Anchors for mounting meter packs.

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codeunderstanding

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I have to mount some meter module packs for a 6 plex condo that is concrete block and am wondering what would be a good concrete anchor to use. I mostly mounted them on wood with lag bolts but dont have that much experiance with the concrete. thanks.
 
If they're the type that you bolt that little "Z" strip on the wall and hang the meter stack on that "Z" strip, toggle bolts work well in concrete block. So do double expanding anchors with hex head machine screws. There's lots of holes in the "Z" strip, so fill 'em all up. Keep in mind that the fastener head must not protrude beyond the front of that strip, whatever you use.
 
How about some "TapCons":
Tapcon-installation.jpg


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I install a lot of equipment and nearly all our buildings are concrete block.
The best anchor for concrete block is an expanding epoxy with a screen tube. The 5/8" x 3 or longer tube goes in the hole and the epoxy expands out the back, and a stud is inserted in the epoxy after its injected.
It holds in a hollow or web equally well.
We also set anchors in solid slabs with a similar epoxy and SS studs, much cheaper than an expansion bolt--and these anchors can be set in green concrete, and will break off in shear before you pull it loose
Once you use the epoxy anchors you'll not want to use anything else.
Downside is you have to wait a bit for it to cure, 1 hour or so.
I use Hilti, others are out there, but Hilti is next day via UPS..
 
Chemical anchors are cheaper than expansion bolts? I'd have never thought. Never really checked into it, truthfully, but that's good to know.
 
For panels, meter cans and other service related cabinets I use any kind of anchors which can be easily removed...in case I need to move it or remove it at some point.
 
bstoin said:
For panels, meter cans and other service related cabinets I use any kind of anchors which can be easily removed...in case I need to move it or remove it at some point.
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IMO, the only anchors that are not easily removed for panels, meter cans and other service related cabinets are the type which are "shot" in using a Powder Actuated System.
Basically, any anchor with a thread is an easy remove job.
 
Depending on the size and weght of the equipment, I have used the Tap-cons before and I gotta tell you they hold pretty good. For the heavier stuff, I have used the steel anchors that you have to set with a tool. Cinder block, I use lag shields and bolts. Never had one pull of yet and we have some pretty ignorant people who like to hit these panels. It don't matter if you put a Mack truck in front of them, they will figure a way to hit it. But I have to admit that the epoxy way seems pretty good way to go. I'll have to try that one.
 
mdshunk said:
Chemical anchors are cheaper than expansion bolts? I'd have never thought. Never really checked into it, truthfully, but that's good to know.
Click to expand...
I purchased Hilti 1/4" x 2 1/4" SS expansion bolts they were $2.77 each.
But I have used the off shore ones and they bend nearly every time!
With the chemical anchors you can use a length of all thread, I have a supplier cut rod into 4" lenghs, its gets your cost per anchor way down.
The anchor is not removeable but the nut is.
A call to Hilti and have the rep come by they can show you all the cool fasteners...
 
tom baker said:
The anchor is not removeable but the nut is.
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In this case, I'm not sure if that would work for him. There's -zero- room for anything to stick out more than *maybe* 3/8" when attaching those 'Z' bar type meter can hangers. A lag bolt head or machine screw head is about all you have room for as far as the "stick out" dimension goes. That would require some sawzall action on the threaded rod after the nut is installed, I'd think, to get the completed dimension needed.
 
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