Steel Trade Contractor Guide
Construction Methods, Details,and Tips for Plumbers and ElectriciansSteel Trade Contractor Guides t e e l f r a m i n g . o r g
STEEL TRADE CONTRACTOR GUIDESTEELTRADECONTRACTORA N E A S Y- T O - U S E G U I D E F O R S T E E LIntroductionFrequently Asked QuestionsThis guide will introduce both the plumbing and electricaltrades to steel framing, while sharing the experience ofindustry veterans.1 oneSteel framing has been the material of choice for commercialconstruction projects for many years because of its longterm durability and ability to withstand natural hazards liketornado and hurricane winds, earthquakes, wildfires andinsect infestation. Since steel wall systems are designed sothat trades can easily integrate their systems, cold-formedsteel (CFS) has also served as the preferred material forcommercial interior and curtain walls. All of these attributesare being employed in today’s construction market for single,multifamily and mid-rise structures with steel framing as themain structural element.With some pre-planning anduse of the pre-manufacturedpunchouts in the steel framingmembers, trades throughoutthe construction industry findinstallation to be easy.Cold-formed steel framing has five basic shapes that arerolled from sheet steel to form components that can beassembled into the structural framework of a building. Theshapes are known by the acronym S-T-U-F-L, for Stud, Track,U-channel, Furring, and L-header.Can I use the same drill and bits that I usewith wood FOR PLUMBING AND ELECTRICALRUNS IN STEEL FRAMES?Forget about the drill! Factory installed punchouts in the websof studs provide a ready pathway for horizontal utility runs.Plastic isolators are inserted in the punchouts (they snapright in) to separate and protect PEX and copper pipe.Tip: Use the isolators or grommets to provide a recognizableand permanent route at job start — just snap them in atintervals as you move through the building planning thelayout. A helper can drop back and fill in isolators andgrommets in the intermediate studs.2 twoWhere are the punchouts located, and dothey always line up?Punchouts are located at 24 inches on center along thelength of a stud or joist and begin at least 10 inchesfrom either end. Punchouts will align because, like goodcarpenters, steel framers have been trained to incorporateutility subsystems into their layouts.Cold-Formed Steel ShapesStud or joist2steelframing.orgTrackU-channelFurring channelL-header
GUIDEFRAME CONSTRUCTION3 three6 sixHow large are the punchouts?What screws should be used withbrackets, Boxes, and supports?Punchouts are sized to accept 1 ⅜ inches isolators. Actualpunchout shape and size varies by manufacturer.4 fourWhat other tools do I need for steelframing?Along with tools of your trade, you will need a variable speed,low rpm ( 0–2,500) screwgun, bits for the screwgun, a holesaw and drill. (See Tools for the Trades, page 5.)5 fiveThe screws that are used depend on the thickness of thesteel framing material upon which they will be mounted.No. 6 self-piercing screws will suffice to penetrate steelmembers to thicknesses of 33 mils. Self-drilling screws willbe required for steel thicknesses over 33 mils. Self‑drillersare available in screws of No. 6 diameter in lengths upto 1 inch, so the location of the support accessory willdetermine the screw selection. The figure below shows thetwo most common screw point and head styles.Tip: Hex head fasteners will be the easiest to drive home.Are pipe and wire shield metal platesrequired in steel framing?Building codes specify that flanges and lips of studs, joists,and track cannot be cut so these will provide pipe and wireprotection in lieu of shield plates in some applications.Because the code also requires shield plates to be aminimum thickness of 62 mils (.062 of an inch), the codeofficial may require pipe shield plates on non-structural CFSstuds, or thicknesses less than 62 mils where the punchoutis within 1 ½ inches of the member’s edge. (See Code at aGlance, IRC P2603.2.1 and NEC 300.4(B), back cover.)Parts of a Cold-Formed Steel Stud or JoistFastener Point and Head TypesSelf-drilling screw pointSelf piercing screw pointHex head screwPan head screw7 sevenHow can I determine the thickness of CFS?}WebFlangeLipAsk the builder what thicknesses of steel were specified inthe structure, or run some test screws before job start-up(have screws with both self-drilling and self-piercing pointshandy). Or, you can identify the thickness on the steel stud orjoist. The following picture shows a typical CFS identificationmark where the 600S162-54 indicates that the piece is6.00 inches “stud shaped” by 1.62 inches (1 ⅝ inches) and54 mils (thousands of an inch) in thickness.steelframing.org3
STEELTRADECONTRACTORA N E A S Y- T O - U S E G U I D E F O R S T E E LSTEEL TRADE CONTRACTOR GUIDECold-Formed Steel IdentificationHow-To Select and Use the Right Screwgun forthe JobThicknessThere may be several different thicknesses of steel in onehouse. Make a point of knowing what thicknesses have beeninstalled as interior and exterior walls and joists, and planthe layout to simplify the work by routing pipes and wiresalong steel members that are of lesser thickness wheneverpossible.Tip: Keep plumbing pipes and drains out of exterior wallswhenever possible. Routing pipes through interior wallsprotects them against freeze and leaves more of the exteriorwall cavity free for insulation installation which promotes theenergy efficiency of the building and the hot watersupply system.Minimum Thickness of Cold-Formed SteelDesignation(mils)MinimumThickness (inches)Reference .0431854B.0541668 B.0681497C.096612118.11810CNonstructural steel from Steel Stud Manufacturer’s Association (SSMA), ProductTechnical Information.Structural steel from Table R505.2(2) of the IRC.CSteel Framing Alliance, The Right STUFL.AB4steelframing.orgThe screw is the most frequently used fastener with CFSand its application tool is called a screwgun, or (electricor cordless) screwdriver. Steel trades should have one toconnect accessories of their craft, like pipe brackets and wireboxes, securely to a steel frame.A screwgun is an electric screwdriver, nota drill. Screws driven with a screwgun willspin only if pressure is applied against the screwtip. This permits a screw to be positioned on the bit tipwhile the screwgun is running which improves installationefficiency. Screwguns run at variable speeds which preventthe screw from stripping or breaking before it penetrates thesteel. Drill-driven screws spin if the motor is running—thismakes rapid and repetitive screw attachment difficult anddangerous. Screwdrivers, on the other hand, allow the drivingclutch to rotate freely when there is no pressure on the bit tip,so screws can be quickly set in place while the tool is running.As pressure is applied to the tip, the clutches engage androtate the spindle and accessories.Industrial grade screwguns will produce the best results.Industrial grade power tools have a metal casing and clutchhousing and are rated at 5–6 amps minimum.The manufacturer contours screwguns to ergonomically fit thehand for faster and more efficient screw application withoutfatigue. Hold the back of the screwgun firmly against the palmof the hand, with the top of the back nested in the web of thehand between the thumb and the first finger. Apply pressurethrough the arm to drive thescrew into the material. Do nothold the screwgun by the baseof the handle. It will be unstableand the screw may fall overwhile the wrist will tire easily.
GUIDEFRAME CONSTRUCTIONSqueeze the trigger using the third or fourth finger as thetrigger finger (some models have two-fingered triggers).bit tips will allow rapid removal/installation when switchinghex- and Phillips head tips, the most common screw headconfigurations used on cold-formed steel members.An adjustable clutch and torque model with a maximumspeed range of 0–2,500 rpm is the most highlyrecommended screwgun for steel to steel connections. (Steelof lesser thickness, 33 mils and lower, require a 0–4,000rpm gun.) The adjustable torque feature automatically stopsthe screwgun from continued spinning once the screw isBit tip holders are metal shafts that fit into the screwgun. Abit tip fits in the holder’s slot. Bit tip holders and drivers areoften magnetized to hold the screws in place while driving.Hex head drivers range in length from 2 ½ inches to 6 inches.The longer lengths are recommended for use with adjustableclutch screwguns. The added length allows access to hard-toreach areas. Magnetic hex head drivers that are 5/16 inches inlength are recommended for hex head screws.properly seated. This prevents stripping and allows the userto concentrate on productivity. The reverse switch is usedto remove incorrectly installed screws or screws that securetemporary bracing. A quick change bit chuck for holdingTools for the TradesFastening ToolsScrewgun – Adjustable Clutch/Torque; Industrial GradeUse: Steel to steel and sheathing to steelfastener seatingMax steel thickness: 33 to 97 milsCost: Corded 55; cordless 150– 250Specs: 0-2500 rpm (var. speed); 5.4 amp motor;reversible with bit top holder release. (Use a 4000 rpmmodel for the non-structural thicknesses of steel; 30–18 mils.)Bit TipsUse: Drive anchorfor each screwhead profileMax steelthickness: 97 milsCost: 75 /ea.Bit Tip Holders and Hex HeadDrivers, MagneticUse: Seat bit tipsMax steel thickness: 97 milsCost: 2Specs: Hex head,or Phillips headCutting Tools1 3/8” Hole Saw1-3/8” Hole PunchSingle Flute UnibitsPortable Plasma CutterUse: Cutting MEP holes in studsand joistsMax steel thickness: 97 milsCost: Starting at 20Use: Cutting MEP holes in studs and joistsMax steel thickness: 33 milsCost: Starting at 275Use: Cutting MEP holes in studs andjoistsMax steel thickness: AllCost: Starting at 25Use: Cutting MEP holes in studsand joistsMax steel thickness: AllCost: Starting at 1,500AccessoriesPipe BracketPipe InsolatorGrommetStandoff BracketUse: Supporting and isolatingsupply line at stud punchoutsMax steel thickness: AllCost: Starting at 20 Use: Isolating and supporting pipes fromsteel in stud punchoutsMax steel thickness: AllCost: Starting at 20 Use: Protecting and supporting wiresfrom sharp steel in stud punchoutsMax steel thickness: AllCost: Starting at 15–20 Use: Isolating and supportingwires in the middle of the studMax steel thickness: AllCost: Starting at 65 steelframing.org5
CONSTRUCTIONDETAILSFOR STEEL TRADE CONTRACTORSInsulated Duct in AtticWastewater, Supply and HVACElectrical Box and WiringWastewater and HVACCopper Supply PipesCut Track with Copper and Wastewater6steelframing.org
Electrical WiringRecessed Light HousingGrommet and StandoffWastewater, Supply and Fire SprinklerGrommetsFace Mounted Electrical BoxElectrical Box and Low Voltage Wiringsteelframing.org7
STEEL TRADE CONTRACTOR GUIDESTEELTRADECONTRACTORA N E A S Y- T O - U S E G U I D E F O R S T E E LFrequently Asked Questions– Plumbers1oneCan any type of plumbing supply pipe beused in a CFS structure — copper, CPVC,and PEX?Yes, any type of supply pipe material can be used whenproperly installed in a steel-framed structure. Supply, wasteand vent lines of metal, PVC and similar plastics, and metalgas lines can all be accommodated within steel frames.2 twoDoes it take more time to install roughpiping in a steel home?Veterans indicate that the rough-in plumbing work goesfaster in a steel framed house. Pre-punched utility pathways(punchouts) and in-line framing keep the job of integratingpipe into the assembly simple. Unlike other light framingmaterials, CFS is installed in-line which means that wall studsand joists and wall studs and rafters/trusses align—leavingspace for direct pipe runs to all floors.3 threeWhat should I expect at plumbingrough-in IN a CFS building?Expect simplicity. Steel studs have been used extensively inthe commercial sector for tenant fit-ups and retrofits becauseof their ease of use and reuse by the framing, plumbing, andelectric trades. Metals, like copper, require separation fromthe steel due to galvanic reaction and polyethylene pipelike PEX requires protection from the sharp edges of steel.Accessories called isolators are installed in the punchoutsfor plumbing pipes.8steelframing.org4 fourWhere can I purchase isolators?Isolators can be purchased from your plumbing supplydistributor or manufacturer representatives identified onthe product websites. Isolators retail at prices that arecomparable with other pipe accessories, like hangersand brackets.5 fiveHow hard is it to install isolators?It is simple to install isolators when you use the one piecetype—they snap into the stud’s punchoutfrom either side of the web using onehand and very little pressure. Isolators,or pipe-eyes as they are sometimescalled, are sized for the outsidediameter of the pipe. Some can berotated in place within the punchout toCourtesy: Sioux Chiefposition the pipe.6 sixWhat about vertical runs to the secondstory — how do I get pipes through thewall track?A drill with 1 ⅜ inches metal hole saw bit can be used topenetrate the wall track. Hole punches that match standardpipe isolator sizes are also available. Larger diameter holesfor drain and vent stacks can be cut with hole saws, holepunches, or unibits. At higher cost, a plasma cutter will alsoperform the job. These same tools will penetrate a stud orjoist web if a custom punchout is needed. (See Tools for theTrades, page 5.)
GUIDEFRAME CONSTRUCTIONTip: Center custom holes in the web. Space holes at least10 inches away from the end of the member. Maintaina minimum of 24 inches between holes. (See Code at aGlance, back cover.)7 sevenHow are pipes supported in CFS frames?Pipe talons and standoff brackets will support any of thesupply pipe types allowed by the building codes. The supportsare fastened to the steel with screws rather than nails.8 eightAre joist punchouts large enough toaccommodate 3-INCH drain pipes?Punchouts in generic joists may be up to 4 ¾ inches x6 inches in size, dependent upon the joist dimension andmanufacturer. (Specifics on allowable hole locations forgeneric steel shapes are covered in Table R505.2(3) in theInternational Residential Code.) There are many specialtyjoist products available with larger utility punchouts.2 twoDoes it take more time to install wiring ina steel home?The rough-in electric work goes faster in a steel-framedhouse because punchouts keep the job of drilling holesto a minimum. The large area of the punchout in CFS hasencouraged some electricians to pull bundles of wiresimultaneously, further speeding the installation.3 threeWhat should I expect at electric rough-inOF a CFS building?Expect to use your drill less because of the punchouts forhorizontal wire runs. Metal-sheathed wire, like BX, doesn’trequire any separation from contact with the steel but nonmetallic sheathed wired, like Romex, will require protectionfrom the sharp edges of the punched hole. Accessories calledgrommets are installed in the punchouts.4 fourWhere can I purchase Grommets?Frequently Asked Questions– Electricians1 oneCan any type of wiring be used in a CFSstructure?Non-metallic sheathed wire, or Romex, common to residentialapplications, and armored cable, or BX, used in commercialapplications will be featured in this guide, and each arecommonly used in steel buildings.Grommets can be purchased from your electric supplydistributor or manufacturer representatives identified onthe product websites. Grommets retail at prices that arecomparable with other electrical accessories, like boxesand wire ties.5 fiveHow hard is it to install Grommets?It is simple to install grommets when youuse the one piece type—they snap intothe stud’s punchout from either side ofthe web using one hand and verylittle pressure.steelframing.org9
STEEL TRADE CONTRACTOR GUIDESTEELTRADECONTRACTORA N E A S Y- T O - U S E G U I D E F O R S T E E L6 six9 nineWhat tools can be used to make customholes in steel when they are required?How is the service panel box installed in asteel frame?A drill with a 1 ⅜ inches metal hole saw bit can be used topenetrate the wall track for vertical wire runs from floor tofloor. Hole punches that match standard grommet sizes areThe service panel box can be installed with steel blockingbehind the box. Additional blocking above the box will providethe attachment surface for the wires.also available. At higher cost a unibit or a plasma cutter willalso perform the job. These same tools will penetrate a studor joist web if a custom punchout is needed. (See Tools forthe Trades, page 5.)107The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that the electricservice to any house be grounded. The metal frame of asteel building is a permitted electrode for grounding so longas the frame follows the code prescribed methods for earthconnection, such as 10 feet or more of a metal member indirect contact with the earth or in encased concrete that is indirect contact with the earth. In the above-ground framework,bushings, grommets, and non-metallic sheathing isolate thewiring from the structure.sevenCan I staple vertical NM wire to the CFS?No, NM wire is not stapled to a CFS stud because thestaples will not penetrate the steel. Instead, wires are heldin place with wire ties fed through punchouts in the CFS orwith mounted head cable ties which are cinched aroundwire bundles. Mounting hole or mounted head cable ties arespecialized ties that have a ring at one end that serves forfastening the tie to a CFS component with a screw. Otherspecialized wire accessories are available to re-support wires,like cable supports and standoffs.8 eightCan I use the same plastic boxes that I usein wood frames with Romex wire?The receptacle and switch boxes that are used with CFSframes will have screw mounts rather than nails andseveral manufacturers, including Caddy-Erico1 and ArlingtonIndustries2 produce brackets that can be mounted to steel tocarry generic plastic boxes.tenWhat about grounding a steel house?11elevenHow many wires can be run through onegrommet?The number of wires that may be run through one punchout,inside the grommet, is limited by the number of wires that astandoff or support can carry. The codes require that wiringthat parallels a wall stud remain 1 ¼ inches from the framingmember’s edge to prevent physical damage to the wire bythe following trades, so wire supports that“stand off” the member with multiple wireruns are used. The support shown will holdsix runs of NM wire in the center of a wallcavity.Courtesy: Arlington Industries, ldCat/LT0452.pdf2http://aifittings.com/arliprod6 c.htm110steelframing.orgResources
GUIDEFRAME CONSTRUCTIONMounted Head Cable Tie Side Mounted Electrical BoxCable SupportCourtesy: Cable Ties Plus, Inc.RESOURCESInternational Code CouncilInternational Plumbing Code International Residential Code http://www.iccsafe.orgSteel Framing Alliancehttp://www.steelframing.orgSteel Stud Manufacturer’s Associationhttp://www.ssma.com/National Electrical Code http://www.nfpa.org/index.asp?cookie%5Ftest 1CHECKLIST for Steel Trade Contractors1. Preplano Meet with the builder before project start to discuss service utility routes.o Verify availability of material and accessories with distributors.2. Start Smarto Equip your team with the right tools. (Page 5)o Review the building code requirements for pipe or wire protection with the team.o Order the required accessories.3. Prestart Site Visito Test drill CFS components along the preplanned layout.o Verify that punchouts are aligned.4. Arrive Readyo Use a permanent magic marker to write on steel.o Use grommets and isolators to mark horizontal layout paths.5. Work Smarto All pipe/wire protection should be installed before the rough-in system.o Do not cut lips or flanges of steel components.6. Work Safelyo Hold and use the screwgun correctly to preven
Squeeze the trigger using the third or fourth finger as the trigger finger (some models have two-fingered triggers). An adjustable clutch and torque model with a maximum speed range of 0–2,500 rpm is the most highly-recommended screwgun for steel to steel connections. (Steel of lesser thickness, 33 mils and lower, require a 0–4,000 rpm gun.)
Contractor's (AZ ROC), Contractor Search at www.roc.az.gov or by giving the Agency a call at 1-877-692-9762. What is the Contractor Search? The Contractor Search is a license record search tool available on AZ ROC's website. It allows users to search for a specific contractor or find a certain type of contractor in their area.
3. REQUIRED APPOINTMENTS AS PER THE CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS Ite m Regulation Appointment Responsible Person 1. 5(1)(k) Principal contractor for each phase or project Client 2. 7(1)(c)(v) Contractor Principal Contractor 3. 7(3) Contractor Contractor 4. 8(1) Construction Manager Contractor 5. 8(2) Assistant Construction Managers Contractor 6.
A Contractor Representative MUST be designated for all contractors working at the University. A key role of the Contractor Representative is to ensure that this contractor safety management program is followed. When the contractor is a prime contractor, the specific responsibilities of the Contractor Representative includes ensuring:
h) The Contractor will not use Contractor Agents to perform the Services who are not employees of the Contractor without the Exchange's prior written consent and, upon receipt of such consent, prior to use of such Contractor Agent, the Contractor shall secure an assignment to the Exchange of any work product produced by such Contractor Agent. 8.
contractor exemption certificate from the prime contractor. Prime Contractor's Exemption Certificate construction services or realty improvement Except for projects for a qualified utility, it is the prime contractor's responsibility to issue prime contractor's exemption certificates to all subcontractors for each project.
Contractor’s Business & Law Electrical Contractor HVAC Contractor Hydronics Contractor Plumbing Contractor Refrigeration Contractor Each examination costs 69.00. Exam Administration Methods Computer-Based Testing
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Project Delivery n Design-Build (D/B) n Contractor and Architect team and form a single entity to provide a service to the owner n A/E and Contractor have a contract in this model n Typically Contractor has lead role n Architect relinquishes control of project n Works under the guise of the Contractor n Contractor controls costs & quality n Architect is selected by Contractor
