What is the Difference Between Mechanical & Electrical Seismic Supports and Comprehensive Supports?

Comprehensive Supports & Hangers (Multi-service Supports)

▸ Static load-bearing support for daily operation

Function: Primarily for static load bearing. It centrally supports and secures multiple pipelines, cable trays and air ducts under floor slabs or beams, replacing conventional separate angle steel supports for individual pipelines.

Load Condition: Bears the self-weight of piping systems and hydrostatic loads; purely static loads.

▪  No seismic bracing is included, so it cannot withstand seismic forces on its own.

Advantages: Centralized arrangement, space-saving design and fewer embedded components. Widely adopted in basements with densely arranged pipelines.

Mechanical & Electrical Seismic Supports (Seismic Supports & Hangers)

▸ Protective support activated under earthquake conditions

Function: Restrains lateral and longitudinal displacement of pipelines during earthquakes, to avoid casualties and property damage caused by swinging or falling utility systems.

Load Condition: Resists horizontal seismic forces. Seismic bracing serves as the core component.

▪  Even when pipelines are fitted with conventional load-bearing supports, seismic supports still need to be installed in compliance with code requirements.

▪  Seismic supports cannot replace load-bearing supports; seismic supports alone are unable to hold pipelines in place.

▪  Load-bearing supports operate under normal daily conditions, while seismic supports take effect in seismic events. Seismic supports must be deployed together with load-bearing supports.

Core Comparison Summary