ETA Approved Anchors - What You Need to Know

ETA Approval

Essentially ETA (European Technical Assessment) is a worldwide recognised framework which contains detailed reports and performance information for ETA approved anchors.

BS 8539 specifies that wherever possible, ETA rated anchors should be used for any fixing into concrete. ETA is an independent and harmonised set of tests and standards adhered to by anchor manufacturers. As such they are recognised mark of quality for construction fixings within the M&E and HVAC sectors.

BS 8539 provides a framework for managing the process of concrete anchor design, specification, installation, and testing. The key principle of BS 8539 is that anchors should be considered at the design stage with accurate specification for procurement, and ultimately that the selected anchors are installed correctly.

The packaging for ETA Approved Anchors will clearly show the ETA logo below (typically a black and white version will be printed on packaging)

ETA Approved Anchors

ETA Approved Anchors will have successfully undertaken the European Technical Assessment’s comprehensive testing programme against defined criteria to confirm their suitability for use in a specified application. ETA Approved Anchors performance data is then readily available in the form of a clear ETA report, which can be reviewed by specifiers, contractors and installers. The ETA will certify the quality, suitability, and performance of the approved anchor, its intended use, the substrates it can be used in, and how it should be installed.

This is a key advantage over anchors that have not been through the European Technical Assessment as it’s far harder to compare the data from one anchor to another when relying solely on unique performance tests carried out by the manufacturers, which aren’t independently certified.

Download our flyer covering our ETA Approved Anchor Range here.

Tests Carried Out on ETA Approved Anchors

An ETA test application for an anchor is split into 12 options which clearly outline what parameters the anchor is suitable for, such as a particular substrate/s it can be used in ie cracked or non-cracked concrete (see summary table below).

Option 1 anchors have passed the most complex tests and allow the widest range of applications including use in cracked concrete. Option 12 anchors have the narrowest range of applications and are only suitable for non-cracked concrete.

Table: Summary of ETA Options and essential characteristics for anchors performance:

Tests carried out on ETA Approved Anchors include, ones for suitability, aspects of installation, service conditions and durability such as:

• Tensile strength to determine the maximum load an anchor can withstand before it fails.
• Shear strength to determine the maximum load the anchor can resist when applied in shearing force.
• Pull strength test to determine the resistance of the anchor from pulling out from its fixing point.
• Different substrates, ie low and high concrete strength.
• Varying, repeated and sustained loads.
• Fixing close to the edge / locating in cracks.
• Drill diameter tolerance, installing in undersized or oversized drill holes.
• Installation torque.
• Spacing distances for fixings.
• Environmental conditions with elevated temperatures and humidity.
• Different materials and coatings may also be approved with specific tests.

Why Use ETA Approved Anchors?

When selecting an anchor, it’s important to consider the substrate they will be fixed to, as well as the weight and size of the item to be secured. As with this information it should then be an easy task to select the correct anchor required from the range of ETA approved products based on the performance data available.

Here are some of the main reasons why ETA Approved Anchors will be specified for a project:

• A guarantee that the anchor will not fail. Providing the approved anchor has been selected and installed as outlined in the ETA, the anchor is guaranteed not to fail. This gives the contractor peace of mind that the anchor is fit for purpose, plus means that the liabilities of the specifiers and installers are safeguarded and the installation will comply with BS8539.

• Detailed installation instructions are provided. ETA Approved Anchors are supplied with all the information provided (such as torque settings) to install the anchor correctly.
  • Note it’s paramount that anchors are installed correctly with the correct tools being used to avoid anchor failure.

• Performance values / data can be relied on. The ETA testing procedures are stringent with every aspect of anchor performance being evaluated, to ensure the results are accurate and standardised. Providing identifiable and traceable performance characteristics, so both specifiers and installers can be confident of the load the anchors can take.

• ETA Approved Anchors are also CE marked. This ensures the anchors actually supplied for the project will be of the same high standard to those which were tested.

• To make anchor selection easier. With ETA’s specifiers can use design software to guide their selection process to be confident that the most suitable anchor has been selected. This ensures economic design for anchor installation with an appropriate safety margin.

• No site testing is required. It is worth noting that providing the anchor has been selected and installed in the required substrate (by a competent operative, under supervision) according to its ETA document. The anchor will not need a site test, as it has already passed the rigorous ETA testing.

There are plenty of other non-ETA approved anchors on the market, with many being supplied with their own performance data, however without standardised testing and independent certification it’s hard to compare data. Making it difficult to guarantee that the most suitable anchor has been selected.

Why Are ETA Approved Anchors More Expensive?

As already mentioned in order for a manufacturer to gain ETA approval for their anchors, they will be submitted to a number of complex and harmonised tests which allows for the anchors performance data to be published, demonstrating a required level of quality.

However, manufacturers incur substantial extra costs to submit their anchors to the ETA testing, hence the higher value assigned to ETA approved anchors. The additional costs include undertaking the European Technical Assessment itself as well as the use of high-quality materials in order to meet the required standards.

Going through the ETA approval process also takes a significant amount of time, therefore currently manufacturers feel able to charge a premium for anchors with ETA approval.

ETA Approved Anchors for M&E and HVAC Sectors

In recent years there have been several major M&E and HVAC service installation failures resulting in injury and extensive damage. Such incidents can be extremely costly and detrimental to an installer’s reputation. Upon investigation the typical causes of service installation failure occur due to:

• An unsuitable anchor was selected due to inefficient or absence of performance data.
• An unspecified anchor is used by an installer, due to lack of awareness or misinterpretation of the anchors’ performance data.
• Incorrect installation, due to lack of awareness, incompetence, or absence of clear installation instructions provided with the anchors.

Using ETA Approved Anchors help to address these issues, so for peace of mind specifiers and installers will have to decide if it’s worth the risk of using non-ETA anchors. Overall, the safety benefits of using ETA Approved Anchors will outweigh their additional cost. Spending a little more at the outset on the correct anchors can save a lot of hassle and pain in the long run for M&E and HVAC installers.

Where to Buy ETA Approved Anchors

You can check out our range of ETA Approved Anchors below or download our Flyer here.

Alternatively contact our sales team on 01322 274226 or [email protected] to discuss your specific requirements.