The most crucial part of securing seismic bracing is choosing the correct attachment hardware. Using the proper attachment hardware ensures that brace connections are stronger than the cable itself, further strengthening your seismic bracing installation. As there are various types of attachment hardware, Loos Seismic Bracing wants to spend some time explaining the capabilities and the best application for each kind of attachment fitting.
Seismic Anchoring Fittings:
Each Seismic Anchoring Fittings (SAF) can accommodate three bracing cable sizes, #GO3, #OR4, and #GR6. These SAFs maintain the break strength of the cable and may be used at both cable ends to make field cut cable assemblies. One of the other main benefits of using SAFs is they do not require a thimble. SAFs are ordered according to bolt hole diameter, and they are commonly used as a connection to braced components or as connection fittings for anchorage to structure.
SAFs with retrofit (SAFRs) are used in the same way as SAFs but are slotted to allow a hex nut on an existing component to be loosened. The slotted style also allows for the SAFR to be positioned and the hex nut re-tightened. SAFRs are available for #GO3 and #OR4 size bracing cable.
Seismic Anchoring Fitting – 2-Way:
Seismic Anchoring Fittings (SAF2s) have holes in the tab that accommodate #GO3, #OR4, and #GR6 cable sizes without a thimble. SAF2s are commonly used to make anchorage to structure connections and equipment connections with stake eye and cable assemblies. The specialty of SAF2s is that they can be used for 2-way bracing or 4-way bracing, thanks to their design.
Similar to SAF2s, SAF2R (Seismic Anchoring Fitting – 2-Way- Retrofit) clips are used in a 2-way or 4-way brace. However, SAF2R’s are slotted, allowing a hex nut on an existing component to be loosened, the SAF2R positioned, and the hex nut re-tightened.
Low-Pry Fitting:
Low-Pry Fittings (LPFs) are used to neutralize the prying effect on concrete anchors. LPFs maintain the break strength of the cable and are available to accommodate #GO3, #OR4, or #GR6 Seismic Bracing Cable. These fittings are an excellent option for anchoring to concrete structures. LPFs are available in bolt sizes for 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", and 7/8" concrete anchors.
Zinc-Plated Oval Sleeves:
The only acceptable method to secure connections to Loos’ Seismic Bracing Cable is using our zinc-plated oval sleeves. Zinc-plated oval sleeves are fittings used to secure four sizes of Seismic Cable connections, #3 (GOLD), #4 (ORANGE), #6 (GREEN), and #8 (BLACK). To make the connection, a hand swaging or battery-operated swaging tool should be used to allow for the cable connection to exceed the breaking strength of the connected cable.
When you are starting your next Seismic Bracing installation, keep in mind the importance of attachment hardware. By choosing the correct fittings and sleeves, you are sure to get the most out of your cable, as your brace connection will be as strong and secure as possible! If you want to learn more about attachment hardware, check out Loos & Co., Inc’s recently revamped Seismic Bracing Cable website. Alternatively, we carry a range of bracing cable, swagers, and cable cutting products found here. If you have any questions, reach out to us by phone at 1-800-321-LOOS (5667) or by email at sales@loosnaples.com.