How to Save Money on Channel Installations: Money Saving Tips from Armaflo

As we all know, most electrical or mechanical installations require channel support sytems in some shape or form. However, where these installations are light-duty, they can be over-specified, meaning more expense for technicians and engineers. To ease the impact for Armaflo customers, we’re sharing some expert advice on how to save money on channel installations. Thank us later!

Throughout the entire general fixings and support market, engineers and technicians are experiencing an exponential increase in steel prices, as highlighted by structural steel specialist Billington in a report from Construction News. Indeed – now more than ever, it’s essential that steps are taken to reduce costs with some prudent decision making.

Cutting Costs on Light Duty Tasks

Channel support systems represent essential infrastructure in building services. Whether you’re installing cables, pipework, ducting, lighting or cable trays, you’ll need to provide these components with strong, sturdy support. However, we know that providing that level of support can come at a significant cost, especially where these installations are light duty. So – why are light duty installations usually so expensive?

The answer to that question is simple: overspecification. Time and time again, we’ve seen light duty installations using 41 x 41mm channel (2.55mm) gauge when they don’t actually need it. Whilst this overspecification can lead to a longer installation time, it will also inevitably add to the costs associated with the installation.

How Can I Save Money on Channel Installations?

If you’re carrying out a light-duty installation, don’t panic: there’s a number of steps you can take to make some big savings on costs. Here’s just a few of them:

• Consider Your Choice of Gauge: As mentioned above, we’ve seen plenty of cases of overspecification around channel lengths and gauges. Consider this – depending on the quantity required, the average price for a length of channel is around £16. By using 41 x 21mm (2.5mm gauge), you can save roughly 20 percent on costs. By the end of the installation, you’ll see that these savings quickly add up.

• Opt for a Lighter Choice: You can also save money on light duty channel installations by switching to the light gauge (1.5mm). By doing this, you can make an even bigger saving of 38% on the equivalent of 41 x 41 mm.

• Check Your Specs: Before you make any choices around channel support systems, it’s essential that you consult their individual data sheets to determine various calculations, including safe work loadings. To check out data sheets for our channel support systems, simply access a product via the channel support page and download the data sheet. By taking this step, you can ensure that the project will not fail. 

• Consult Your Trusted Suppliers: Cutting costs on channel installations begins with knowing the right information. Before you place an order, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our many trusted advisors at Armaflo. We can help you with the perfect system that will provide sufficient support in a way that’s cost effective. Go on – just get in touch!

• Know Your Safe Working Load: Based on a 1mtr span, a 41 x 21mm length has a safe working load of approximately 30% of that of a 41 x 41mm (2.5mm gauge). Meanwhile, a 41 x 41mm length (1.5mm gauge) will provide a safe working load of around 55% of that of a 41 x 41mm (2.55m). Work it out, choose carefully and enjoy the savings! 

When it comes to saving money on light duty installations, it pays to use a lower profile of channel. Aside from lessening the impact on your pocket, taking this step will also lessen the impact on the environment. Everyone’s a winner!

Save Money on Light Duty Installations: Contact Armaflo Today

Here at Armaflo, we understand that many technicians & engineers won’t understand potential cost savings unless they’re aware of the full range of options available to them. That’s why we’re proud to offer free and expert advice on choosing the right channel support system for your spatial, budgetary and operational requirements. To get started on cutting costs, contact us today!