Bob Northime, Saturn Communications
Problem
In buildings with concrete-floor or steel-deck construction, cable management can be difficult because many cable-hanging systems will not attach to concrete or steel.
Solution
Using a threaded rod, an anchor, a coupler, a 3/8-inch nut, and cable-support bars, you can build a cable-support system that hangs from the cement or steel decking.
Procedure
1) If the decking is made of steel, install the anchor into it using a pneumatic device, such as a nail gun. If the decking is made of cement, drill a hole into it, and then tap the anchor into the drilled hole using a hammer.
2) Install the male/female threaded rod coupler into the anchor by hand.
3) Cut the 3/8-inch threaded rod to the desired length.
4) Install the threaded rod into the coupler.
5) Screw the cable-support bar onto the threaded rod. Once the bar is in the position you want it, screw a 3/8-inch nut onto the threaded rod until the nut is flush with the bottom of the support bar.
6) Repeat the previous step as many times as required.
The cable-support bars are made of aluminum and have beveled edges. They are approximately 1/4 inch thick and are available--through manufacturers and distributors--with 3/8-inch center holes for installation in applications such as this one. This type of setup is flexible in that the cable-support bars can easily be adjusted up or down the threaded rod.
