Running Cables in Purlins

[IAmSparkytus!]

Hello

Couldn’t find anything in the forums on this and thought I would have…

Large warehouse, minimal power circuits, two or three lighting circuits, max of 5 three phase circuits.

Would it be acceptable to run these within the metal purlins at roof level and tied in place or would tray hung from purlin clips be required?

Trying to avoid this if possible as some of the tray may be ran 30m for the sake of one cable for example

Thanks

 

[SparkySy]

I have used Britclips CR212 metal clips for a single cable in purlins before, 2mm flange and 12mm diameter cable. Other sizes are available!

CR212 12mm to 14mm Cable Run Clip 2mm to 4mm Flange (Pack of 25)

For quick fixings of cables or conduit

www.cef.co.uk

 

[plugsandsparks]

Another option is to run suspended trunking and attach the lights to the trunking, you can then use the trunking for other ccts. Otherwise its purlin and girder clips, wear safety glasses though as they do sometimes ping out at you when you hammer them in . lol

 

[cliffed]

I would say yes…obviously the right cabling & clipped @ intervals …being a warehouse maybe T&E not used..no single insulated cabling though..

 

[westward10]

I remember many years ago you could get clip-on covers for purlins.

 

[pc1966]

I guess LSZH T&E might be acceptable?

 

[MJPD29]

Hi tuff with purlin clips probably the easiest way

 

[SparkySy]

Or swa in purlin clips if you need a bit more protection!
I do this regularly on agricultural jobs for lighting circuits.

 

[pc1966]

Hi tuff with purlin clips probably the easiest way

Didn't think of hi-tuff, though later was thinking of Flexishield but more expensive.

 

[IAmSparkytus!]

Sounds like everyone’s in agreement with purlin clips but not sure whether I’m getting the right picture in my head.

Are you suggesting to use purlin clips/hangers like these and run the cables through them? If yes, does it not look terrible when in place?

My initial idea was to just lay the cables hidden inside the purlins and tie them down somehow - drilling a small hole in the purlins to stick a cable tie through every 600mm for example.

I think someone suggested in an earlier post that they used to make something that fit inside purlins to hold cables into place - this was more along the lines of what I was thinking.

 

[davesparks]

Are you suggesting to use purlin clips/hangers like these and run the cables through them? If yes, does it not look terrible when in place?

No, those are for attaching threaded rod to purlins, you would use the ones which are designed to hold cable/conduits to the purlins.

 

[IAmSparkytus!]

any chance you can find a link? Can’t get girder clips out of my head if they’re the same thing, different name but then again, I thought girder clips could only hold 1 cable as well.

 

[SparkySy]

See post#2 they go on the lip of the purlins with the C shape inside the purlin so the cable is hidden within it.
Sy

 

[SparkySy]

If you want them with a cable tie hole it's a britclips BC125 these will also go on a 2mm purlin with the hole over it.
Sy

 

[IAmSparkytus!]

See post#2 they go on the lip of the purlins with the C shape inside the purlin so the cable is hidden within it.
Sy

Sorry missed that

There will probably be an initial run of 8-10 cables so im not sure whether girder clips would be the best option

 

[IAmSparkytus!]

If you want them with a cable tie hole it's a britclips BC125 these will also go on a 2mm purlin with the hole over it.
Sy

Legend, this might be the answer!

 

[SparkySy]

They come in bigger section so BC250 500 750 ect!

 

[davesparks]

Sorry missed that

There will probably be an initial run of 8-10 cables so im not sure whether girder clips would be the best option

For multiple cables put tray in, I'd only use caddy clips for one or maybe two cables in a run.

 

[suffolkspark]

Are they z purlins? Ie theres already a trough formed for you to lay them in? NYYJ layed in there would be fine by me, they aint ginna fall up! But if its farm or risk of vermin I'd use swa. Use beam clips to support things if you need to traverse any other steels or vertical drops

To add just be aware of grouping

 

[plugsandsparks]

I see and have put cables in purlins as you describe, but its never the first choice. If the cables are inside the purlin you are only one screw away from cable damage if a roofer or cladder come along. You would be surprised how long the screws used by roofers can be. "Why use a 2 inch screw when i have a couple of hundred 4 inch screws", lol -
If i was planning from scratch i would use my own containment, see it as an investment for the future