41×41 vs 41×21 Strut Channel: What’s the Difference?
41×41 and 41×21 strut channel are two common profiles for mechanical, electrical, HVAC, pipework and cable containment support systems.
At first glance, the difference looks straightforward. Both profiles measure approximately 41mm wide, but one measures approximately 41mm deep while the other measures approximately 21mm deep. However, that difference in profile depth can affect which channel suits a particular installation.
In this guide, we compare 41×41 vs 41×21 strut channel, explain the key differences and look at other factors to consider before ordering.
What Does 41×41 Strut Channel Mean?
41×41 strut channel refers to a channel profile approximately 41mm wide and 41mm deep.
Installers use this versatile profile throughout strut support systems. For example, 41×41 channel can form part of frameworks for cable containment, pipework, HVAC and other building-services installations.
In addition, Direct Channel supplies 41mm strut channel in different configurations, lengths and finishes, depending on the product selected.
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What Does 41×21 Strut Channel Mean?
41×21 strut channel retains the approximately 41mm channel width but reduces the profile depth to approximately 21mm.
Therefore, the 41×21 profile offers a shallower alternative to 41×41 channel. This can make it useful where an installation requires a lower-profile strut arrangement.
Installers can also combine 41×21 channel with suitable compatible fittings and fixings to create different strut-based support arrangements.
41×41 vs 41×21 Strut Channel at a Glance
| Feature |
41×41 Strut Channel |
41×21 Strut Channel |
| Approx. Width |
41mm |
41mm |
| Approx. Depth |
41mm |
21mm |
| Profile |
Full-depth channel |
Shallow-profile channel |
| Typical Selection Reason |
General strut frameworks and support systems |
Applications where a shallower channel profile is preferred |
Important: Do not use channel dimensions alone to determine the allowable load of an installation. Channel thickness, material, finish, span, support arrangement, fixing method and the complete system configuration can all affect the final support. Therefore, always refer to the appropriate technical information for the specific products and installation.
When Would You Choose 41×41 Strut Channel?
41×41 channel provides a full-depth profile for many conventional strut support arrangements. As a result, it can form part of a wide range of building-services support systems.
Depending on the design of the installation, installers can use 41×41 channel when creating support arrangements for:
- Cable tray and cable containment
- Pipework
- Mechanical services
- HVAC services
- Wall-mounted supports
- Strut channel frameworks
- General building-services supports
In addition, the modular nature of a strut system allows installers to combine channel with appropriate brackets, channel nuts, bolts and other accessories to create different support configurations.
When Would You Choose 41×21 Strut Channel?
The main physical difference with 41×21 channel is its reduced depth. Consequently, it provides a lower-profile alternative to a 41×41 section.
For example, 41×21 can be useful when you want to incorporate strut channel into an installation while keeping the overall channel profile shallower.
However, you should base your selection on the requirements of the complete installation rather than simply choosing the smallest available profile.
Is 41×21 Strut Channel Weaker Than 41×41?
You should not determine a channel’s safe load simply from the terms 41×21 or 41×41.
Although these dimensions describe the channel profile, they do not provide enough information on their own to establish the safe capacity of a complete support system.
For example, the specific channel product, material thickness, span, orientation, supports, connections and loading arrangement can all influence the completed installation.
Therefore, if load capacity is critical to your project, refer to the relevant technical information for the specific channel rather than assuming a capacity from its dimensions alone.
Slotted or Plain Strut Channel?
Profile size is not the only decision to make. You may also need to choose between slotted and plain strut channel.
Slotted channel features fixing slots along the back of the channel. These slots provide fixing points that can help when mounting or connecting the channel as part of an installation.
Plain channel, meanwhile, does not feature these slots. Therefore, the appropriate option depends on how you intend to support, connect and incorporate the channel into the overall framework.
What About Back-to-Back Strut Channel?
Some installations use back-to-back strut channel. In this configuration, two channel sections create a deeper combined profile.
For example, two 41mm-deep channel sections can create an approximately 82x41mm back-to-back profile.
However, this differs from selecting a single 41×41 or 41×21 channel. Therefore, you should consider back-to-back channel as a separate configuration when planning the support system.
What Do You Need to Connect Strut Channel?
A strut framework usually requires more than the channel itself. Depending on your design, you may also need:
- Channel nuts
- Channel bolts and set screws
- 90-degree angle brackets
- Flat connecting plates
- Base plates
- Cantilever arms
- Washers and nuts
- Threaded rod
As a result, it is important to consider the complete support arrangement rather than selecting the channel in isolation.
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41×41 or 41×21: Which Should You Buy?
Ultimately, the right choice depends on what you are building and the requirements of the installation.
If your installation requires a conventional full-depth strut profile, 41×41 channel may provide the appropriate option. Alternatively, if you require a shallower profile, 41×21 channel may offer a more suitable configuration.
However, profile dimensions should never be the only consideration for a load-bearing support. Instead, check that the channel specification and the complete assembly design suit the intended application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between 41×41 and 41×21 strut channel?
The main dimensional difference is the channel depth. Both profiles measure approximately 41mm wide. However, 41×41 channel measures approximately 41mm deep, while 41×21 channel measures approximately 21mm deep.
What is 41×21 strut channel used for?
41×21 provides a shallower strut profile. Therefore, it can form part of support systems where a lower-profile channel arrangement suits the installation.
What is 41×41 strut channel used for?
Installers commonly incorporate 41×41 strut channel into modular support arrangements. For example, applications can include cable containment, pipework, HVAC, mechanical services and general building-services frameworks.
Can I use channel nuts with strut channel?
Yes, channel nuts provide fixing points within compatible strut channel systems. However, you should select the nut and associated fixing components to suit the particular channel and connection.
Can strut channel support cable tray?
Yes, strut channel can form part of a cable containment support arrangement. However, the channel, brackets, fixings and complete support configuration must suit the intended installation.
Shop Strut Channel & Support Components
Direct Channel Support Systems supplies strut channel and associated components for mechanical, electrical, HVAC and cable containment support installations.
Therefore, once you know which profile your installation requires, you can browse the relevant Direct Channel ranges below:
Finally, if you are unsure which strut channel or accessories suit your installation, contact the Direct Channel team on 0121 270 8507 before ordering.
