How to Choose the Right Galvanized Perforated Hanger Strap for Your Needs

Galvanized perforated hanger straps are incredibly versatile metal straps used to hang or support pipes, cables, ducts, and other components in commercial and industrial settings. With the right hanger strap, you can securely and safely mount just about anything. But with so many options on the market, how do you pick the ideal galvanized hanger strap for your specific application? This guide will walk through the key factors to consider when selecting a quality galvanized perforated hanger strap that meets your needs.

An Introduction to Galvanized Perforated Hanger Straps

Galvanized perforated hanger straps consist of rolled mild steel that has been galvanized with a zinc coating for corrosion resistance. They contain holes or slots punched along their length for easy fastening using bolts, screws, or other hardware. The perforations also allow for adjustments and flexibility when mounting oddly-shaped loads.

Galvanized hanger straps provide several benefits:

• Strong support from durable steel construction
• Galvanization prevents rusting and extends service life
• Adjustable design with perforations for versatile mounting
• Cost-effective and widely available

They are used in a huge range of commercial and industrial applications, including:

• Hanging HVAC, exhaust, and ventilation ductwork
• Mounting pipes, conduit, and cabling
• Securing ceiling-mounted lighting fixtures
• Anchoring mechanical equipment like fans or pumps
• Bridging I-beams and framed structures
• And much more!

But with varied specifications like gauge, width, and length, how do you select the right perforated hanger strap for your individual project requirements?

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Galvanized Hanger Strap

There are several important factors to take into account when deciding which galvanized perforated hanger strap is optimal for your purposes:

Load Weight

The load bearing capacity needed is the first major consideration. Light duty straps can handle under 100 lbs, while heavy duty models can support thousands of pounds. Overloading the strap will lead to failure.

To pick an appropriate strap strength:

• Calculate total weight of object(s) being supported
• Consider dynamic loading from movement, vibration, etc.
• Choose a strap rated for at least 1.5-2X the total anticipated weight.

Mounting Configuration

Perforated straps can be used in vertical, horizontal, or sloped orientations. The way the strap is mounted affects how much load it can handle.

• Vertical hanging positions are most common and utilize the full strength.
• Horizontal mounting reduces capacity. Check ratings carefully.
• Angled or bridging mounts also decrease the strap’s load capacity.

Material Gauge

The gauge or thickness of the strap’s steel determines strength. Common gauges are 12, 10, 7, 5, and 3. Lower gauge numbers indicate thicker, stronger steel.

Choose the lightest gauge strap with a safety margin above your load requirement. Heavier than needed adds cost and weight.

Width

Strap widths from 1/2″ to 2″ are typical. Wider straps spread the load over more area for better carrying capacity and stiffness. Narrower straps are lighter but limited in strength.

Galvanization Type

Hanger straps come in different galvanized types:

• Electrogalvanized provides a basic corrosion-resistant coating.
• Hot dipped galvanizing bonds zinc more thickly for extended life.

Harsher environments benefit from the thicker hot dipped coating for maximum rust prevention.

Length

Hanger strap lengths range from a couple feet up to 10 feet or more. Choosing the right length avoids wasteful excess while still allowing for adjustments.

Measure between attachment points and add a few extra inches on each end to determine ideal strap length. Having some adjustment room is helpful during installs.

Perforation Styles

Various perforation patterns are available:

• Slots – Long horizontal slots allow greater adjustability.
• Holes – Round holes are lighter but limit adjustments.
• Combination – Mixes slots and holes in one strap.

The perforation type affects how you can align and bolt the straps during mounting.

Top Tips for Choosing the Right Galvanized Perforated Hanger Strap

Keep these tips in mind when selecting the best galvanized perforated hanger strap for your application:

• Carefully measure load weights and mounting layout to determine needs
• Choose a strap rated for at least 1.5-2 times the total expected weight
• Select a lighter gauge thickness with capacity well above the load
• For heavy loads, go wider rather than thicker to optimize strength-to-weight ratio
• Hot dipped galvanizing provides maximum corrosion resistance
• The right length avoids wasting extra material
• Match perforation style to your desired mounting adjustability
• Reputable brands ensure quality materials and accurate ratings
• Consulting an engineer is wise for large, complex loads

Taking the time to properly evaluate the various galvanized hanger strap factors will ensure you obtain the ideal strap to securely support your infrastructure, equipment, or components while lasting for years of reliable service.

Examples of Choosing the Right Galvanized Hanger Strap

To make the selection process even clearer, here are two examples of how to pick the right perforated hanger strap for specific mounting needs:

Example 1: HVAC Ductwork

For hanging rectangular HVAC ducts in a commercial building, you measure the ducts and find you need to support approximately 200 lbs per hanger over 12 foot spans.

Following the tips above, you determine a 2″ wide, 12 gauge hot dipped galvanized steel hanger strap with slots will provide ample strength. The 2″ width and hot dipped coating supply corrosion resistance in the humid environment. The slots allow for adjustment along the 12 foot spans.

Example 2: Conduit Run

You need to mount several electrical conduits totaling 75 lbs per hanger point across ceilings in a warehouse. The conduit will have vibration from adjacent machinery.

A 1″ wide, 16 gauge electrogalvanized perforated strap with holes is chosen. The 16 gauge thickness provides extra strength to account for vibration. The 1″ strap fits the conduit mountings and thinner gauge minimizes weight. The straps come in 6 foot lengths ideal for the 5 foot ceiling height with adjustment room.

When to Seek Professional Help

For large, heavy, or complex loads, it’s a good idea to consult a qualified engineer to ensure you choose an appropriate galvanized hanger strap system meeting local safety codes. They can assess factors like:

• Dynamic loading
• Environmental conditions
• Spacing requirements
• Angle of installation
• Concrete anchor specs
• Structural mounting adequacy

Professional engineering input leads to the safest, most optimized hanger strap solution.

Conclusion

From hanging ductwork and conduit to supporting mechanical equipment and lighting fixtures, galvanized perforated hanger straps provide versatile and durable load support in industrial settings. But selecting the ideal strap requires matching specifications like gauge, width, length, galvanizing, and perforations to your particular mounting needs. Considering weight capacities, mounting layouts, corrosion levels, and adjustability allows you to choose a hanger strap that reliably handles your specific application. With the right galvanized perforated hanger strap properly installed, you gain a long-lasting suspension solution.