What is the maximum vertical spacing for steel pipe?

What is the maximum vertical spacing for steel pipe?

• A. 10 ft
• B. 5 ft
• C. 15 ft
• D. 20 ft

Answer: (C)

Vertical spacing is the distance between supports along a vertical steel pipe run. The pipe must be supported often enough to keep it from sagging under its own weight and the weight of the contents, especially as temperatures rise and cause expansion. For steel pipe, the maximum allowable distance between supports on a vertical run is typically 15 feet. Keeping supports no farther apart than this helps prevent excessive deflection, reduces stress at joints, and maintains proper alignment and vibration control. Spacing farther than 15 feet would exceed the code allowance and risk sag and instability, while closer spacing (like 5 or 10 feet) would be stricter than required but still acceptable in practice.

Vertical spacing is the distance between supports along a vertical steel pipe run. The pipe must be supported often enough to keep it from sagging under its own weight and the weight of the contents, especially as temperatures rise and cause expansion. For steel pipe, the maximum allowable distance between supports on a vertical run is typically 15 feet. Keeping supports no farther apart than this helps prevent excessive deflection, reduces stress at joints, and maintains proper alignment and vibration control. Spacing farther than 15 feet would exceed the code allowance and risk sag and instability, while closer spacing (like 5 or 10 feet) would be stricter than required but still acceptable in practice.