5 Most Common Questions About Utility Chases
A utility chase is a small accessory that goes a long way. Plumbing & electrical are vital services in any commercial facility – this means lines must be running throughout the facility in an organized matter. Surely, utility chases offer some role in this. However, there seems to be some mystery surrounding them. We’re here to clear the air.
In this article, we will go over the top 5 questions regarding utility chases. We’ll also give a brief overview of IMC’s own utility chase model – Model #UC. Let’s start.
1. What is a Utility Chase Exactly?
It might sound like an odd item, but it is actually very simple in practice. A utility chase has the goal of effectively hiding & organizing plumbing and/or electrical lines. The physical appearance is typically a vertically positioned canal usually mounted on a worktable or countertop which reaches to the top of the ceiling.
Utility chases also feature removable access panels to aid in installation & maintenance
Most chases are constructed from stainless steel, thanks to the durable & sanitary design. However, cheaper materials such as wood do exist.
2. Okay, but Do I Really Need One?
If your operational area is full of wires & hoses, then a utility chase will be a vital asset for you. Making your area as clutter free as possible is a known way to increase your productivity. Apart from that, the issue of safety comes into play. Having plumbing & electrical lines exposed can be a great risk for employees. A utility chase offers the best way to alleviate this problem.
3. How High Should it Be?
Before equipping your surface with a utility chase, you’ll need to do some measuring first. A utility chase MUST be flush against the ceiling & the surface with no gaps. Many chases can be as low as 36″ or as high as 120″ & beyond. Figure out the exact measurement you’ll need & installation should be a snap.
4. How Do I Separate the Plumbing & Electrical Lines?
Some utility chases can be equipped with a divider to separate the plumbing & electrical lines. As we all know, water & electricity are a dangerous combo so a divider may be in your best interest. As mentioned earlier, an access panel is included for simplified maintenance for the lines.
5. What is the Collar For?
A collar is usually installed at both ends of the utility chase for a snug & flush fit. It is a mandatory item & should be fitted correctly on both ends. Remember no gaps must be present on both ends.
IMC Utility Chases
IMC/Teddy proudly manufactures stainless steel utility chases (Model #UC) for installation in your work environment. Each utility chase is constructed from 18-gauge type 304 stainless steel & come standard with removable access panels & collar.
For sizing, IMC provides the following as a typical sizing guide:
a. Standard depth: 4″
b. Standard width: 16″
c. Height range: 36″ – 120″
However, IMC can provide any custom size utility chase to fit your application. If dividers are needed to separate plumbing & electrical lines, IMC can manufacture these as well.
With the above facts, consider a utility chase for your next project to safely organize your messy wiring & hoses. Utility chases are useful for renovations or retrofits, so they can be incorporated into your facility easily. For a closer look at IMC’s utility cases, click here.