FAQs

In simple terms, a Gripple hanger is a wire joining device designed to quickly and securely join lengths of wire. This simple design is perfectly adapted to a wide range of applications such as the suspension of HVAC, mechanical, and electrical services, meaning Gripple hangers have become one of the leading suspension systems sold to the construction industry worldwide.

Gripple hangers are fully adjustable and are available in both one and two channel variants. Each channel allows the wire rope to be inserted in one direction, where it is held in position by a spring-loaded wedge or roller. On a two channel device, this is mirrored in the second channel meaning a second length of wire rope can be joined, or a loop created.

Gripple hangers are incredibly strong and capable of suspending up to 325 kg.

Gripple solutions have been designed specifically to offer a quicker and easier way of suspending a full range of HVAC, Mechanical and Electrical installations, lighting, suspended ceilings, signage and acoustic panels.

Gripple systems offer savings in both time and money when compared to traditional suspension and bracing methods. A process involving no pre-work, such as cutting of filing, means installation can be up to 85 per cent faster when compared to other methods such as chain and threaded rod. Much easier to handle and transport around site, Gripple provides a truly green alternative to threaded rod with a typical installation using up to 95% less steel.

With industry proven solutions for suspending up to 325kg and over 500 million devices in use across the world Gripple is proven as a market leading provider of suspension solutions.

Famous examples of where Gripple devices have been used include the Great Dingo Fence, Atlantis, The Palm, The Melbourne Convention Centre, New York’s Yankee Stadium.

Gripple systems offer savings in both time and money when compared to traditional suspension and bracing methods. No need for pre-work, such as cutting of filing, results in an installation process up to 85 per cent faster when compared to competing methods. Much easier to handle and transport around site, Gripple provides a truly green alternative to threaded rod with a typical embodied CO₂ saving of up to 95 per cent.

Our wire rope kits are designed to be lightweight and virtually invisible. The aesthetic difference between using 2 mm wire rope and 8 mm threaded rod is easy to see and with trends towards reducing the visual impact of installations, Gripple systems are leading the way.

Using an ‘out of the box’ Gripple solution will save you both time and money through a quicker and easier installation process, reduced material costs, and less reliance on specialist machinery. Gripple solutions are up to six times faster to install than threaded rod and chain suspension systems and can significantly reduce steel consumption. This significant reduction in materials also means that Gripple products are both cheaper and easier to transport and move on-site.

All Gripple suspension solutions are thoroughly tested and certified to world leading standards of safety including Lloyds Register, UL and TUV. More information can be found in our Services section.

Gripple suspensions systems are sold with a 5:1 safety factor ensuring that you can always have 100% confidence in the installation.

Gripple hangers are incredibly strong and versatile and are available in five load rated sizes with Safe Working Loads ranging from 15kg to 325kg, all with a 5:1 safety factor.

A full range of hangers are available to ensure the perfect solution for every suspension or bracing job.

Gripple has been manufacturing tensioning and suspension systems for over 20 years and have sold over 500 million units in over 85 countries. Proven in countless applications across the world been that Gripple hangers are one of the most trusted suspension systems within the global construction industry.

Gripple products are designed and manufactured by Gripple Limited in Sheffield, UK. Polyplas is the exclusive licensee of Gripple wire suspension and bracing systems throughout Australia and New Zealand. All kits are fully assembled on site in Rowville, Victoria, and adhere to the same strict quality standards.

Gripple hangers are fully adjustable and are available in both one and two channel variants. Each channel allows the wire rope to be inserted in one direction, where it is held in position by a spring-loaded wedge or roller. On a two channel device, this is mirrored in the second channel meaning a second length of wire rope can be joined, or a loop created.

Gripple hangers are incredibly strong and capable of suspending up to 325 kg meaning they are perfectly suited to a wide range of suspension and bracing applications.

Gripple systems are designed to be adaptable and suitable for use across a wide range of industrial applications. Complemented by a full range of end fixings and accessories, solutions have been successfully installed across the world on applications including:

1. HVAC suspension
2. Mechanical and Electrical suspension
3. Hanging lighting, signage and acoustic panels
4. Seismic bracing
5. Suspended ceilings

The easiest way to purchase any of the Gripple range is to speak to your local Polyplas International Area Manager. Contact details can be found HERE.

There are several important reasons why seismic bracing is a crucial factor to consider:

• Legal requirement – as defined in AS 1170.4 and in accordance with in the National Construction Code (NCC) which has been adopted in all states.
• Safety & Asset Protection - Ensuring that expected earthquake design performance objectives are met not only reduces the risk of damage to the non-structural components itself, but also reduces the risk or damage to adjacent or closely located items from falling, overturning, swinging and impacting, leaking, etc. In addition, proper engineering reduces the life-safety risk to building occupants and, for critical facilities, provides the operability assurances necessary for immediate occupancy. “Critical facilities” would include hospitals, fire stations, police stations, and other such facilities.

Polyplas International are able to offer both seismic bracing engineering services and bracing systems that will adhere to all non-structural component bracing regulations, in regards to weight loads of the types of connection.

Polyplas International Technical Services can offer:

• Engineered seismic bracing calculations based on design category, occupancy, importance and relevant site specific seismic specifications.
• Detailed engineer’s sealed drawings (electronic format) prepared in AutoCAD or .pdf files (submitted by the consultant/contractor) indicating the location of seismic bracing points and bracket type.
• On-site training on seismic product installation.
• Completion visit by a Polyplas International seismic specialist to ensure correct installation.
• Gripple Seismic Bracing products per engineering calculations, including:
• Seismic wire rope kit with End Fixing and colour coded verification tag
• Seismic component bracket
• Gripple Seismic Hanger

Part of Polyplas International's seismic services include providing the right products and services that meet the various seismic design requirements of your project, taking into consideration factors such as:

• Seismic Design Category / Occupancy Category
• Component Importance Factor
• Exemptions
• Requirements for Designated Seismic Systems
• Force / Displacement Equations
• Anchorage

Application specific design - Gripple seismic bracing systems are specifically designed and engineered to brace and secure suspended non-structural equipment (VAV boxes, fans, unit heaters, small in-line pumps, etc.) and components (HVAC duct, conduit/cable tray, and piping) within a building or structure to minimize damage from an earthquake or seismic event.

Four sizes of Gripple seismic wire bracing kits are available, each with their own Load and Resistance Factor Designs (LRFD). The seismic bracing kits come with a selection of pre-stretched Gripple wire, pre-attached end fittings, and standard or retrofit brackets. Colour coding allows easy field verification of kit size.

This approach means that Gripple seismic bracing systems are complete pre-engineered systems, requiring no tools or field swaging of cables. As a result, the kits are up to 10 times faster to install than other bracing systems and perfectly suited to both new and retrofit installations.

Adaptable – Gripple seismic bracing systems can be used in a variety of bracing configurations.

Industry Proven - Gripple seismic bracing kits have been utilised on an extensive number of high-profile job sites around the world that include:

• Research labs
• Healthcare facilities
• Manufacturing plants
• Government & military sites
• Educational institutions
• Corporate offices and retail
• Data centres
• Hotels, casinos and entertainment venues

Approvals & Certifications - Gripple is proud to hold the following industry approvals:

• In accordance with AS 1170.4 and NZ4219
• OSHPD OPA
• SMACNA Verification
• UL NEBS GR 63 Core Certification

In addition to the seismic bracing and isolation products required for your project, Polyplas International is able to provide full engineering services, including PE stamped drawings, BIM modeling and clash detection, coordination and site reviews, and budget estimating. We will work with the engineer and contractor to provide the most effective bracing and restraint solutions, providing you with complete beginning-to-end seismic services.

Specific sizes of kits are available, each with a different Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD). GS10 = 159 kg, GS12 = 476 kg, GS19 = 953 kg, and GS25 = 1,746 kg. Kit components include: a length of wire rope with a pre-attached end fitting, a colour-coded tag indicating the brace size, a bracket for attachment to the hanger rod, and a Gripple Seismic fastener. Component descriptions are as follows:

• Wire rope – 2 mm (GS10), 3 mm (GS12), 4 mm (GS19), and 5 mm (GS25) break strength certified, pre-stretched Gripple seismic wire rope.
• Colour Coded Tag – For attachment to cable, providing easy identification and assurance from the ground that the proper size brace has been installed.  Red = GS10, Green = GS12, Yellow = GS19, and Purple = GS25.
• End Fitting – Pre-attached to the cable for attachment to ceiling anchor point, consisting of either a 45° Eyelet, Standard Single Bracket, or Standard Double Bracket, each with various hole sizes.
• Bracket – Standard or Retrofit loose bracket versions are available, with various hole sizes, for attachment to threaded rod supports.
• Fastener - Secures the cable after it has passed through the bracket: GS10 has a design strength (LRFD) of 159 kg, GS12 has a design strength (LRFD) of 476 kg, GS19 has a design strength (LRFD) of 953 kg, and GS25 has a design strength (LRFD) of 1,746 kg.

Yes, Gripple seismic bracing systems are designed to brace nonstructural equipment and components on both new or retrofit installations.

Gripple Seismic Bracing Systems are complete pre-engineered systems, requiring no tools or field swaging of cables. As a result, the kits are up to 10 times faster to install than other bracing systems. Because of the larger brace size however, it is recommended that the Gripple Tensioning Tool be used to pretension GS19 and GS25 cable brace installations to 50 kg.

Gripple Seismic Bracing Systems can be used for Transverse, Longitudinal, and 4-Way bracing methods.

• AS1170.4 and NZ4219
• OSHPD – California Office of Statewide Health Planning & Development – After extensive testing and qualifications, Gripple Seismic has received OSHPD approval for Fixed Equipment Anchorage, and has been assigned OPA-2123-10 for their GS10, GS12, and GS19 cable bracing systems.
• UL NEBS GR 63 Core Certification – Based on surpassing extensive shaker table testing requirements, Gripple Seismic is the only seismic bracing company to hold this certification for its cable braces.
• SMACNA Verification (Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association) – As an acceptable alternative for seismic hanger bracing in strict accordance with the ANSI / SMACNA Seismic Restraint Manual – Guidelines for Mechanical Systems
• Others – Gripple Seismic has undergone all of the proper qualifications and necessary strength testing to meet any seismic design code requirements for their cable braces, including: International Building Code (IBC), California State Building Code, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 7-05 Chapter 13, Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) 300 and 400, American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
• In addition, VIMCO vibration and noise isolation products have been tested in accordance with the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 171 2008 guidelines for Method of Testing Seismic Restraint Devices for HVAC&R Equipment.

Structural components include roofs, floors, beams, columns, foundations concrete or masonry walls…basically anything integral to the structure itself. Non-structural components include architectural elements, mechanical and electrical equipment and supplies, life-safety systems, and other building contents. Non-structural components are critical for the proper functioning of a building after an earthquake, and bracing these components ensures reduction in life-safety risk to building occupants. Gripple Seismic products and engineering services are targeted to non-structural components and equipment.

The 2009 IBC (International Building Code) Section 1613.1 dictates that “Every stucture and portion therof, including nonstructural components…shall be designed…for earthquake motions in accordance with ASCE 7.” ASCE / SEI 7-05 Chapter 13 specifically details the “Seismic Design Requirements for Nonstructural Components” including:

• Seismic Design Category / Occupancy Category
• Component Importance Factor
• Exemptions
• Requirements for Designated Seismic Systems
• Force / Displacement Equations
• Anchorage