Short answer. Fibreglass strut channel (unistrut-type) is a non-rusting, non-conductive support for pipes, cable trays, equipment and signage. Choose it for chemical, coastal and electrical sites; size it for deflection and use the manufacturer’s load table and matching fittings.
| FRP strut channel | Steel strut channel | |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion | None; resin chosen for the chemicals | Galvanised or stainless; coatings wear |
| Electrical | Insulating | Conductive |
| Weight | Light; easy to cut and carry | Heavy |
| Stiffness | Lower: shorter spans | High |
| Fasteners | FRP or stainless-steel nuts and bolts | Standard |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
Specify it
- Channel size and wall thickness, and the standard fittings you need (nuts, brackets, clamps).
- Load and span, with the deflection limit; follow the supplier’s table.
- Resin and fire class: resin guide.
- Fixings: FRP or stainless nuts, torque limits and washers to spread load.
Typical uses
- pipe and conduit supports in chemical and water plants;
- cable tray supports (see FRP cable trays);
- equipment frames, signage and handrail brackets in coastal areas.
Installation tips and spans
- Cut with a carbide blade and seal the cut ends; wear a dust mask and gloves.
- Use the matching nuts, clamps and brackets; tighten to the torque the supplier gives to avoid crushing the channel walls.
- Support spacing follows the deflection: for a uniform load, deflection grows with the fourth power of span, so shorten the span before increasing the section.
- Use washers or plates where bolts bear on the channel lips, and keep fasteners clear of the cut edge.
- Keep a margin below the tested load, and avoid sustained loads at the limit because FRP creeps.
Frequently asked questions
Can FRP strut be used outdoors?
Yes, with UV-stabilised resin and a surface veil; choose a resin for the chemical environment.
Is it compatible with steel strut fittings?
Not always; check the fitting dimensions and the load rating before mixing systems.
Send us your requirement
Guangdong Haikuo Composite Materials Co., Ltd. (Huizhou, Guangdong) designs pultrusion moulds in-house and produces custom FRP profiles. Send a drawing, a sample or just the application and the environment, and we will tell you what is feasible.
Email: helena@frphk.cn | Phone: +86 189 5198 8522