In today’s environment of new Seismic Bracing Codes and retroactive enforcement policies, the term RETROFIT might be on a lot of minds these days. What are your options when the code requires that past jobs be retrofitted to be compliant with current codes? In all too many instances the existing installations of HVAC and other mechanical systems, plumbing systems, and electrical cable trays, leave very little room for the installation of new seismic bracing components for Fire Sprinkler applications. Attachment of the braces to the building structure is critical, as is spacing requirements and the horizontal load factors of the bracing components. All of these factors combined can make new code compliance difficult and very expensive; especially if re-installation of entire fire sprinkler systems is necessary.
The fully Code-Compliant Seismic Bracing Cable by Loos
& Co., Inc. offers a solution to this dilemma. Loos & Co, Inc. is headquartered in Naples, FL and has been active in the Fire Suppression Industry for over 20 years. You may have seen Loos exhibiting at key industry trade shows such as AFSA, NFSA, and NFPA. Loos supports all of these associations.
Loos offers a complete line of Seismic Bracing products that are manufactured from galvanized aircraft cable and they are color-coded for easy field identification of the different sizes and load strengths. The cables operate in tension only, and two cables are required at each brace location to secure the Fire Sprinkler piping or the braced component.
The cables install easily, requiring only hand tensioning. Loos offers the versatility and the information needed to install cable braces anywhere from 30 to 90 degrees to the braced component measured from vertical. Permanent end fittings called zinc-plated oval sleeves are hand-crimped using Loos’ crimping tools (battery-powered tools are also available). The permanent end fittings do not damage the cables and they hold and exceed the breaking strengths of the cable when installed according to Loos’ easy-to-follow instructions which are included with every installation tool.
The following tables show the rated break strengths of Loos’ cable sizes:
| BRACE SIZE | COLOR CODE FOR PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION | CERTIFIED MINIMUM BREAK STRENGTH IN LBS. | ALLOWABLE LOAD AT 90° BRACE ANGLE w/SAFETY FACTOR OF 1.5 (lbs) * UL LOAD RATING | RECOMMENDED MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE HORIZONTAL LOAD BY BRACE ANGLE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30°-44° |
45°-59° |
60°-90° | ||||
| GO3 | GOLD | 920 |
613 |
307 | 434 | 531 |
| OR4 | ORANGE | 1700 | 1133 | 567 | 802 | 980 |
| GR6 | GREEN | 4200 | 2800 | 1400 | 1980 | 2422 |
| BL8 | BLACK | 7000 | 4667 | 2333 | 3300 | 4037 |
Some of the advantages of using Loos cable bracing in Fire Suppression applications are:
- There is no length limitation for tension only cables. Cables of any length can be installed to brace components at many different locations, unlike rigid type braces that cannot exceed a certain length.
- Loos’ cables are the most flexible in design and allow for easy installation in the most difficult and space limited conditions.
- Cables can be used on just about any fire sprinkler application. Pipe sizes of any diameter can be braced using Loos' cables.
- Cables are color-coded for easy field identification and inspection of sizes.
- Loos’ cables are UL Listed, ICC-ES Listed (ESL-1004 and ESL-1007), and tension-only braces are mentioned in NFPA-13 as a fully compliant method of seismic bracing for Fire Sprinkler Applications.
- FBC System Compatible. The only seismic bracing system that is compatible for use with Lubrizol's CPVC fire sprinkler systems.
- Compliant with ASCE 19, the IBC, and ASCE 7.
Many designers and contractors have found solutions with Loos’ Seismic Bracing Cable. It is very cost-effective, labor-saving, easy-to-use, and totally code-compliant. It is a bit different than other long-used bracing systems, but is worth a new look. Loos’ courteous customer service department can direct you to your local distributor and assist in finding design assistance if needed. Contact us today!
