Is there an unbiased explanation around the cost of ETA approved anchors and non ETA approved anchors on the internet?

This week MIDFIX opened a new regional office in Leeds to better serve our growing customer base across the surrounding areas. Located just off the M1 the office will become a meeting place for contractors working on projects nearby.

It has been over 2 years since the BS 7671:2018 18th edition of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) wiring regulations came into force but there are still those in building services that are not aware of how to correctly select a...

Grenfell was a tragic disaster that led to the passing of 72 people. After the event, a spotlight was shone on the construction industry and the building and fire safety regulations. Amongst the inquest was a recommendation: to create a ‘Golden...

The construction industry is becoming increasingly litigious with new standards and regulations encouraging best practices. The majority of anchors and fixings supplied for an M&E installation are used to support overhead M&E services...

Do you have evidence of compliant anchor installation? With standards and regulations becoming ever more prevalent within the construction industry, protocols around installation must be followed. It is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure...

How do you test anchors/fixings in accordance with BS 8539? Did you know anchors/fixings used in construction equate to less than 0.5% of the overall project value? In percentage terms, I think we can all agree that is quite small. This often leads...

One of the biggest variables for a compliant anchor/fixing installation is the installer. Anchor installation errors are a prevailing issue within the M&E industry. As the industry moves towards a compliant, evidence-based model, it will be down to...

Bring the M&E contractor and principal contractor together before anchors for pipework, ductwork, cable containment and brackets are selected or installed. Early engagement gives the team time to agree selection, supply, installation, testing and...

Site-failure examples show why the anchor and bracket need to be considered as one support assembly. For M&E pipework, ductwork and cable containment, use each case to ask whether selection matched the substrate and load, and whether installers...

Set a drop-in anchor only after drilling the specified hole, clearing it as instructed and using the correct manual or automatic setting tool to drive it to the required depth. This matters most on overhead M&E brackets and service supports, where...

Stop work on an M&E support if you strike reinforcement or a tension bar, find an unknown base material, lack the specified drill details or tools, or are asked to fit an anchor that differs from the specification. Raise the issue with the...

In our latest soundout episode our anchor expert Stevan discusses concrete screws, its uses, and why they are proving popular onsite.

If the specified anchor for a pipework, ductwork, cable containment or bracket support is unavailable, do not send a substitute straight to the installer. Tell the original specifier and check the alternative against the substrate, load,...

Common challenges facing Mechanical and Electrical contractors and BS 8539 guidance An M&E contractor can keep anchor work on track by agreeing product requirements, supply timing, installation tools and training before work starts. We see two...

An ETA gives assessed information about a specific anchor, including its product identity, intended use, performance and installation conditions. Match that information to the actual substrate and application before selecting an anchor for a bracket...

When selecting an anchor/fixing it is important to understand the type of atmospheric environment surrounding the anchor. Certain environments can impact the working life of an anchor/fixing over time. In our latest soundout episode our...

Proof testing checks the quality of an installed anchor; an allowable load test helps establish an allowable load when site or application data is not known. For anchors supporting M&E pipework, ductwork, cable containment or brackets, agree which...

With over 45 years’ experience supplying superior product and service to the mechanical and electrical industry, it seemed a natural transition to set up our own unique MIDFIX Academy. The primary purpose of the academy is to upskill and support M&E...