These general instructions for the designer are provided to ensure proper selection and installation of Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. products and must be followed carefully. These general instructions are in addition to the specific design and installation instructions and notes provided for each particular product, all of which should be consulted prior to and during the design process.

1. The allowable load is limited to an average test load at 1/8" deflection, an average or lowest test value (nominal load) divided by a safety factor or the calculation value. The safety factor is prescribed by Section F1 of the 2001 AISI NAS.
2. Allowable simultaneous loads in more than one direction on a single connector must be evaluated as follows:
   Design Uplift/Allowable Uplift +
   Design Lateral Parallel to Track/Allowable Lateral Parallel to Track +
   Design Lateral Perpendicular to Track/Allowable Lateral Perpendicular to Track ≤ 1.0.
   The three terms in the unity equation are due to the three possible directions that exist to generate force on a hurricane tie. The number of terms that must be considered for simultaneous loading is at the sole discretion of the Designer and is dependant on their method of calculating wind forces and the utilization of the connector within the structural system.
3. Loads are based on the 2001 AISI Standard – North American Specification for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members (NAS), unless otherwise specified. Other code agencies may use different allowable loads.
4. The term “Designer” used throughout this catalog is intended to mean a licensed/certified building design professional, a licensed professional engineer, or a licensed architect.
5. All connected members and related elements shall be designed by the Designer.
6. Unless otherwise noted, member strength is not considered in the loads given and, therefore, reduce allowable loads when member strength is limiting.
7. The average ultimate breaking strength for some models is listed under “nominal tension load”.
8. Simpson strongly recommends the following addition to construction drawings and specifications: “Simpson Strong‑Tie connectors and fasteners are specifically required to meet the structural calculations of plan. Before substituting another brand, confirm load capacity based on reliable published testing data or calculations. The Engineer/Designer of Record should evaluate and give written approval for substitution prior to installation.”
9. Verify that the dimensions of the supporting member are sufficient to receive the specified fasteners, and develop the top flange bearing length.
10. Simpson will provide, upon request, code testing data on all products that have been code tested.
11. The allowable loads published in this catalog are for use when utilizing the traditional Allowable Stress Design (ASD) methodology. A method for using Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) for cold-formed steel is also included in the 2001 AISI NAS. When designing with LRFD, the nominal connector strength multiplied by the resistance factor must be used. Contact Simpson for the LRFD values of products listed in this catalog.
12. All screws must comply with SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Standard J 78, Steel Self Drilling Tapping Screws, and must have a Type II coating in accordance with ASTM B 633, Electrodeposited Coatings of Zinc on Iron and Steel.
13. Screw strength shall be calculated in accordance to 2001 AISI NAS Section E4 or shall be based upon manufacturers design capacity determined from testing.
14. Simpson recommends that hanger height be at least 60% of joist height for stability.
15. Local and/or regional building codes may require meeting special conditions. Building codes often require special inspection of anchors installed in concrete and masonry. For compliance with these requirements, it is necessary to contact the local and/or regional building authority. Except where mandated by code, Simpson’s products do not require special inspection.

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