Products / Kee Klamp

Kee Klamp® Technical Specifications

The KEE KLAMP Tubular Fittings

The simple but effective engineering principle of the KEE KLAMP tubular fittings is the foundation of the most versatile tube connection system available. There are many variations of tubular fittings to suit wide-ranging applications, providing the versatility to achieve virtually any structural configuration.

KEE KLAMP tubular fittings are generally made from cast iron* and are manufactured to the requirements of EN 1562 & EN 1563 and galvanized to the requirements of EN ISO 1461. A range of Components to suit seven sizes of tube is available. A simple hexagon key is the only tool required to create a strong, rigid joint. A recessed grub screw tightened by the hexagon key, firmly locks the tube into the Component. The grub screw is generally manufactured in case hardened steel* and benefits from Kee Koat® protection against corrosion. This combined with the ThredKoat® (patented) factory applied coating for the threaded recesses ensures that KEE KLAMP tubular fittings achieve longer life and better corrosion resistance.

A KEE KLAMP Component (size 5 to 9) can support an axial load of *900 Kg (2000 lbs) per grub screw with the grub screw tightened to a torque of 39 Nm (29 lbs. ft.).

* Materials used can vary according to application. Please refer to manufacturer for detailed specification.

Specifying KEE KLAMP Tubular Fittings

The information on tubular fittings in this site is comprehensive, and because of the coding system we have adopted, easy to use.

Diagrams are shown for each Component showing entry of tube, a table of dimensions and a definition of use adjacent to its appropriate Type number (10, 15, 20, 25 etc.).

Alongside the Type number is a code (4, 5, 6, 7, etc.) relating to the outside diameter of the tube for which the Kee Klamp tubular fitting had been designed. The relationship between the KEE KLAMP tube reference and standard tube outside diameter is explained in the aforementioned chart.

*Nominal bore is an arbitrary dimension, because the bore varies with the wall thickness of the tube.

Example: (1) A 10-7 is a Type 10 KEE KLAMP Component with both sockets designed to accept a tube that has an outside diameter of 42.4mm or 1 11/16" (1 1/4" Nominal tube Size). (2) A 25-9 is a Type 25 KEE KLAMP Component with all three sockets designed to accept a tube that has an outside diameter of 60.3mm or 2 3/8" (2" N.P.S.).

Where more than one tube reference is shown alongside a particular Type number, it indicates that the individual sockets are designed to accept different sizes of tube. In a multi-digit code number the first figure relates to the 'A' socket and the second to the 'B' socket. Example (3) A 45-76 is a Type 45 KEE KLAMP Component with 'A' socket accepting a tube that has an outside diameter of 42.4mm or 1 11/16", and a 'B' socket accepting a tube/pipe that has an outside diameter of 33.7mm or 1 11/32".

While Kee Klamp Ltd. can give a general guidance relating to the use of each KEE KLAMP Component detailed in this site, the nature of the product means that the ultimate responsibility for selecting the correct fitting for an application must lie with the customer.

The customer should also ensure that the existing structure to which the KEE KLAMP construction is being secured, is of sufficient strength to support both the self weight of the KEE KLAMP construction and the imposed loads applied, including wind loads, snow loads, and any other superimposed loads.

Metric Beam Load Table

For uneven load distributions or single spans, the required tube size must be determined by standard bending moment calculations assuming a KEE KLAMP joint to give a simply supported beam. The table shown below gives an indication only of the safe load uniformly distributed, in kg, that may be carried per shelf consisting of front and back tubes when used as continuous beams. Recommended set screw torque: 39 Nm.

At loads greater than 900 kg, consideration must be given to grub screw slip.

Table reflects a safety factor of 1.67:1

Metric Upright Load Table

This table gives an indication only of the safe load, in kg., that may be carried between the above restraints by single tubes to EN 10255 when used as uprights. Loads listed under 'A' columns refer to those loads that are obtainable according to schematic 'A', and loads listed under 'B' columns refer to those loads that are obtainable according to schematic 'B'. Schematic 'B' details a racking system that is mechanically affixed to the surface on which it stands whereas schematic 'A' details a free-standing racking system. Recommended set screw torque: 39 Nm

Load table (Kg) - unfixed upright

Table reflects a safety factor of 2:1

Load table (Kg) - fixed uprights

Table reflects a safety factor of 2:1

Vibration Test Report

TEST REPORT: Vibration of KEE KLAMP Assemblies

Exhaustive tests on samples of standard size 7 KEE KLAMP Tubular Fittings were performed by an independent research laboratory. The purpose of the test was to evaluate the use of either standard set-screws or self-locking set screws.

Test Arrangement

A "Tee" section test assembly was made using three 300mm lengths of galvanized 1 ¼" standard pipe held together by a socket Tee Component (Type 25-7). The vertical leg of the test assembly was supported in a standard railing flange (Type 62-7). The completed assembly was then rigidly attached to the vibration table.

The test assembly was initially assembled using standard grub screws and tested in the configuration. The standard grub screws were then replaced with self-locking grub screws and the tests repeated.

Test Procedure

The test was conducted on a Ling 667 Kg Electromagnetic vibration table.

The table was programmed to perform a resonance search between 25 and 350 Hz. The following table details the resonant frequencies that were recorded.

During the resonance search amplification factors, Q, were measured at each resonant frequency, the point of reference being the end of one horizontal pipe. The table was then held at one of the resonant frequencies, set in motion with a controlled acceleration level of 4g, and run for a period of six hours. This was repeated for three more resonant frequencies in descending order of "Q" factor.

During the twenty-four hours of vibration at the four resonant frequencies above no signs of loosening with either type of set screw occurred.