User Guide

68 l uponorengineering.com
Uponor PEX-a
Pipe Support
PEX-a Pipe Support is a
23-gauge galvanized-steel
channel for PEX piping with
a CTS (copper tube size)
controlled outside diameter.
It features a prole that is
over half-round, making it
self-gripping. It provides
continuous, uninterrupted
support of PEX piping,
allowing increased hanger
spacing over bare PEX.
Product offering
PEX-a Pipe Support is
available in 9-foot (3m) lengths
in the following sizes:
• ½"
• ¾"
• 1"
• 1¼"
• 1½"
• 2"
• 2½"
• 3"
• 3½"
Nylon-coated
stainless-steel straps
Each bundle of PEX-a Pipe
Support includes a package
of stainless-steel straps. The
straps carry a 300-lb. tensile
rating and are tested for the
appropriate applications.
Insulating PEX-a
Pipe Support
The low prole of PEX-a Pipe
Support allows insulation with
typical CTS pipe insulation.
Important tips for installing
PEX-a Pipe Support
• Always follow local code
for general piping support
requirements.
• All pieces of PEX-a Pipe
Support must have a
minimum of two supports/
hangers.
• Use the included 300-lb.,
tensile-rated, stainless-
steel straps to secure the
support channel to the pipe.
If the included straps are
misplaced, use a stainless-
steel strap of equal or
greater strength.
• Due to expansion
characteristics of Uponor
PEX piping, it is important
to use a minimum 300-lb.,
stainless-steel cable tie or
equivalent for securing the
PEX-a Pipe Support to the
piping.
Tips for cutting PEX-a
Pipe Support
• Always cut the PEX-a Pipe
Support starting from the
round side.
• When using a reciprocating
or band saw to cut the PEX-a
Pipe Support, either place
the support at-side down to
make a clean cut or place a
scrap piece of pipe into the
support before cutting.
• When using a hand tool such
as tin snips to cut the PEX-a
Pipe Support, place the
support at-side down and
mark a line on the support to
follow.
• When cutting a support, take
care not to bend it.
• After cutting PEX-a Pipe
Support, taper and smooth
any sharp edges.
Hanger and support layouts
with PEX-a Pipe Support
In general, the use of Uponor
PEX-a Pipe Support will allow
for increased hanger and
support spacing over bare
PEX pipe. However, because
PEX-a Pipe Support is a
secondary-support material
that is added to the outside of
the pipe, the introduction of
ttings or joints will interrupt
the use of the pipe support,
resulting in staggered hanger
spacing scenarios (see page
69 for examples).
Designing hanger and
support layouts
Uponor recommends detailed
hanger and support layouts
utilizing the methods outlined
on pages 69 and 70.
Figure 6-13: Uponor PEX-a Pipe Support with nylon-coated, stainless-steel strapping