So you’ve heard some talk about seismic springs…

But what are they? Where are they used, and what’s their role?

This guide is written from 25 years of experience in supplying and repairing seismic springs. We sell thousands every year with our chillers and pumping equipment.

In 2 minutes, you’ll know the basics of seismic springs.

What are they?

Seismic springs are simply metal springs used to limit the lateral and vertical movement of large equipment in the HVAC industry. They have a top adjusting plate and a bottom elastomer mounting pad housed within a fabricated heavy-duty frame that is securely affixed to a building structure.

What’s their role?

Seismic springs are often used with HVAC equipment to reduce vibration and noise. They also protect industrial and commercial equipment from excessive movement, like an earthquake (hence the word “seismic”). This motion protection covers 6 directions: up, down, front, back, left, and right.

How do they work?

On a horizontal pump, seismic spring mounts are attached to the corners of the pump base to provide space for the springs. This gives the springs control of the transmission of noise and vibration with little movement required.

Spring mounts vary in range depending on maximum load and deflection. The isolation level is selected depending on your application.

In essence, seismic springs are customised to match the requirements of the client’s equipment.

Do you need them?

Seismic springs are ideal for pumps, as they have increased static deflection and greater isolation efficiency.

If your equipment requires horizontal or vertical restraints, seismic springs may be the perfect solution to reduce noise and vibration.

And what about snubbers?

Some people think seismic springs aren’t necessary because they are using snubbers (a device used to limit or “snub” pressure transients in fluid systems) instead. Spring expert Bob Gibbs of Embelton argues that snubbers do not stop upward movement, and therefore do not provide the equivalent protection of seismic springs.

Now you know the basics.

Naturally, cost may be something you’ve considered throughout this article.

Read about that here.

Got more questions? Get in touch today.