Choosing between cable tray and cable trunking depends on protection, ventilation, access, and how “finished” the installation needs to look. This guide explains the differences and helps you choose the right system for your project. What Is Cable Tray? Cable tray is an open cable support system (solid or perforated) designed to route and support …
Outdoor installations place far greater demands on fixings than internal environments. Rain, temperature changes, airborne pollutants and constant exposure all affect long-term performance. As a result, selecting the correct fixing is critical for maintaining strength, alignment and safety over time. This guide explains what makes a fixing suitable for outdoor use, focusing on finishes, anchor …
Fixing strut channel to concrete walls is common across HVAC, electrical containment, pipework, and mechanical installations. However, the strength of the system depends entirely on selecting the correct fixings and installing them properly. This guide explains the correct wall-fixing method using Direct Channel strut channel, anchors, and accessories only, with practical advice installers can apply …
Cantilever arms are widely used to support cable tray, pipework, ducting and external equipment. However, in some installations, a single cantilever arm may not provide enough strength or stability. This is where back-to-back cantilever arms become the correct solution. This guide explains when back-to-back cantilever arms should be used, what problems they solve on site, …
Selecting the right anchor is essential for safe, reliable and long-lasting fixings in construction, HVAC, electrical and mechanical installations. Because each anchor behaves differently under load, choosing the wrong one can lead to reduced strength, movement or even complete failure. This practical guide clearly explains the differences between Thunderbolts, Throughbolts and Drop-In Anchors. It also …
Cantilever arms are widely used across building services, HVAC, and electrical containment installations. Because they offer strength, versatility and excellent compatibility with strut channel systems, they have become an essential component of everyday M&E work. Installers depend on them for supporting cable tray, mounting ductwork and securing external condenser units. This guide explains what cantilever …
Threaded rod is a core component in HVAC, electrical containment, pipework supports and general building services. Despite being simple in design, it’s often installed incorrectly, leading to misalignment, movement, reduced load capacity and, in worst cases, structural failure. This guide highlights the 10 most common mistakes installers make when fixing threaded rod—and practical steps to …
On a busy UK site, nobody wants to down tools because a simple accessory is missing. A well-stocked van makes the difference between finishing a strut framework in one visit or losing half a day chasing parts. Strut channel systems are designed to be modular – but they only perform at their best when the …
In the UK construction industry, every component carries weight — literally and figuratively. Structures are getting larger, regulations continue to evolve, and clients increasingly demand installations that last for decades. While attention often goes to frames, plant equipment, and the architectural finish, there is one component that quietly determines the reliability of the entire build: …
Rain, frost, salt spray, thermal cycling—the UK climate tests every exposed structure. When it comes to corrosion-resistant fixings in the UK, steelwork is tough, yet the smallest parts often decide whether a framework lasts a season or a decade. This article explains how corrosion-resistant fixings safeguard outdoor installations and how to choose the right material …
Across modern construction projects, the term “modular support systems” now defines how we think about strength, flexibility, and efficiency. From rooftop plant installations to electrical containment, these pre-engineered frameworks allow installers to build faster, safer, and smarter. Traditional welded steelwork is gradually giving way to lighter, adaptable systems that can be assembled, adjusted, and reused …
Walk onto any UK construction site and you’ll see hundreds of perfectly aligned channels, brackets, and supports holding up HVAC systems, pipework, and containment runs. Yet, behind every solid structure lies a small but mighty component that rarely gets the credit it deserves — channel nuts and bolts. These tiny pieces of hardware are the …
For decades, the construction industry has been defined by hard work, tight deadlines, and the constant challenge of doing more with less. But in 2025, construction efficiency means something entirely different. It’s not just about building faster — it’s about building smarter, safer, and more sustainably than ever before. A New Definition of Efficiency In …
Vibration and noise are among the most common issues faced during HVAC installations — especially in modern commercial and residential buildings where comfort, efficiency, and compliance matter most. For those looking to reduce vibration in HVAC installations, the good news? With the right approach and hardware, both can be reduced significantly. Understanding the Problem: Why …
In construction and mechanical installation, time is money. Every minute saved on site helps keep projects on schedule and budgets in check. From modular frameworks to quick-fit anchors, modern fixings have evolved to make installation faster, easier, and more reliable. Discover the top 10 time-saving fixing products every installer should know to enhance efficiency on …
Choosing the right cable management system is crucial for safe, organised, and cost-effective installations. Whether you’re running power cables, data lines, or control wiring, the right choice between cable trays, baskets, ladders, and trunking can save time, reduce maintenance, and extend system life. 1. Understanding the Four Main Cable Containment Systems Cable Tray Cable trays …
Introducing the Strut Pro Runner — exclusively designed and developed by Direct Channel Support Systems UK. A modular, cost-effective, and durable alternative to traditional ladder racks. The Strut Pro Runner – an exclusive Direct Channel innovation. What is the Strut Pro Runner? The Strut Pro Runner is a purpose-built, UK-designed support system for ladder cable …
Self‑drilling TEK screws are a go‑to solution for fastening metal to metal or metal to timber in UK industrial, electrical, and HVAC installations. Whether you’re fixing cable trays, roofing sheets, or bracketry to steel framing, knowing how to use self drilling TEK screws correctly can save time, reduce installation errors, and ensure long-term performance. What …
Choosing the correct threaded rod is critical for safe and effective installations in construction, HVAC, electrical, and M&E applications. This guide will walk you through everything UK buyers need to know — from sizing and material types to finishes and load capacity — with practical examples and helpful links. 1. What Is a Threaded Rod? …
Unistrut installation mistakes are more common than you might think—especially across UK construction, M&E, and HVAC projects. These support systems are strong, adaptable, and widely used, but even small installation errors can lead to expensive rework or system failure. This guide outlines the 5 most common mistakes and shares expert channel fixing tips to help …
Published by Direct Channel Support Systems Why Noise Reduction Matters in Building Services Structure-borne noise caused by vibrating pipes is a growing concern in HVAC and mechanical system design. Whether in commercial high-rises, residential buildings, or healthcare facilities, controlling noise at the source is essential for occupant comfort, system performance, and compliance with acoustic standards. …
What Are Fasteners & Fixings? Fasteners are mechanical components used to join or secure materials together. In industrial and construction settings, they come in various forms — bolts, nuts, washers, anchors, screws, and plugs. The right choice depends on application, environment, and material strength. Fixings refer to the overall methods or components used to secure …
Discover the Power of A4 Stainless Steel Strut Channels A4 Stainless Steel is known for strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. Our Stainless Steel Strut Channels are built for demanding environments such as industrial, commercial, and marine settings. These channels are ideal for secure and modular support structures, including HVAC systems, cable containment, solar frames, and …
Why Build Your Own Strut Channel System? Speed, precision, and adaptability — that’s what modern construction demands. With our online Strut Channel Builder, you can now configure and order custom-cut strut lengths, trapeze brackets, H-frames, and support structures in just a few clicks. No more time lost on on-site cutting, measuring errors, or material wastage. …
🧷 Why Cable Management Matters in Every Industry Zip ties, often referred to as cable ties, play an essential role across a variety of sectors. From electrical installations to construction sites, their ability to secure, organise, and stabilise makes them a go-to solution. In professional environments, proper cable management also reduces hazards and improves overall …
Introduction In modern construction, industrial, and commercial settings, managing cables efficiently is more than just an organisational task — it’s essential for safety, performance, and compliance. Whether you’re overseeing a new build, retrofitting an industrial plant, or upgrading an office space, implementing the right cable management system can significantly improve reliability, minimise downtime, and ensure …
Introduction Threaded rods, also known as all-thread rods or stud rods, are essential fastening components used across construction, engineering, and industrial sectors. Because they can handle high tension, resist shear stress, and allow for custom lengths, they are incredibly versatile. In this guide, you’ll discover their key types, materials, finishes, applications, and practical selection tips. …
Basket Tray vs Cable Tray: Which One Is Right for Your Installation? When it comes to cable management systems, choosing the right type of tray is critical for safety, performance, and future maintenance. Two of the most common solutions are basket trays and cable trays, each offering unique advantages depending on the application. In this …
Posted by Direct Channel Support Systems | April 2025 At Direct Channel Support Systems, we often receive one particular question:“What is hot dip galvanised steel, and how is it different from BZP or stainless steel?”In the UK construction, mechanical, and electrical industries, selecting the correct steel finish is essential. Environmental exposure, durability, and budget requirements …
Hello world and welcome to DirectChannel, we will do our best to keep you up to date and informed on all the new and exciting news from the world of fixings and fasteners! Feel free to share any news. Any questions just give us a call. Will shortly be letting you know of some fantastic offers …
Direct Channel’s range of Premier Under Desk Cable Tray can be secured discretely to the underside of a desk to allow for cables to be managed neatly as well as avoid accidental disconnection and minimizing trip hazards.
Self-Tapping Tech Screws A self-tapping tech screw is a screw that can tap its own hole as it is driven into it. For hard substrates such as metal or hard plastics, the self-tapping ability is often created by cutting a gap in the continuity of the thread on the screw. This will generate a flute …
We constantly look at ways to improve and bring new products to the market, our newest item to the list is the cool Twist & Lock Strut Clip. Used to secure any diameter of cable or pipe to Unistrut Channel, it has been designed to save time on installs. As the name suggests it is …
This heavy duty Uni J Pipe Clamp fits to any Unistrut type Channel, it has dual fixing points making any job fast & easy. It can be used to clamp heavy duty cables, pipework or tubing to an wall or ceiling. The Uni J Clamp is a brand new product, it is a registered design …
The Strut channel is a versatile and flexible product used to provide light structural support in construction and electrical applications. Channel support systems are fantastic for creating a reusable, sturdy metal structure that can hold conduits, cables and other pieces of equipment. Alternatively, they can be used to form a permanent structure to support wiring …
Transporting and protecting cables in commercial and industrial installations is not difficulty any more as Direct Channel is there to offer premium cable accessories. We are a leading cable management and support system specialist based in the UK. Our high-quality products find its application mainly in the mechanical and electrical sector, as well as, HVAC systems. Here, …
Zip-Clip is renowned for its unique problem solving solutions so here at Direct Channel we have chosen to stock the complete range of Zip Clip Wire solutions. Zip Clip have designed and developed a range of systems tailored to overcome troublesome applications. With their highly trained technical managers and our extensive knowledge of the fixings …
Being support system specialists and recognised fastener distributor / supplier in the UK there’s not much we don’t know within our industry. Fasteners are a hardware device that has a singular purpose for mechanically joining or affixing two or more objects together. Fasteners are a very popular alternative to welding mainly because the joints can …
Here at Direct Channel, we are one of the UK’s leading suppliers of Strut Channels, Brackets, Cable Containment and Strut Support Systems. Our products are used extensively within the Construction, Heating, Ventilation, Mechanical & Electrical Industry. We stock a wide variety of products that tailor to any of your needs at the lowest costs. Whether …
Swivel Hangars A common question always getting asked here at Direct Channel is, we have an angled ceiling how can we drop threaded rod straight down? Enter these gems….. Swivel Hangers are what we recommend to the customer and the customer never looks back. With a 20 degree swivel action in all angles, it can …
We are widely known for our strut channel, cable management systems and brackets & clamps, but did you know we also stock fasteners and fixings? Our extensive range of fasteners and fixings are all kept in stock available for next day delivery with discounts available for bulk orders. As a fasteners supplier, our product range …
Keeping your cables tidy allows you to be more productive when working. This is important as a lot of us are working from home due to the pandemic. Cable Management also makes your room look tidy and adds a more spacious feeling to your office. To help organise your cables, whether at home, in the …
Strut Channels are versatile products used to mount, brace, and support lightweight structural loads, such as pipes or wires. However, if you’re searching for strut channels you’re likely looking to use them for a specific use or want to find them at a great price. If you’re looking for great prices you may want to …
What is a threaded rod? A threaded rod is typically a long length of fully threaded steel, allowing it to function as a fastener by causing a tightening action from rotating the rod. The threading on a rod also allows for other fixings such as bolts and nuts to easily screw or fasten to it. …
Where to Buy Cable Management Supplies In this blog, we’ll be answering the question at hand, which is “Where can I buy cable management supplies?”. Now, this may seem like an obvious question considering the answers right in front of you, as you can buy cable management supplies from Direct Channel’s online store! Nevertheless, this …
New Year, New Cable Management Supplies As the first blog of the year, there are plenty of cable management supplies at Direct Channel for us to talk about, but first… Happy New Year! Here at Direct Channel we’re kicking off 2022 with a range of new and exciting offers on our cable management supplies and …
What are Pipe Clamps? Pipe clamps are installation equipment designed to be attached around copper pipes, cables or conduit to support them safely. They are used in the Plumbing, Electrical and Heating industries. How do Pipe Clamps work? Pipe clamps are made up of two semi-circular brackets which attach around the pipe needing support. Once …
Flexi Foot is perfect for those looking for solid floor mount/foot struts and is the ideal platform for supporting ductwork, pipework and cable containment systems for flat roofs. Not to mention that it can be easily assembled in minutes and is made from 100% recycled rubber, all whilst providing a solid platform for flat roof …
Stainless steel is a popular and highly versatile metal, due to its heat and fire resistance capabilities, strength and aesthetic appearance compared to other commonly used materials. Stainless Steel Channel Designed specifically to act as a support system for mechanical and electrical installations, a stainless steel channel is a key component when building and creating …
When you have installed cables, you want to be sure that they last as long as you need them to. One way to do this is by ‘cable trunking’. Cable trunking is essentially a way to protect a group of cables from accidental damage, mechanical impact, dust, water, and any other external extremities. Not only …
WHAT ARE PIPE CLAMPS? Pipe clamps are installation equipment designed to be attached around copper pipes, cables or conduit to support them safely. They are used in the Plumbing, Electrical and Heating industries. HOW DO PIPE CLAMPS WORK? Pipe clamps are made up of two semi-circular brackets which attach around the pipe needing support. Once …
Flexi Foot is perfect for those looking for solid floor mount/foot struts and is the ideal platform for supporting ductwork, pipework and cable containment systems for flat roofs. Not to mention that it can be easily assembled in minutes and is made from 100% recycled rubber, all whilst providing a solid platform for flat roof …
Stainless steel is a popular and highly versatile metal, due to its heat and fire resistance capabilities, strength and aesthetic appearance compared to other commonly used materials. STAINLESS STEEL CHANNEL Designed specifically to act as a support system for mechanical and electrical installations, a stainless steel channel is a key component when building and creating …
Choosing between cable tray and cable trunking depends on protection, ventilation, access, and how “finished” the installation needs to look. This guide explains the ...
Read More
Outdoor installations place far greater demands on fixings than internal environments. Rain, temperature changes, airborne pollutants and constant exposure all affect long-term performance. As ...
Read More
Fixing strut channel to concrete walls is common across HVAC, electrical containment, pipework, and mechanical installations. However, the strength of the system depends entirely ...
Read More