Answer: To ensure the safe retention and support of cables.

Answer: There is a cleat Standard EN 50368:2003 and at this time an International standard is currently in its Final draft stages. We would recommend that all cable cleats to be used are tested in line with this standard and questions should be asked of all cleat manufacturers whether or not they conform.

Answer: Supply us with the following detail - Environment - Mounting Structure - Cable Configuration - Peak Short Circuit Fault level - Cable Diameter and we will advise the type of Cleat to use and its spacing.

Answer: No. Since cable cleats fit around the outside of cables, we need to know the outer diameter of the cable in order to propose the correct size cleat.

Answer: The cleats have Varying Strength characteristics relevant to the Fault Current Levels.

Answer: Our Emperor, Vulcan & Atlas cleats include polymeric liners or pads. Vari Cleat and ProTect Intermediate Straps have optional liners.

Answer: The liner provides added protection and cushions the cables during short circuit conditions.

Answer: We have and can do specials. Please contact our sales office and we will arrange to sit down and discuss your requirements.

Answer: Yes – Please contact our Sales Office.

Answer: Stainless steel has a propensity to “pick-up” when two surfaces in the same material slide against each other. If sufficient speed and pressure is applied to the sliding surfaces they can be made to “pick-up” to the extent that they weld themselves together. When the two sliding surfaces consist of the thread within a stainless steel fixing the phenomenon is called thread galling. All stainless steel fixings will thread gall if there is sufficient friction. The incidence of thread galling can be reduced by slowing the speed and pressure when closing fasteners. Lubrication can help. Nyloc nuts are more prone to thread galling than flange nuts.

Answer: Both stainless steel and aluminium are non magnetic materials and are unaffected by the magnetic fields, which surround power cables. Cables fixed with cleats made of magnetic materials can cause localized heating of the cable through the effect of induction.

Answer: 304 and 316 are both similar austenitic stainless steels, which are designed to withstand corrosion. 316 is the superior grade because it contains molybdenum, which enhances its resistance to corrosion and makes it appropriate for use in a marine environment. There is a simple test, which may be carried out to determine whether molybdenum is present in a particular sample of steel. The importance of using 316L rather than 316 stainless steel, relates to the corrosion resistance of the steel after welding. Stainless steel resists corrosion because it forms an impervious oxide layer on its surface, which heals itself when oxygen is present. When stainless steel is welded, chromium carbide may precipitate at the grain boundaries. This depletes the chromium within the austenite and prevents the passive oxide layer being formed. Because the grain boundaries are small and highly anodic, rapid corrosion occurs. This process can be prevented by using steels with a carbon content of less than 0.03% (316 has typically less than 0.07% Carbon, 316L has typically less than 0.03% Carbon).

Answer: When dissimilar metals are in contact in the presence of an electrolyte, galvanic corrosion occurs. This means that one of the metals will be protected and the other metal will suffer accelerated corrosion. Although seawater is an obvious electrolyte, all atmospheric moisture acts as an electrolyte to some degree so galvanic corrosion will almost always occur when dissimilar metals are in contact. However, this may not always be detrimental such as in the case of galvanized steel, where the zinc coating acts as a sacrificial anode and protects the steel it covers, even when the surface is scratched. Although they are different materials, it is quite acceptable to fasten a stainless steel cleat to galvanized ladder using a stainless fixing because the corrosion resistant properties of stainless steel are brought about by the metal's ability to generate a passive impervious film on its surface, which self repairs in the presence of oxygen. If the passive layer breaks down (say due to movement between the cleat or bolt and the galvanized ladder) galvanic corrosion will take place but the zinc layer on the ladder will then protect the cleat and its fixing by the same mechanism by which it protects the steel ladder itself. In the process of galvanic corrosion the more “resistant” metal (in this case the stainless steel cleat) becomes less susceptible to corrosion and the less “resistant” metal (the galvanized steel ladder) becomes more susceptible to corrosion. However, the ratio of areas of both metals is very significant and because the surface area of the ladder is much greater than the surface area of the cleats the rate of increased corrosion on the ladder becomes negligible. A good example of the effect of surface area on galvanic corrosion is to look at the suitability of fasteners for fittings on boats. It would be quite acceptable to use a stainless fastener on a galvanized fitting (the fitting acts as the sacrificial anode and protects the fastener) but unacceptable to use a galvanized fastener on a stainless fitting (the fastener acts as the sacrificial anode and corrodes away at an accelerated rate).

Answer: As manufacturers of cable cleats, we are frequently asked for advice on the correct method of securing multi-core power cables. We are not aware of any published data, which indicates any particular fixing method but custom and practice suggests that most users presume that any forces on the conductors, which arise in the event of a short circuit, will be restrained within the cable jacket and therefore cable cleats are not required. The mechanisms within a multi-core cable, which help restrain the conductors in the event of a short circuit include: 1. The outer extruded jacket. 2. The helical winding of the cores. 3. Steel wire or other type of armour if present. In order to be able to provide meaningful advice we undertook a series of short circuit tests using 3 core, copper conductor, multi-core cables from various cable manufacturers. Both armoured and unarmoured cables were tested across a variety of conductor sizes but because of the number of manufacturers and the variety of cable types and methods of construction available, it was not feasible to carry out exhaustive tests. The results of the tests were varied but clearly showed that it is unsafe to presume that the forces between the conductors will always be restrained within the jacket of the cable, whether or not the cable is armoured or tightly helically wound. Our conclusion is that, unless the relevant cable manufacturer can give assurances regarding the performance of their specific cable at the anticipated fault level, fault rated cable cleats provide the safest option for securing multi-core cables. Ellis Patents Ltd carry out a regular schedule of short-circuit tests. If you are planning a project and would like certainty regarding the cable fixings for your installation (whether single or multi-core cables are included in the design) we would be happy to conduct a bespoke test, on your behalf, within our regular programme of work.

Answer: As we manufacture these in house we are most willing to look at producing your requirements

Answer: Apache is quick and easy to install, which saves time but it’s worth talking to our sales personnel for more details.

Answer: Yes BSS are the exclusive outlet for Apache in the UK.

Answer: Sorry No. Under our agreement with BSS the product can only be sourced through their branch network, details of which can be found on this website.

Answer: A complete list of BSS Branches can be found on this website.

Answer: For UK enquiries please contact your local BSS branch. For export enquiries please contact our sales office.

Answer: The AF clamp is installed without tools. The AP clamp may require small hand tools such as a spanner and hack saw.

Answer: 41mm x 41mm and 41mm x 21mm framing channel to BS 6946-1988

Answer: The plastic material used is a tough black polyamide. Please refer to the SWL stated in the literature.

Answer: Yes subject to the SWL stated in the literature.

Answer: The clamps allow the pipe to expand when carrying hot water at a safe continuous working temperature of up to 82°C

Answer: Yes, please contact our sales office for more assistance.

Answer: Yes, please contact our sales office for further detail.

Answer: There is no specific standard which covers these products.

Answer: Yes but it would always be advisable to check their suitability to perform in extreme or hazardous environments.

Answer: Apache has a high level of chemical resistance to many substances. Please contact the sales office for full details.

Answer: Two spacers should be used, one under each pipe run.

Answer: Discounts are offered in line with potential long term sales volume.

Answer: Our company policy is to supply through distribution.

Answer: Customer preference, but the high shoulder helps prevent damage to the pipe when striking the nail.

Answer: No but you can use our Pipe Cover Bracket to overcome this.

Answer: Standard packaging is polythene bags. Alternative methods of packaging and branding can be discussed if required.

Answer: Complete an account application form which can be downloaded from this website.

Answer: We only supply product in the standard packs as shown in our literature.

Answer: No. We operate a carriage linked system.

Answer: For orders to be delivered within mainland UK carriage and packing is included on all orders exceeding £150.00 in net value. For orders below £150.00 in net value a charge of £15.00 is applied. In addition for orders delivered direct to another site a further charge of £15.00 is applied. For orders to be delivered outside Mainland UK please request carriage and packing details from our sales office.