2 end clamps instead of mid clamps?

[The Launderer]

Starting to run out of time to get the parts needed to complete our jobs before deadline.

Only parts I am short of now is Schletter mid clamps.

Could i use 2 end clamps slightly offset in their place.

I cant see any reason why not but would like experienced installer to confirm.

Thanks

 

[Dmeltd]

Im doing 175 panels on a curved roof with 30 degree radius, thats all weve been using is two end clamps to fan the panels out to follow the roof

Theres no harm in it whatsoever it just increases the spacings, just watch your rails as they are usually precut for mid clamps and two end rails if you got a lot a row your doubling the spacings in between.

i may have spare mid clamps but im not back on that site until monday/tuesday and like everyone else next week is going to be bloody tough!

 

[IronLiver]

As long as you dont mind the big gap between the panels and the extra rail then I agree that this is a viable option. Though there are alternatives.

1) You could get some made up; we had 80 aluminium mid clips made up by a local steel fabrication company they are a couple of mm wider than the schletter clamps and are bare (ie: no Rapid2+ spring clip) we were going to use them on a ground mounted array using long bolts to drilled through 50x50mm galv steel box section. Never used them in the end because the customer sourced an alternative. If you want them or would like a photo then PM me you can use the schletter sping clips and bolts taken from the end clamps. They are not the same as the schletter clamps but they look like they will do the job if you are in a fix.

2) Go direct to Schletter in Germany, the customer mentioned above got the mid clamps without accesssories sent through express delivery in two working days. I got a quote confirmed today for some roof anchors for delivery on monday morning from the german warehouse. PM for details of english speaking contact (you will need to pay a premium for express courier service and prices are slightly higher than through Segen). The quote was routed back through Schletter UK who had originally quoted lead times of 10 working days but I pressed the point that we had always used Schletter mounting systems and didn't want to have to switch now and they came up with the goods.

3) Hassle your account manager at your suppliers, twice now I have managed to get some stock reallocated to my orders following persistent phone calls. If you press the point without being rude then they may sort you out to get you off their backs.

4) Ask other members on here if they have any spare, I know I have a few bits spare here and there as I have ordered a few bits over each time just in case.

Sorry I'm rambling now, trying to drink myself into a coma so that I sleep past 4:30am tonight! Fat chance.

Monty

 

[The Launderer]

Thanks for the advice guys. How big would the gap be using this method?

 

[IronLiver]

A standard Schletter mid clamp is 20mm wide and an end clamp is about the same depending on whether you have the adjustable type or not. The adjustable clamp is slightly wider as there is an extra sleeve that slides into the clamp. You would end up with a minimum gap of 40mm between panels, which is not the end of the world is the gaps are even and you have the width on the roof. We tend to keep the gap between rows consistent with the gap between the panels, otherwise it looks odd.