicone-based rubber band.
For optimal installation:
- Do not use the clamp by the ends for screwing, but use an appropriate tool
- Hold the clamp nut with a tool
- Tighten the screw or threaded rod without forcing, stopping when it reaches the stop
- Do not exceed a tightening torque of 10 Nm when screwing onto a threaded rod
- For diameters up to 400 mm, use the central fixing point for horizontal ducts
- For diameters greater than 400 mm, use the 2 ears of the clamp
- For vertical mounting, always use the 2 ears
Yes, we offer clamps specially designed for outdoor installations. For outdoor environments or coastal areas, we recommend our clamps with special corrosion-resistant coating. For particularly aggressive environments, our stainless steel clamps offer optimal protection.
For rooftop installations, we recommend using the SUFIX OBMC clamp combined with the PST accessory (Terrace Support Rubberfoot). This combination offers a complete solution to support equipment while protecting roof waterproofing and absorbing vibrations.
For ventilation systems, the choice mainly depends on the diameter of the ducts and the type of installation. For circular ventilation networks, our SUFIX OBMC clamp is particularly suitable, with 17 sizes available from Ø80 to Ø1000 mm. For flexible ducts, our mounting clamps offer a simple and effective solution.
The number of clamps depends on the total length of your network and the recommended distance between fixing points. This distance varies according to the diameter and material of the tubes, as well as the type of fluid transported. Our support capacity tables indicate the maximum recommended distances for each configuration.
Yes, our anti-vibration range offers specific solutions to dampen vibrations in HVAC installations. These products are essential to prevent the transmission of vibrations to the building structure, thus reducing noise pollution and extending the life of equipment.
Pour assurer une parfaite continuité de l’isolation :
- Install the insulating support in the same way as the adjacent shell
- Close the insulating support and remove the silicone paper from the adhesive tape
- Fold down the overlap while keeping the support tight
- For low-temperature systems, apply a permanent mastic between the piping and the insulation
- Ensure vapor barrier continuity with aluminum adhesive tape or ARMAJOINT
- Use insulating shells of the same thickness and coating as the insulating support
All detailed technical information is available in our technical data sheets, which you can consult on our website in you local region or request from our customer service. These sheets contain dimensional characteristics, load capacities, materials, and implementation recommendations.
Find out more about our technical data sheets, prices and product availability.
27460 Alizay
Horaires
8h00 - 12h00, 13h30 - 17h30 Web https://www.ouestisolventil.fr/ Direction
1930 Zaventem, Belgium Web https://www.cairox.be/ Direction
BITEP Industrial Park, 2040 Budaörs, Hungary Web https://cairox.hu/ Direction
013604 Bucharest, Romania Web https://www.cairox.ro Direction
Manchester M24 2RW, United Kingdom Web https://www.sksales.co.uk/ Direction MAS : Mechanical Air Supplies LTD
Leatherhead KT22 7DG
United Kingdom Web https://masltd.com/ Direction
8045 Graz, Austria Web https://www.profant.at Direction
54293 Trèves Web https://blh-trier.de/ Direction