Riser clamp

A riser clamp is a type of hardware used by mechanical building trades for pipe support in vertical runs of piping (risers) at each floor level. The devices are placed around the pipe, and integral fasteners are then tightened to clamp them onto the pipe.^[1][2] The friction between the pipe and riser clamp transfers the weight of the pipe through the riser clamp to the building structure. Risers are generally located at floor penetrations, particularly for continuous floor slabs such as concrete.^[3] They may also be located at some other interval as dictated by local building codes or at intermediate intervals to support plumbing which has been altered or repaired. Heavier piping types, such as cast iron, require more frequent support. Ordinarily, riser clamps are made of carbon steel and individually sized to fit certain pipe sizes.

Riser Clamp holding plastic pipe, penetrating through a concrete floor slab. The copper pipe penetration is firestopped with firestop mortar.

Riser clamp for a standpipe through-penetration firestop inside a fire hose cabinet under construction

There are at least two types of riser clamp: the two-bolt pipe clamp and the yoke clamp.^[4]

References

1. "Riser Clamps". Warwick Hangar. Retrieved October 2, 2017. Our Riser Clamp is used for the support of steel or cast iron pipe lines where extreme load conditions exist. The Riser Clamp utilizes the structure to support the legs on each end of clamp, normally rests on the floor through which the riser passes.
2. "FAQ: What is a riser clamp?". Piping Technology and Products, Inc. Retrieved October 2, 2017. A riser clamp is a pipe clamp for the support of vertical pipelines, and they include separate load bolts, to transfer the piping load to the remainder of the pipe hanger assembly.
3. "Riser Clamps - Pipe Supports". BC Fasteners & Tools. Retrieved 2023-02-02.
4. "FAQ: What is the major benefit or reason for using a yoke pipe clamp as opposed to regular two bolt pipe clamp?". Piping Technology and Products, Inc. Retrieved October 2, 2017. The main benefit is that the yoke clamp can support a greater amount of load. Additionally, the lower portion of the clamp does not significantly protrude beyond the pipe O.D. This is beneficial in installations where clearance is an issue.