Pipe Clamps: How to Choose the Right Type for Each Pipe Run

A pipe clamp holds a pipe to the structure or to a support element. Choosing the wrong one shows up later as noise, vibration, corrosion between metals or a riser that settles. AFROFIX manufactures five pipe clamp types in Egypt, at our factory in 6th of October City. This guide explains what each one is for, using the data on our product pages.

The short answer

• DSM pipe clamp - general vertical or horizontal pipelines where noise matters (PVC lining), 1/2" to 6".
• Offset pipe clamp - pipes that run at a set distance from a wall or floor, 1/2" to 8".
• U-bolt - fixing, supporting or guiding a pipe on a support element or channel, 1/2" to 16".
• Riser clamp - vertical risers; carries the riser load to the floor, 1/2" to 24", FM Approved 2" to 8".
• Pipe clamp on SAM strut channel - conduit (EMT, IMC, GRC) and cables on strut, 1/2" to 4".

1. DSM pipe clamp with PVC lining

Used to support vertical or horizontal pipelines, from 1/2" (15 mm) to 6" (150 mm). It is made from cold-rolled carbon steel, plain or zinc plated, and assembles quickly with a hex-head Phillips bolt. The PVC lining insulates noise, which is why it is common on plumbing and HVAC lines in occupied buildings. Design load in the size table: 1.63 kN for 1/2" to 2 1/2", 1.83 kN for 3" and 4", 2.66 kN for 6".

2. Offset pipe clamp

For pipelines that run at a definite distance from the wall or floor, from 1/2" (15 mm) to 8" (200 mm), in A36 carbon steel: plain, zinc plated or hot-dip galvanized. The offset distance "C" can be made to suit the site. A PVC lining can be added to prevent electrolysis with copper tubes and to reduce noise and vibration. It is not to be used as a riser clamp.

3. U-bolt

The quickest way to fix, support or guide a pipe on a support element or channel. Standard sizes run from 1/2" (15 mm) to 16" (400 mm) in A36 carbon steel (stainless on request), plain, zinc plated or hot-dip galvanized. It complies with MSS SP-58 Type 24 for 2 1/2" to 10" (1/2" to 2" on request), with nuts to DIN 934 and ASTM A563. Where the pipe surface needs protecting, use the U-bolt with PVC hose, 1/2" to 10".

4. Riser clamp

Supports and stabilises vertical pipe runs. Its long wings transfer the riser load to the floor or ceiling, and it is preferably installed below a coupling hub or field-welded shear lugs. Made from 1/2" (15 mm) to 24" (600 mm) in A36 carbon steel; FM Approved for 2" to 8" (FM 1951, 1952, 1953) and meets MSS SP-58 Type 8 and NFPA 13, which makes it the standard choice for fire-fighting risers. For copper pipes, choose the riser clamp with PVC lining.

5. Pipe clamp on SAM strut channel

Supports EMT, IMC and GRC conduit and cables on the SAM strut channel system, from 1/2" (15 mm) to 4" (100 mm). It saves installation time and fits different SAM channel sizes. A36 carbon steel (stainless on request), plain, zinc plated or hot-dip galvanized.

Side by side

Choosing the finish

Plain (black) steel suits dry indoor areas that will be painted. Zinc plating suits normal indoor conditions. Hot-dip galvanizing is the choice for humid, outdoor or plant-room conditions. Each product page lists the finish code to add to the part number when ordering.

Need help choosing?

Send us your drawings or BOQ through the quotation form and our engineers will propose the right clamp for each line. Browse all pipe hangers and clamps, or read the FAQ.