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Plastic Spacer 20 mm 8 Way Intermediate
Plastic Spacer 20 mm 8-Way Intermediate
Duct Bank & Manhole Spacer for Telecom, Power & Civil Works in KSA & Gulf
Technical specifications (typical / example values)
Note: measures and mechanical figures vary by manufacturer — always confirm exact specs with your supplier.
Product name: Plastic Spacer 20 mm 8-Way Intermediate
Spacer type: Intermediate (mid-layer)
Number of channels: 8 (eight ducts)
Spacing: 20 mm centre-to-centre between adjacent duct seats
Material: UV-stabilised Polypropylene (PP) / HDPE / engineering polymer
Colour: Natural / Grey / Black (black typically UV-grade)
Operating temperature: −20 °C to +80 °C (continuous)
Short-term temperature tolerance: up to 100 °C (manufacturer-dependent)
Chemical resistance: Resistant to cement, alkalis, common oils, saline soil conditions
Compressive/load rating: Typical compressive strength designed for duct bank load (e.g., 40–100 kg per spacer — check supplier datasheet)
Unit weight: ~250–500 g per piece (design dependent)
Dimensions (example): length ~200–300 mm; width depends on duct diameter & configuration; height tuned to accommodate inter-layer spacing (confirm with datasheet)
Compatibility: Standard for micro-ducts and small HDPE/PVC conduits commonly used in FTTH and utility ducts (e.g., 16 mm to 50 mm nominal sizes)
Packaging: Cartons or bulk bags; palletised for large orders
Manufacturing standard: Injection-moulded, batch tested for dimensional accuracy
Country of use: Optimised for KSA, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait environmental conditions
Material composition & manufacturing
Materials
Most of the intermediate spacers are composed of totally pure materials such as virgin polypropylene (PP) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) compounds. Of all the materials, PP is the most preferred because of its wonderful combination of stiffness, impact toughness, and chemical resistance. It is recommended to use a UV-stabilized grade with antioxidants and heat stabilizers for open runs or hot climates. Some manufacturers decide on either mineral-filled or impact-modified grades to get stiffer.
Manufacturing process
- Compounding: Polymer pellets are blended with various additives—UV stabilizers, anti-oxidants, and pigments.
- Injection molding: The molten polymer is injected into the top-quality steel molds that give the 8-way shape. The use of high-quality tools ensures the wall thickness is uniform and that the spacing is accurate at 20 mm.
- Cooling & trimming: The parts are/could be cooled, ejected, and excess material is removed.
- Quality inspection: There is/are measurements, checks of the channel geometry, and spot compressive tests.
- Batch marking & packaging: Lot codes and date of manufacture are used for tracking.
Design aspects
- Meet the flow channel interiors so that the outer surfaces of the duct are not harmed.
- Seats that are totally either tapered or ribbed in a minor way so that ducts can be held without being cut.
- Strong base areas that can withstand compressive loads.
- Interlock features for later alignment in trenches are provided.
Product variants and compatibility
Variants you may encounter
Base vs Intermediate vs Top: Base spacers sit on trench bottom; intermediate spacers (this product) sit between layers; top spacers cap the assembly. Ensure you order intermediate 8-way units, not base or top.
Different spacing: 20 mm is common for small ducts; other spacers come in 25 mm, 32 mm, 50 mm etc. Choose 20 mm when project spec requires that clearance.
Channel diameter variants: Some 8-way units are optimised for specific duct OD ranges (e.g., for 20 mm micro-ducts); ensure dimensional compatibility.
UV-grade or non-UV: For exposed works use UV-grade (usually black). For fully buried systems non-UV grade may suffice.
Interlocking models: Some spacers have interlock tabs to stabilize horizonal runs.
Compatibility considerations
Match spacer channel inner diameter to duct outer diameter to prevent movement.
Confirm total bank height if stacking multiple layers — intermediate spacer height contributes to final geometry.
If the project uses both micro-ducts and larger conduits, consider mixed-size spacer systems or combining base/intermediate/top of differing types.
Applications (detailed sector use cases)
Telecom & Fibre-optic networks
- FTTH / FTTx deployments: Keep safely spaced micro-duct arrays for cable blowing operations.
- Backbone backbone networks: Create super thick, but still in order, multi-duct runs in urban cuttings.
- Manholes and handholes: Very tight areas to keep easy splicing and duct for future expansion use.
Power & Electrical Distribution
- Low/medium voltage conduit banks: Create a barrier between the cables and thus avoid cable crowding.
- Instrumentation ducts in substations and plants: Protect electrical equipment by keeping their heat and maintenance source apart.
Data Centres & Industrial Campuses
- Underfloor duct banks: Organise multi-cable runs beneath raised floors and in service trenches.
- Control room ingress: Keep multiple conduits tidy and accessible.
- Renewable Energy — Solar & Wind
- Array cabling: Align inverters and combiner boxes ducts exactly for long runs across desert sites.
- Oil & Gas / Petrochemical
- Refinery cable corridors: Corrosion-resistant plastics do well in hostile, saline environments.
- Civil Infrastructure / Rail / Metro
- Transit duct banks: Confine and structure in very narrow trench widths the heaviest signal, traction, and power conduits.
How to use — step-by-step installation
Pre-installation checks
Confirm project drawing, conduit diameters and layer counts.
Verify spacing spec: 20 mm match.
Inspect spacers on delivery for warpage or defects.
Installation sequence
Prepare trench base: compact and level a sand or fine aggregate bedding layer to protect spacers and ducts.
Place base spacers: (base units) at recommended interval (commonly 0.8–1.2 m) along the trench.
Lay first layer ducts: seat conduits in base channels.
Place intermediate spacers (this product): position the 8-way intermediate spacers above the first layer where a second layer of ducts will be supported. Use the correct orientation so channels cradle the lower ducts.
Add second layer or subsequent layers: seat ducts into the intermediate spacer channels. Continue stacking intermediate spacers as required by design.
Secure alignment: temporarily secure ducts if needed (light ties) to prevent movement.
Add top spacers & protective cover: finish with top spacers if specified, then add sand bedding and backfill as per project standards.
Inspection: check alignment and spacing at intervals; record inspection for QA.
Cable pulling / blowing: once ducts are encased and approved, carry out cable installation procedures.
Spacing of spacers along run
Typical interval: every 1.0 m (adjust per engineering spec and duct weight). Heavier ducts or longer unsupported spans may require tighter spacing.
Fixing & stabilization
Some projects require geotextile or small anchors to prevent lateral movement before backfill — follow site specification.
Best practices for Gulf climates (KSA, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain)
- UV exposure: Where applicable and spacers are going to be positioned under the sun during staging or delayed backfilling, the usage of UV-stabilized black units is recommended.
- Sand & abrasion: A sand cushion underneath spacers; sharp rocks that could stress the base should be removed.
- High temperatures: Spacers in the shade; do not place heavy loads on the warm plastic as it might soften under extreme heat.
- Salt air / coastal use: Plastic can’t be corroded and still needs to be carefully checked for wear and tear and physical damage.
- Inspection frequency: Inspect the first runs more often in harsh seasons (sandstorms) before the installation of cables.
- Logistics in remote sites: Reduce handling damage by using palletized delivery; and think reels or containers for long, linear projects.
Advantages & project ROI
Why specify 20 mm 8-Way Intermediate spacers?
Fewer units needed: Eight channels per spacer reduce total count versus single-channel systems.
Faster installs: Reduces labour time and alignment checks — each spacer aligns 8 ducts at once.
Quality of cable pulls: Uniform spacing lowers friction and bending stress during cable blowing.
Reduced rework: Stable intermediate supports prevent duct distortion under backfill, avoiding costly remediation.
Lower lifecycle costs: Plastics need no anti-corrosion coatings or replacement due to rust — especially relevant in Gulf environs.
Safety & compliance: Non-conductive material reduces electrical hazard during installation activities.
Quantifiable ROI examples (illustrative)
If a typical trench uses 8 ducts every 1 m over 10 km: using 8-way spacers may reduce spacers count by ~80% versus single-seat spacers, with proportional savings in handling and QC time.
Buying checklist for procurement teams (KSA & GCC)
Before procurement, verify:
- Exact product type: Confirm that it is the 8-way intermediate spacer (not base/top).
- Spacing accuracy: Datasheet has the 20 mm centre-to-centre specification.
- Channel seat diameter: It corresponds to the duct OD range used in the project.
- Material grade: If it is exposed, it is UV-stabilised PP/HDPE; confirm the type of the UV additive.
- Load/compressive rating: Get test certificates or compressive data.
- Dimensional tolerances: Engineering drawing calls for +/- mm tolerances.
- Packaging & palletisation: Protect remote Gulf sites from damage in transit.
- Local stock & lead time: Supplier with GCC warehouses will be your choice for faster delivery.
- Traceability & batch marking: Lot codes will be used for warranty and QA tracking.
- Warranty & defects policy: Manufacturer would replace the mould issues under warranty.
- Sustainability options: If the specification requires it, ask for recycled content.
Packaging, storage & logistics (practical)
Packaging
Bulk cartons or polypropylene bags; palletised for container shipping. Label each pallet with part number, quantity, batch no., and orientation.
Storage
Store flat on pallets in shaded, ventilated yards. Avoid direct sunlight exposure for non-UV items. Keep away from open flames and heavy stacked loads.
Handling
Use manual handling or forklifts for pallets. Avoid dropping individual spacers causing cracks. Inspect on arrival.
Shipping to KSA / Gulf
Ensure HS codes, packing lists and product datasheets accompany shipments for customs clearance. Prefer local distributors in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai to reduce lead times.
Maintenance & lifecycle
Maintenance
Intermediate spacers are typically buried and require no ongoing maintenance. Inspect during pre-backfill checks and prior to cable installation.
Lifecycle
Properly installed, plastic intermediate spacers can last the life of the duct bank (20–30+ years), since they are corrosion-resistant and dimensionally stable when protected by correct bedding and backfill.
End-of-life & recycling
Plastic spacers are recyclable (PP, HDPE). For upgrades, collect removed spacers and route to industrial recycling where feasible.
Common mistakes & troubleshooting
Using the incorrect type of spacer will result in the installation being mismatched.
- Choosing the wrong channel diameter will cause the ducts to vibrate and possibly even deform.
- Not applying UV-grade in particular for the exposed areas of the staging will result in sun damage occurring and not lasting long.
- Excessive spacing between spacers will lead to sagging ducts and poor alignment.
- Placement of spacers on uneven and rocky surfaces will result in stress points, and the duct may become damaged.
- Troubleshooting
- Spacers that are warped upon arrival: Notify the supplier; investigate the handling of the pallets.
- Ducts changing position after backfilling: Check the space between the spacers; add more units or use interlocks.
- Arms that are broken: Likely a manufacturing defect or physical damage; if so, replace and notify the supplier.
Conclusion & call to action
The Plastic Spacer 20 mm 8-Way Intermediate is a key component during the duct bank installation in the KSA and Gulf region. By supplying the required 20 mm spacing for eight conduits per unit, the intermediate spacer will contribute positively to the project in terms of pulling cables, fewer errors, and the duct's longer lifespan that will be capable of surviving the harsh conditions in the desert and coastal areas. The telecom operator will be able to implant FTTH, the EPC contractor will have electric power trenches in place, and the datacentre integrator will have built underfloor ducts, and the appropriate intermediate spacer will be specified well in advance leading to lower installation risk and consequently reduced lifecycle cost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1 — What is an intermediate spacer?
An intermediate spacer sits between layers of ducts to maintain spacing and alignment — different from base (foundation) or top (cap) spacers.
Q2 — Why use 20 mm spacing?
20 mm centre-to-centre is a common standard for small conduit banks to provide sufficient clearance for cable pulling, heat dissipation and concrete cover.
Q3 — Are these spacers suitable for sandy Gulf soils?
Yes — plastic spacers are resistant to sand abrasion and do not corrode; use sand bedding to avoid point loads.
Q4 — Do they handle heavy backfill loads?
Designed to handle typical duct bank loads; check manufacturer compressive ratings for heavy vehicle loads over shallow trenches.
Q5 — Can I reuse spacers?
If removed without damage, spacers can be reused, and plastics are recyclable.
Q6 — Are they fire resistant?
Standard PP/HDPE is combustible and will melt at high temperatures; they are safe in normal service conditions but not fire-resistant. For special fire rated needs consult manufacturer.
Q7 — How many spacers per metre?
Common practice: one spacer per metre; verify project spec — some designs require 0.8 m spacing.
Q8 — What about mixed diameter ducts in same spacer?
Some 8-way spacers have flexible channels; however, best practice is to match spacer channel sizing to ducts or use divider systems.
Q9 — Do spacers require certification?
Request manufacturer test certificates, dimensional drawings and batch traceability for procurement.
Q10 — Where to buy in KSA?
Available via infrastructure suppliers and telecom accessory distributors across Riyadh, Jeddah and Dubai — prefer local warehouses.
Premium Plastic Spacer 20 mm 8‑Way Intermediate: Supplier, Manufacturing & Delivery
Premium 20 mm Plastic Spacer 8‑Way Intermediate — Multi‑Duct Alignment Solution
The 20 mm 8-Way Intermediate Plastic Spacer is a quality polymer used to keep the spacing and alignment of 8 x 20 mm ducts or microducts at a constant distance within multi-layered underground duct banks for telecom, fibre, and other utilities throughout Saudi Arabia and the GCC.
Key Benefits:
- Created out of strong, UV resistant engineered plastic to withstand harsh conditions.
- Provides intermediate support to the base & top spacers of multi-tiered ducts.
- Acts as a support for HDPE microducts, telecom conduits, and fibre infrastructures.
- Speeds installation, decreases duct movement during backfill, and increases efficiency in pulling cable.
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Plastic Spacer 20 mm 8‑Way Intermediate-Quick Comparison & Best Practices
Base vs Intermediate vs Top Spacers – Quick Comparison
| Feature | Base Spacer | Intermediate Spacer | Top Spacer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Position | First layer | Middle layers | Last/top layer |
| Purpose | Foundational alignment | Maintains vertical spacing | Final duct bank alignment |
| Typical Use | Base of duct bank | Multi-layer stacking | Top alignment before backfill |
Best practices:
- In order to set up the duct alignment, install the base spacers first.
- Last, place 8-way intermediate spacers between the base and top layers at consistent intervals.
- You should also use materials that are UV-stable and weather-resistant.
- Make sure to verify that all ducts are fully seated at the time of backfilling to ensure the same alignment will exist when you return to the site.