Whether securing or supporting a plumbing pipeline below the wall, ceiling or floor, pipe supports such as hangers are essential to completing a drain-waste-vent (DWV), drainage, water-supply line, or hydronic-pipe applications properly. GB/T 17116.2-2018e— Pipe Supports And Hangers — Part 2: Pipe Attachments establishes specifications for pipe hangers and supports.
What Are Pipe Supports?
Pipe supports—such as clamps, beam attachments, pipe shoes, brackets, and hooks—are designed elements that distribute the load from a pipe to the supporting structures. They keep pipes organized and safe from destruction since they keep them from swinging, swaying, and sagging. Pipe supports protect pipes from ruptures and from crashing into other objects. These systems are especially important for mitigating abnormal conditions, such as load surges, rapid temperature changes, and structural shifting or settling.
Why Are Pipe Supports Important?
Sometimes pipes need to run below beams or above an unreliable surface, so harnessing hanging pipes or suspending pipes may be required. Pipe supports transfer the load from a pipe to the supporting structures. The load includes the weight of the pipe proper, the content that the pipe carries, all attached pipe fittings, and the pipe covering. Choosing proper pipe supports are necessary for the following reasons:
- They keep piping systems secure: An improperly supported piping system could result in pipes crashing through a wall or down from a ceiling—potentially hurting someone, causing damage to the building, or both.
- They reduce pipe movement: Using pipe supports will help reduce noise in DWV systems or “water hammer” in water-supply systems.
What Is GB/T 17116.2?
GB/T 17116.2-2018e specifies a series of nominal sizes and loads, temperature class and material matching, and types of pipe attachments of pipe supports and hangers. It also details the main dimensions of typical pipe attachments as well as the marking of pipe attachments. GB/T 17116.2-2018e classifies pipe attachment into non-integral and integral types: horizontal pipe hangers, horizontal pipe supports, riser pipe hangers, riser pipe supports, insulation hangers (integral type is elbow hangers), insulation supports (integral type is elbow supports), rolling hangers for horizontal pipes, rolling supports for horizontal pipes, and pipe attachments for special purpose. This standard is applicable to various pipe attachments of supports and hangers for circular metal pipes with the controlled outer diameter.
What Are Pipe Hangers?
Pipe hangers, a type of pipe support, are hardware used in construction and plumbing to steady and support pipes. They suspend piping, make it possible to hang pipes from vertical spaces, and let you run pipes through more convenient spaces without exposing them to corrosive elements. Hangers help align, reduce vibration, and prevent sagging by suspending pipes from walls or ceilings. Pipe hangers are versatile and can support different pipe materials, including PVC, copper, and steel. They come in different designs and sizes to fit various pipe sizes, applications, and load capacities.
Common Types of Pipe Hangers
Utilizing the right pipe hanger is essential for ensuring the stability and integrity of piping systems. Here are some commonly used types of pipe hangers:
- Adjustable ‘J’ Hanger: are ideal for light loads and often used for light-duty applications, particularly with smaller diameter pipes such as those used in residential or light commercial plumbing.
- Adjustable Split Ring Swivel Hanger: are used to suspend or mount pipes, especially in scenarios where the pipe cannot be turned or moved significantly. They are commonly used in both light industrial and commercial applications.
- Band Hangers: are brackets that support insulated or non-insulated pipes from overhead and allow for vertical adjustment. They are frequently utilized in fire safety sprinkler systems to suspend and join piping as well as in commercial buildings and large multi-family complexes due to their lightweight design and lower costs.
- Clevis Hangers: are used to support horizontal pipe runs in a variety of different applications. They are designed to enable the efficient suspension of piping in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, among other utilities.
- Spring hangers: are used for supporting piping systems that undergo significant vertical movement due to thermal expansion contraction, vibrations, or other dynamic force.
- Roller hangers and supports: are a specialized type of pipe support used to accommodate the movement of the pipes due to thermal expansion, contraction, and other dynamics.
GB/T 17116.2-2018e— Pipe Supports And Hangers — Part 2: Pipe Attachments is available on the ANSI Webstore.