How many anchors can you use for approval of a product?
When testing the required 3 specimens, if a different anchor is used for each mount and all pass the tests, then your product will get product approval for all mountings as well as approval for each of the anchors used when testing. If the anchor company applies for a component approval, those products with submittal notification of such will be assigned the approval of the extra component anchors as applicable.
What are the limitations to the component anchor approval?
The component anchor approval may only be applicable to equivalent products that have undergone testing with other anchors.
How do you get additional anchors added to an existing Product Approved product?
You must submit for a revision of your product to include the additional anchoring devices.
What is the process for obtaining the component approval for anchors?
If you are getting a component approval for your anchors, you may submit the test results of the product that got tested with your anchor for approval. In the case of shutters, the rating of the anchor will be taken from the cyclic wind pressure. This component approval will limit your approval to only shutters. If you wish to receive an approval for your fastener in general, you will be required to perform a sheer and pull test by a certified test laboratory.
What is the procedure for anchor spacing calculations on submittals when compared to the units tested?
The allowable load, based on the fastener's/anchor's safety factor, shall not be exceeded. This is the reason for requiring anchor calculations for most products. These calculations are not to be misinterpreted with rational analysis on anchors. The calculations are as verification to assure that the load tested has not transferred a load to an anchor that exceeds its rated value.
What is the procedure for comparative analysis on fasteners/anchors?
The only comparative analysis allowed on fasteners/anchors is when the specimen is tested on CBS block. Since this substrate has been determined to be the worst case application, comparative analysis is allowed to qualify approved anchors on concrete, metal, and wood. Second, the fasteners/anchors submitted with comparative analysis shall not exceed the spacing at which the system was tested. This is due to the system's performance with the amount of fastening points on the original test. Spacing the fastening points further apart shall be verified with a test. Third, this procedure applies to products that are impact resistant, and non-impact resistant.
Can comparative analysis be performed to qualify larger fastener/anchor spacing for loads other than tested?
No. As described in question 119, fasteners/anchors submitted with comparative analysis shall not exceed the spacing at which the system was tested. This again is due to the system's performance with the amount of fastening points on the original test. Spacing the fastener points further apart shall be verified with a test.
