Resources
Electrical & mechanical infrastructure glossary
Understand the components that support electrical and mechanical systems. Explore clear definitions, answers to common product questions, and resources to help you identify materials for your next quote or stocking order.
PUPCO supplies electrical and mechanical infrastructure products to distributors nationwide. With deep inventory, responsive service, and dependable fulfillment, we help our customers source the components they need to keep projects moving.
Component definitions
Strut channel, threaded rod, and fittings
What is strut channel?
Strut channel is a framing component used to mount, support, and connect electrical and mechanical infrastructure. Combined with compatible fittings, channel nuts, and fasteners, it forms adjustable support systems for conduit, piping, equipment, and other building services.
What is the difference between strut channel and a strut channel system?
Strut channel is the individual framing member. A strut channel system includes the channel and the hardware used to connect it, attach it to a structure, and secure the supported components.
What information do I need to order strut channel?
Identify the channel dimensions, gauge, hole or slot pattern, material, finish, length, and quantity. Include the specified part number when available.
Explore strut channel options and related fittings and connection hardware.
What is threaded rod?
Threaded rod is a rod with external threads that accept compatible nuts and threaded hardware. Fully threaded rod, often called all-thread, has threads along its entire length. It is commonly used in suspended support assemblies and strut channel systems.
What is threaded rod used for?
Threaded rod connects or suspends components in electrical and mechanical installations. Depending on the assembly, it may connect overhead attachment hardware to channel, pipe hangers, or other supports.
What information do I need to order threaded rod?
Provide the diameter, thread specification, length, material or grade, finish, and quantity. Diameter alone does not establish suitability for a particular load or application.
Browse threaded rod and threaded rod accessories.
What are strut fittings?
Strut fittings are connectors used to join channel sections or attach components within a strut framing assembly. Different shapes accommodate different connection arrangements, including straight connections, corners, offsets, and intersections.
Are all strut fittings interchangeable?
A similar appearance does not establish compatibility. Check the fitting dimensions, hole pattern, material, finish, required fasteners, and suitability for the specified channel and connection.
What are common types of strut fittings?
Common categories include flat fittings, angle fittings, wing fittings, Z fittings, U fittings, and brackets. The connection arrangement determines which fitting is needed.
Explore strut fittings and brackets.
Connection hardware
Channel nuts, rod couplers, and beam clamps
What is a channel nut?
A channel nut is a threaded fastener that engages the inward-facing edges of strut channel. It provides an attachment point for bolts used to secure fittings, clamps, and other components to the channel.
What is the difference between a channel nut and a spring nut?
A spring nut is a type of channel nut with a spring that helps hold it in position during assembly. Channel nuts are also available without springs.
How do I choose a channel nut?
Match the nut to the channel profile, required thread size, material, and finish. Spring length also matters: regular and long spring nuts are intended for different channel configurations.
Compare regular spring nuts, long spring nuts, and no-spring nuts.
What is a threaded rod coupling nut?
A threaded rod coupling nut is an elongated, internally threaded fastener used to join compatible threaded rod sections. It is also called a rod coupler.
What is the difference between a coupling nut and a reducing coupling nut?
A standard coupling nut joins matching thread sizes. A reducing coupling nut connects the different thread sizes specified for that product.
What should I check before ordering a rod coupler?
Confirm the thread sizes, thread specification, material, finish, and required engagement. Use the product specifications and project requirements to confirm the connection.
What is a beam clamp?
A beam clamp is attachment hardware used to connect support components to a structural beam. Depending on the design, it can provide a connection for strut channel, threaded rod, or related support hardware.
What information is needed to select a beam clamp?
Identify the beam configuration, flange dimensions, connection type, supported load, material, and finish. Different beam clamp designs serve different attachment arrangements.
Explore beam clamps.
Support components
Pipe clamps, hangers, and strut post bases
What is a pipe clamp?
A pipe clamp is hardware used to secure pipe, conduit, or tubing to a support. In strut assemblies, some pipe clamps are also called strut straps.
Are pipe clamps universal?
PUPCO offers rigid, EMT, universal, and outside-diameter clamp categories. Select the product intended for the specific pipe, conduit, or tubing being supported, and check its stated size range.
What should I include in a pipe clamp request?
Include the pipe or conduit type, specified size or outside diameter, mounting arrangement, material, finish, and quantity.
Browse pipe clamps and strut straps.
What is a pipe hanger?
A pipe hanger is a support component used to suspend piping from an overhead structure or support assembly. Many hanger arrangements connect to threaded rod.
What is the difference between a pipe hanger and a pipe clamp?
A pipe hanger typically suspends piping. A pipe clamp typically secures pipe, conduit, or tubing to a support. Product names can overlap, so confirm the actual mounting arrangement and specifications.
Explore pipe hangers, threaded rod, and pipe clamps.
What is a strut post base?
A strut post base is a fitting used at the base of a channel upright to connect it to a supporting surface. Different configurations accommodate different channel arrangements.
Does a post base include everything needed for installation?
Confirm the required channel connection hardware and anchoring separately. The post base, fasteners, anchors, and supporting surface must suit the specified assembly.
Explore post bases and related fittings.
Source electrical and mechanical infrastructure products
What information helps PUPCO quote the right products?
For a stocking order or project quote, share:
- Part numbers or product descriptions
- Dimensions, thread sizes, and lengths
- Required materials and finishes
- Quantities and supporting specifications
- Delivery location and required timing
For load-bearing assemblies, refer to the applicable product data and project design requirements.
Need help sourcing electrical and mechanical infrastructure products?
PUPCO helps distributors source strut channel, threaded rod, fittings, clamps, hangers, and related hardware. Our team can help identify product options, check availability, and coordinate fulfillment for stocking and project needs.
For replenishing inventory or sourcing a hard-to-find component, count on responsive support from your initial request through delivery.