Engineers responsible for mechanical engineering or ‘wet’ services, from suspending cable trays to HVAC, plumbing, and sprinkler-system piping, now have a lightweight, flexible solution available to them in the form of the fischer FLS channel system for light applications, distributed locally by leading supplier Upat.
Available in three different sizes from 17 mm to 30 mm and 37 mm, the system features 3-m-long lengths as opposed to the traditional 5 m. In addition to the low weight, this makes it easily transportable to site, explains Upat National Product Specialist Charl Weber.
“The significant advantage of the fischer FLS system is that it is lightweight, which means that the total load placed on a building is reduced,” Weber points out.
This is particularly beneficial for refurbishment projects such as converting existing building stock in the Johannesburg city centre into residential units. “Being older, such buildings can only tolerate a certain load, which means that architects and engineers have to pay careful attention to what is added.”
Other features include the alternating long slots in the mounting channel, in addition to the form-fitting connector elements. This allows for optimised fixing in the substrate. The mounting channel also has a serration with stamped teeth to facilitate installation of the connector elements, plus edge seams for a perfect fit. Cutting and positioning are simplified further by the scale marked on the mounting channels.
A major benefit of the system is that it comprises pre-assembled construction elements, which reduces the possibility of arriving to site with missing components or incomplete units. The fischer Clix elements with 90° rotation make for simplified, time-saving post-installation in set channels.
A special spring leg on the fischer Clix elements ensures the required pressure in the installation channel for simple adjustment of the element, while the unique stop element facilitates precise and error-free rotation in the installation rail. Secure metallic connections are facilitated by the unique thrust block on the plastic holder of the Clix sliding nut.
The system forms part of the fischer SaMontec installation system, which is being specified increasingly by wet works engineers for areas that require robust, flexible solutions.
SaMontec grids come with universal channels, brackets, connection and construction elements, as well as clamps and installation accessories that provide a huge variety of combinations in one versatile solution.
The system can be joined in such a way that it holds everything together on one bracket. Weber concludes that, being inter-linkable and interchangeable, it enables all elements to connect and disconnect easily. In addition, Upat provides full aftermarket service and support, in addition to customised solutions for specific customer requirements.