Flexible Duct Connector – Canvas 2x3x2

Key Features

• 2x3x2 standard size flexible duct connector for HVAC ductwork
• Two inch metal sleeve, three inch fabric centre, two inch metal sleeve
• Pre assembled with sheet metal permanently secured to fabric
• Flame retardant fabric centre meets NFPA 90A and 90B requirements
• Eliminates vibration and noise transmission from fans and blowers
• Compensates for slight ductwork misalignment during installation
• Allows thermal expansion and contraction without stressing the duct
• 100 foot roll for efficient site fabrication
• Suitable for slip and drive duct fabrication

Why Flexible Connectors Are Essential for AHUs and Blowers

HVAC fans, blowers, and air handlers are essentially rotating equipment. They vibrate. The vibration is small, but it’s continuous, and it has frequencies that resonate well in metal ducting. Without a flexible connector between the equipment and the duct, those vibrations transmit straight into the rigid ductwork and travel throughout the building. The result is humming, rattling, and low frequency rumble that occupants notice immediately.

The flexible canvas duct connector solves this by inserting a fabric break between the vibrating equipment and the rigid duct. The fabric absorbs the vibration energy instead of transmitting it. The metal sleeves on each side connect to the equipment and ductwork using standard sheet metal practice. Three inches of fabric in the middle is enough to break the vibration path while still maintaining an airtight seal.

The 2x3x2 size (two inches of metal sleeve, three inches of fabric, two inches of metal sleeve) is the most common configuration for slip and drive duct fabrication, which is the standard ducting method for residential, light commercial, and most retail HVAC installations across Saudi Arabia.

How the 2x3x2 Flexible Connector Size Improves HVAC Performance

The numbers describe the cross section profile. Two inches of metal sleeve on the equipment side, three inches of flexible fabric in the middle, and two inches of metal sleeve on the duct side. When the fabricator forms this profile into a four sided rectangular sleeve and installs it between the equipment and the duct, the result is a flexible joint that handles vibration isolation while keeping the air seal intact.

For TDC/TDF style duct fabrication (which uses a different edge profile), the 4x4x4 configuration is more common because the wider metal sleeves accommodate the TDC/TDF flange. For standard slip and drive duct, the 2x3x2 (sometimes also seen as 3x3x3 depending on installer preference) is the standard.

The fabric width of three inches is also a code requirement. NFPA 90A and 90B specify that vibration isolation connectors made of fabric shall not exceed 10 inches in length. The standard 3 inch fabric width sits comfortably within that limit.

How to Fabricate and Install Flexible Duct Connectors

The 100 foot roll arrives at the site or fabrication shop ready to use. The fabricator pulls the appropriate length off the roll, forms it into a four sided rectangular sleeve sized to the duct opening, and finishes the metal edges to match the duct profile (slip and drive in this case).

Some fabrication shops add a 90 degree bend to the metal edges to stiffen the sleeve and make alignment easier during installation. The finished sleeve goes between the fan or AHU outlet and the rigid duct, secured to both sides with standard sheet metal connections.

Installation tip: never stretch the fabric tight during installation. The fabric needs to hang slightly slack so it can absorb vibration without transmitting it. A taut fabric defeats the purpose of the connector.

Where and When to Use Flexible Duct Connectors in HVAC Systems

• AHU and FCU connection to supply and return ductwork
• Fan and blower discharge connections
• Packaged HVAC unit ductwork connections
• Rooftop unit duct connections
• Industrial fan and exhaust duct connections
• Kitchen exhaust hood ducting (with appropriate temperature rated fabric)
• Manufacturing and process ventilation
• Office, retail, and institutional HVAC installations
• Hospital and healthcare HVAC where noise control is critical
• Hotel and hospitality HVAC systems

Technical Specifications

Why Cool.sa is the Best Source for Flexible Duct Connectors in Saudi Arabia

We supply canvas flexible duct connector to HVAC contractors, ducting fabricators, FM teams, and project ducting installers across Saudi Arabia. We stock the standard sizes (2x3x2 and 4x4x4) in 100 foot rolls for production fabrication work. We offer contractor pricing for ducting installers and project work. And we stock the rest of the ducting accessories (sealant, foil tape, hangers, clamps) alongside the connector so a complete ducting order ships in one delivery.

FAQ

Q1. What does 2x3x2 actually mean?

Two inches of metal sleeve, three inches of flexible fabric, two inches of metal sleeve. The fabric in the middle does the vibration isolation. The metal sleeves connect to the equipment on one side and the rigid ducting on the other.

Q2. Why not just connect the duct directly to the AHU?

Without a flexible connector, every vibration from the fan or blower transmits straight into the rigid ductwork and travels throughout the building. Occupants hear humming, rattling, and rumble. The flexible connector breaks the vibration path while keeping the air seal intact.

Q3. Can I use 2x3x2 for TDC/TDF duct fabrication?

For TDC/TDF duct, the 4x4x4 size is more common because the wider metal sleeves accommodate the TDC/TDF flange profile. Using 2x3x2 with TDC/TDF leaves the metal sleeve too narrow after the flange is formed. We stock both sizes.

Q4. Is the fabric fireproof?

The fabric is flame retardant treated to meet NFPA 90A and 90B requirements with flame spread under 25 and smoke development under 50. It’s not fireproof in absolute terms, but it meets the standards required for installation inside HVAC ductwork.

Q5. How long does the fabric last in service?

Indoor installations typically run for 10 to 20 years before fabric replacement is needed. Outdoor installations or harsh environments degrade faster due to UV and thermal cycling. Annual inspection is recommended.