NDS 8″ Pro Series Channel Drain

NDS Pro Series 8-Shallow

Recently, a number of people contacted us regarding the NDS 8 inch Pro Series Channel Drain. In a previous article, the 8” Pro Series was mentioned, though not in any great detail. In this article, I’ll elaborate on the channel and grating features this popular channel drain system.

The Pro Series by NDS

The Pro Series is a family of plastic channel drain products manufactured by National Diversified Sales (NDS) under licensing agreement from First Plast S.R.L. (Italy). There is a similar product line in Brazil made by Tigre Plastics that may be licensed under an agreement with First Plast, as well.

These injection molded channels are made with PVC containing ultraviolet light inhibitors to help prevent fading and cracking. Pro Series channels are neutral (non-sloping), reinforced with ribbing every 4 inches and come in widths of 3”, 5” 8” and 12”. Options on the grating, channel length, corner sections and outlets differ between the various width products.

However, each Pro Series channel features a unique, interlocking end joint connection. The reinforcement ribbing doubles as a cutting point (in the event that the channel needs to be shorted) which maintains the interlocking end joint connection. These features help make the Pro Series product line a smart, affordably drainage system for residential applications.

8” Pro Series Channel Details

The 8” Pro Series channel is used in applications where rainwater accumulates rapidly or in applications requiring a larger runoff reservoir than is offered by the smaller Pro Series products. Technically speaking, the 8” Pro Series is named for its width, which is actually 7.875 inches wide. The channel width, or throat, is about 6 inches wide. All channel lengths are ½ meter (20 inches) and are available in shallow or deep profiles (shown below).

The 8” shallow channel is about 4 ½ inches from the top of the grate to the bottom of the channel. Each shallow channel will hold 2 gallons under static conditions (no flow). The 8” deep profile channel, in comparison, is 7 ¼ inches in height and will hold 3.5 gallons under no-flow conditions. The amount of runoff water that these drains will effectively handle depends on the length of the drain, the diameter of the pipe used to drain the system, the pitch of the channel and the size of the openings in the grate used with the system. NDS has technical data that can be used to design a trench drain system capable of withstanding rainfalls typical to your geographic location.

8” Pro Series Outlet Options

Both the shallow and deep profile channels have end caps that can double as a 3” or 4” sewer and drain pipe connections. (See Below) These end caps have knocked out sections of plastic that enable water to flow out or in. The shallow profile channel has an additional fitting that allows 3” or 4” S&D pipe to be attached to the drain from the side or the bottom of the channel. The deep profile channel doesn’t have this option. Again, there are knock out plastic sections that cover each of the pipe attachments on this special outlet.

8” Pro Series Grating Options

NDS sells 4 grating options for the 8″ Pro Series. Each grate is 7 ¾ inches wide, 19 5/8 inches long and ¾ inches deep. You will need to have one grate for every section of the channel, as they are the same length. Each grate is connected to the channel by 4 stainless steel screws (sold separately).

Two of the most common 8” Pro Series grates are shown below. The top grate in this photo is a pedestrian rated perforated grate (Part No. 836) which is ADA compliant and can drain 15.33 GPM per linear foot of grating. The bottom grate is the standard light traffic slotted grate (Part No. 837) that has over twice the draining capability of the perforated grate. Both grates are made of high impact Polyolefin and are light gray in color. Not shown in this photo is a glass-reinforced nylon slotted grate (Part No. 838), which is said to be able to withstand heavy truck traffic while also being ADA compliant.

Two cast-iron grates are available for the 8” Pro Series. These are shown below. The black slotted grate (Part No. 888) is made by NDS, has 54 GPM drainage capability per linear foot of grating and is able to withstand truck traffic. The decorative grate beneath the slotted grate is called the 8” Carbochon and is made by Iron Age Designs. This grate was specifically designed to fit the 8” Pro Series channel, is made of ductile iron, is ADA compliant and has a higher open surface area per foot than any of the NDS grating options.

The Carbochon grate isn’t supplied with bolt-down holes or a protective coating to prevent rust. However, the aesthetics and pricing of this Ironage product make it an attractive option to the standard slotted cast iron grate. The Carbochon grates are available from Trench Drain Systems and can be purchased with an oil-baked finish or a custom epoxy coating.

Pro Series Installation Features

The Pro Series channels have three useful installation features that are common to all available sizes. These are illustrated in the photo below.

Pro Series channels have a unique interlocking channel design that is the key to their modular system success. This “tongue and groove” design allows each channel to securely lock to the adjoining piece. The “male” end of the channel easily slides into the “female” side of the adjoining channel when adding length to the drain. This connection joint can be made stronger by using PVC cement at the contacts prior to locking the channel together.

Another key feature that makes the Pro Series a unique modular system is the reinforcing ribs. Not only do the ribs give the channel walls rigidity, but they are also designed to be a cutting point for channel shortening while still keeping the “male” end of the channel that is necessary for attachment. No other trench drain system on the market has this feature.

Each channel also has “feet” that can be used as a rebar attachment site during installation. Generally, rebar is hammered into the ground at the foot locations. The wire is then wrapped securely around the rebar and channel foot. A final adjustment can be made to the channel to ensure the top of the drain is set to the desired elevation prior to pouring concrete. Instead of rebar, wood stakes can be used. In this case, wood screws can be used to firmly attach the channel foot to the installation stake.

Summary

In summary, the NDS 8″ Pro Series is a high volume channel drain for residential applications. The wider channels help insure that water is quickly removed from hardscapes. The unique design of the Pro Series facilitates ease and speed of installation. Grating options are comparatively meager, but growing due to the new selections becoming available by Iron Age Designs. For questions regarding this product line, contact the folks at Trench Drain Systems at 610-638-1221.

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One thought on “NDS 8″ Pro Series Channel Drain

  1. Jack Houston says:

    Were can I purchase 8″ Pro Series Chanel Drain cover Part No. 836 I need 30 covers. For a drain in the sidewalk of my company.

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