Free-hanging

adjectiveStandard termBuilding

Suspended without intermediate support points or attachments to adjacent surfaces.

Describes an element, such as a pipe, duct, or decorative fixture, that is suspended from above and does not touch or rely on surrounding walls or structures for stability. In construction, free-hanging components require robust top anchors to handle their full dead load and prevent excessive sway.

Heard on the job

Make sure those free-hanging conduit runs are strapped securely at the deck so they don't swing when the HVAC kicks on.