Effective Simple Fast Make the right connection... The ultimate push-fit solution for plumbing in Africa January 2010 v1.3 South African Product Range and Installation Guide
Worldwide Connections The John Guest Group has a long established reputation as a world leading manufacturer of push-in fittings, pipe and other fluid control products. A reputation built on producing consistently high quality products with an ongoing commitment to value engineering and product development. Quality Manufacture A commitment to quality is at the heart of the John Guest Philosophy. The strictest control is maintained by virtue of the fact that design and manufacture is carried out in modern purpose built manufacturing centres in west London and at Maidenhead in Berkshire. Maintaining control over the whole process from initial tool design and tool making through to final assembly and testing ensuring that only products of the highest quality are produced. The company believes it is this commitment to quality that has led to it receiving prestigious awards from many of the world s leading testing and approvals organisations. Master Distributor for Southern Africa John Guest / JG / Speedfit and JG Speedfit are all registered trademarks of John Guest International Ltd. Speedfit Africa is the Master Distributor for Southern Africa of the Speedfit plumbing range of products. It is one of our goals to maintain the same quality standards you would expect from a world leading company such as John Guest through our Holistic added Value Services (HAVS) listed on page 10, and our Company wide commitment to great customer service. This brochure has been designed as more than just a product catalogue, and takes readers through the key aspects of product training and usage to ensure a problem free quality installation every time! Speedfit should be installed to conform to good plumbing practices. Thank you for making the right connection... 1
GENUINE GENUINE GENUINE Making the right connection means... Major time savings Financial savings No expensive tools SABS approval No theft Guaranteed! and many more reasons including... 25 year manufacturer s guarantee As a result of long term testing programs and rigorous quality standards, John Guest Speedfit Limited offer a 25 year guarantee against the defects in materials or manufacturing of PEM, PSE and SFM Range of Plumbing Fittings and Speedfit Barrier Pipe manufactured by John Guest. Reduced installation time By 50% and even more, depending on the application. Connects directly onto copper pipe A permanent leak-proof connection Better for the Environment Speedfit is manufactured under ISO14001 and has a far lower impact on the environment compared to metal based plumbing systems. Please visit our website for more information. All white system Truly demountable without damage to pipe or fitting Lightweight and easy to handle on site Pipe flexibility permits the cabling of pipe through less accessible areas No risk of fire or flames Long pipe lengths reduce fittings required Easier to work in confined places No tools means you can get into every corner of the roof and under baths using just your hands. No dry runs needed Pipe can be cut and connections made while installing. Corrosion free No scale build up Pipe elasticity can reduce the possibility of bursting under freezing conditions Lead free and non toxic Less noise from water flow and expansion/contraction Compatible with Brass fittings Compression (CONEX) fittings can be used on Speedfit pipe with an insert (Prefix TSM). Lower thermal diffusivity Safer surface temperatures and pipe is only warm to the touch. Zero defect policy All pipe and fittings are manufactured in a fully automated production process with a zero defect policy. Each fitting is quality tested at the end of the manufacturing process. Manufactured in the United Kingdom The Genuine JG Speedfit symbol represents our commitment to our customers, and what the John Guest name means to business: Quality, Reliability and Support. Look out for the JG symbol on every one of our products. 2
How Speedfit Works A BASIC INTRODUCTION Pipe insert gives secondary seal 2nd O-Ring Main O-Ring Stainless steel teeth grip the pipe Speedfit Fittings have a unique grip then seal construction made up of a collet with stainless steel teeth to grip the pipe and an O Ring to provide a permanent leak proof seal. Making a Good Connection PREPARE THE PIPE Fittings and pipe should be kept clean bagged and undamaged before use. Pipe cutter Barrier pipe NEW TWIST AND LOCK FITTINGS Gap between cap and flange Ensure the pipe is free of score marks. Cut the pipe square. When using Speedfit pipe cut along an insertion mark > < clearly shown on pipe. We recommend the use of JG Pipe Cutters. To prevent damage to the O Ring remove all burrs and sharp edges. When connecting Speedfit pipe use a Superseal Pipe Insert. The insert should only be used with Speedfit pipe. A twisting motion will aid insertion. If you are not using collet clips, ensure that the screw caps are in the locked position. Pull to check it is secure. It is good practice to test the system prior to leaving the site or before use. Our recommended test procedure is shown in our Technical Checklist on page 7. ADDED BENEFIT-TWIST AND LOCK Twist the screwcap until it touches the body flange. This increases the O Ring seal around the pipe and locks the pipe into position. STANDARD SPEEDFIT FITTINGS Standard Speedfit connections are made in the same way as Twist and Lock. Push pipe up to pipe stop. If the Speedfit pipe has been cut correctly the insertion mark on the pipe will be level with the collet head. Pull to check connection is secure and test the system. TO DISCONNECT Ensure that the system is depressurised. The screw cap on Twist and Lock fittings will need to be turned back to the unlocked position. Push the collet square against the face of the fitting by using fingers or with the help of our collet release tool. With the collet held in position the pipe can be removed. The fitting can be used again without the need for replacement parts. WHAT NOT TO DO! Don t use hacksaws to cut the pipe or leave burrs on the end of the pipe. Don t use damaged or scored pipe. Pipe mark indicates full insertion The fitting should be in the unlocked position; shown by a small gap between the screwcap and the body flange. Push the pipe fully into the fitting, up to the pipe stop. If the Speedfit pipe has been cut correctly the insertion mark on the pipe will be level with the collet head. The O Ring on the Superseal Pipe Insert provides a secondary seal against the bore of the fitting. A good connection has been made. Fitting may be gripped but not sealed if pipe is not fully inserted Don t forget to push the pipe fully into the fitting, past both the collet (gripper) and the O Ring. Do not insert fingers into the fitting as the stainless steel teeth may cause injury. Remember to pressure test the completed installation according to the recommendations in our Technical Checklist on page 7. Please read the section What Every Installer Must Know to ensure you get the maximum benefits from using Speedfit. 3
Plumbing Fittings EQUAL STRAIGHT CONNECTOR PEM0415W 15 PEM0422W 22 PEM0428W 28 REDUCING STRAIGHT CONNECTOR REDUCING ELBOW PEM202215W 22 x 15 PEM212215W 22 x 15 STEM TEE (Swivel Action) STOP END STEM REDUCER PEM532215W 22 x 22 x 15 Useful for creating two, three or more port manifolds in series with 15mm ports facing any direction. PSE4615W 15 PSE4622W 22 PSE4628W 28 Useful to allow water to be turned back on, overnight for instance, or if a job has to be interrupted for another reason. Stop ends are also useful when pressure testing a system before appliances are connected. PEM062215W 22 x 15 PEM062822W 28 x 22 EQUAL ELBOW PEM0315W 15 PEM0322W 22 PEM0328W 28 FEMALE COUPLER - TAP CONNECTOR X BSP PSE3201W 15mm x ½ PSE3203W 15mm x ¾ PSE3202W 22mm x ¾ Tap Connectors only need hand tightening to connect up a terminal tap, mixer or float valve. An integral seal within the fitting avoids the need for further sealers. STEM ELBOW (Swivel Action) WALL PLATE ELBOW PEM221515W 15 x 15 PEM222222W 22 x 22 Provides an instant swivel fitting so pipe can be orientated in any direction X BSP 15PWB 15mm x ½ An integral seal within the fitting avoids the need for further sealers. Hot and cold water only, 65 maximum. MALE COUPLER - STRAIGHT BENT TAP CONNECTOR X BSP CM011514S 15mmx ½ CM012216S 22mm x ¾ Hot and cold water only, 65 maximum. 95º version available June 2010. X BSP PEMBTC1514 15mm x ½ EQUAL TEE REDUCING TEE PEM0215W 15 PEM0222W 22 PEM0228W 28 PEM3022AW 22 x 22 x 15 PEM3022BW 22 x 15 x 15 PEM3022CW 15 x 15 x 22 PEM3022DW 22 x 15 x 22 PEM3028AW 28 x 28 x 22 PEM3028BW 28 x 22 x 22 PEM3028DW 28 x 22 x 28 PEM302815AW 28 x 28 x 15 CONVERSION CONNECTOR SLIP CONNECTOR NC471 15mm x ½ ID ID = Internal diameter (Connects imperial to metric pipe) CM-SC-15S 15 Used for making repairs to damaged pipe without having to remove the entire section of pipe. Hot and cold water only, 65 maximum. 4
4 PORT RAIL MANIFOLD SFM522215S 22 x 15 SPEEDFIT X HAND TIGHTEN NUT with SERVICE VALVE 300mm long X BSP PFLX37-H 15mm x ½ PFLX39-H 22mm x ¾ TANK CONNECTOR CM0715S 15 CM0722S 22 Suitable for cold water tanks only. Maximum wall thicknes 4mm. SPEEDFIT FOR MONOBLOC MIXER X MALE 300mm long WFLX28 15 x M10 HOSE CONNECTOR Pipe Packs of 10 and 20 lengths. White PVC Flexi Hoses SPEEDFIT X HAND TIGHTEN NUT 300mm long 500mm long SPEEDFIT X SPEEDFIT 300mm long SPEEDPEX BARRIER PIPE (COILS) X BSP PFLX15 15mm x ½ PFLX16 15mm x ¾ PFLX22 22mm x ¾ PFLX18 15mm x ½ PFLX19 22mm x ¾ WFLX20 15mm x ¾ X M 15BPEX-25C 15 x 25 15BPEX-50C 15 x 50 15BPEX-100C 15 x 100 22BPEX-25C 22 x 25 22BPEX-50C 22 x 50 SPEEDPEX BARRIER PIPE (STRAIGHT LENGTHS) Hot and cold water only, 65 maximum. NC448 15mm x ½ NC473 22mm x ¾ NC737 22mm x ½ Hot and cold water only, 65 maximum. X M 15BPEX-20x2L 15 x 2 15BPEX-20x3L 15 x 3 15BPEX-20x5L 15 x 5 22BPEX-20x2L 22 x 2 22BPEX-20x3L 22 x 3 22BPEX-20x5L 22 x 5 28BPEX-10x6L 28 x 6 15BPEX-20X6L-R 15 x 6 15BPEX-20X6L-B 15 x 6 22BPEX-20X6L-R 22 x 6 22BPEX-20X6L-B 22 x 6 WFLX17 15 x 15 Valves Hot and cold water only, 65 maximum. STOP VALVE 15STV 15 22STV 22 WASHING MACHINE TAP X BSP 15APT 15mm x ¾ EMERGENCY SHUT OFF TAP 15ESOT 15 SERVICE VALVE with HANDLE 15SV-H 15 22SV-H 22 SERVICE VALVE with TAP CONNECTOR X BSP 15SVSTC-W 15 x ½ ANGLE SERVICE VALVE with TAP CONNECTOR X BSP 15SVBTC-W 15mm x ½ 5
Accessories STANDARD PIPE INSERT TSM15N 15 TSM22N 22 TSM28N 28 SUPERSEAL PIPE INSERT Must be used when with connecting Speedfit pipe with compression (CONEX) fittings. PIPE CLIPS AND SPACERS NAIL CLIPS PC15W 15 PC22W 22 PC28W 28 PCSW Spacers are designed to slide onto the bottom on pipe clips in order to make a cross over when surface mounting and to allow lagging to be connected around pipe. COLLET COVER COLLET LOCKING CLIP STS15 15 STS22 22 STS28 28 See page 9 for more details on superseal inserts. PM1915R 15 PM1915B 15 PM1922R 22 PM1922B 22 Use a collet cover or collet clip to provide added security against pipe disconnection on standard fittings e.g. if the fitting may come into contact with rigid surfaces and behind dry-lining walls. PIPE CUTTER PIPE COLLAR NPC15 15 NPC22 22 NPC28 28 JG-TS 10-28 WCOL15W 15 WCOL15C 15 Used to cover holes cut into wall tiles where pipe exits the wall. CM1815R 15 CM1815B 15 CM1815W 15 CM1822R 22 CM1822B 22 CM1822W 22 COLLETS (REPLACEMENT) PXC15 15 PXC22 22 PXC28 28 RELEASE AID COLD FORMING BEND 15RA 15 22RA 22 28RA 28 BENDING SPRINGS The action of pressure in a system could increase the grip of the collet. The release aid allows a firmer grip on the collet whilst removing the pipe. 15CFB 15 22CFB 22 Helps create a tighter bend than the minimum with unsupported pipe. Useful where a tight bend is required a number of metres down the pipe and a bending spring cannot be used. EPDM O RING (REPLACEMENT) 15EPR 15 22EPR 22 28EPR 28 THREAD WASHER (REPLACEMENT) FERNOX FLUX Size 1/2EPW ½ 3/4EPW ¾ Used for part numbers PSE3201/2/3/W. SFA-FERX2 Size 225g Fernox Flux is a non-acidic flux, safe for use around Speedfit pipe and fittings. Fernox Flux is a high quality flux for use on copper tube and fittings. SFA-IBS15 SFA-IBS22 SFA-EBS15 15 Internal 22 Internal 15 External 6
Technical Checklist Handling Speedfit: - Ensure fittings and pipe are kept clean at all times by keeping them in bags and boxes provided. - Do not empty Speedfit products onto the floor area. - Ensure internal O Ring seals are kept free from dirt and debris. Available Sizes: 15mm, 22mm and 28mm diameter. Pipes: Speedfit fittings can be used with: - Copper pipe to SABS 460 - Speedfit Barrier Pipe to SANS 15875-1,2,3&5:2004 Speedfit fittings can also be used with other plastic pipes of 15mm, 22mm and 28mm diameters. Please contact Speedfit Africa for a full list of approved pipes. Speedfit fittings cannot be used on stainless steel pipe. Expansion: Speedfit pipe expands 1% between 20 C and 82 C degrees on length. For detailed technical information on expansion and contraction please contact Speedfit Africa. Working Temperatures and Pressures: Application Usual working temperature, C Cold Water 20 Central Heating 82 Hot Water 65 Burst Pressure (Fittings): Speedfit fittings used with copper or Speedfit Barrier Pipe will withstand pressures well in excess of normal service conditions. SABS ratings are 12 BAR at 20 C, 8 BAR for 15mm; and 6 BAR for 22mm and 28mm at 95 C. Maximum Temperatures: Speedfit Barrier Pipe can withstand 114 C intermittently for short periods. The Speedfit system should not be used on an uncontrolled heat source. Insulation: Same as copper. Speedfit Barrier Pipe can withstand lower temperatures than copper which reduces the chances of bursting due to the flexibility of the pipe. Minimum Bend Radii (B/PEX): Maximum working temperature, C 20 105 95 Maximum working pressure, bar Pipe diameter 15mm 22mm 28mm 12 3 8 Pipe Clips: Pipe clips should not be fitted any closer than 60mm from the end of the fitting. Pipe should be adequately supported by pipe clips to prevent undue stress (side load) on fittings. Pipe Inserts: Must be used on all installations when using plastic pipe and should be fully inserted. Only use a Speedfit Insert with Speedfit pipe. Metal Joists/Panels: When cabling pipe through metal joists/ panels ensure rubber or plastic grommets are in place to prevent damage to pipe. The use of collet covers or collet clips on fittings is also recommended. Connection to Geysers: A minimum 1000mm run of copper pipe should be installed between the geyser and the Speedfit system. Connection to Copper Pipe: 450mm is the minimum distance to make a solder connection on copper pipe inserted into a Speedfit fitting. Ensure that any residual flux solder does not come into contact with the fitting by flushing the copper pipe prior to connecting Speedfit pipe or fittings. Electrical Continuity: If Speedfit is used in an existing metal system which may have been used for earthing, electrical continuity should be reinstated. Collet Covers: Collet covers provide added security against pipe disconnection, e.g. the fittings coming into contact with rigid surfaces and behind dry-lining walls. They are offered in white as standard and in red or blue to provide colour coding of pipe. Collet Clips: White collet clips are used with standard fittings to prevent accidental pipe disconnection. Red or blue clips provide colour coding of pipe. Red and blue clips should not be used to prevent accidental release of pipe. System Testing: To ensure the pipe and fittings have been installed correctly, whether it be on a new or extended system, it is essential that the system is checked and hydraulically wet tested. Testing should be at 2 BAR for 10 minutes and then 10 BAR for 10 minutes. This testing, combined with other relevant checks, should reveal installation problems and is regarded as good plumbing practice. However, system testing should not be regarded as a substitute for correct installation (see also "Making a Good Connection" on page 3). System Flushing: As is usual practice for any plumbing installation, flushing of the system prior to the use of Speedfit is recommended to remove any contaminants/chemical residue from elsewhere in the system. Min radius with clips Min radius with cold forming bend 175mm 225mm 300mm 75mm 110mm - Vermin: Speedfit products will need special protection in vermin infested areas. Clip Spacing for Surface Mounted Pipes: Pipe Diameter 15mm 22mm 28mm Horizontal Run 300mm 500mm 800mm Clip Spacing Vertical Run 500mm 800mm 1000mm Flow Rates: Comparable with metal systems. Flow rates do not diminish over time as is the case with metal systems through corrosion and other build ups. Cleaners, Inhibitors and Descalents: For advice on the replenishment of additives such as corrosion inhibitors, the following manufacturers should be contacted: Fernox Manufacturing Limited on +44 (0)1799 550811 or Sentinel, BetzDearborn Limited on +44 (0)151 420 9595. Paint and Chemicals: Use only water or oil based paint. Collet covers prevent paint ingress into standard fittings. DO NOT ALLOW CONTACT with oil based jointing compounds, cellulose based paints, paint thinners, paint strippers, solder flux, acid based descalents or aggressive cleaning products. Solder Flux: No fluxes of any type should come into contact with Speedfit pipe and fittings. If fluxes are to be used in an environment where Speedfit is installed, then extreme care should be taken to ensure that no such contact takes place. Chlorine: Speedfit is not suitable for use in systems where the water contains high levels of chlorine e.g. swimming pools, fountains etc. Exposure to Sunlight: Speedfit products, when used indoors, are not affected by sunlight. When used outdoors protect from ultra violet light by lagging or painting. Biological: No taste, colour, odour or toxicity is imparted to water by Speedfit components, nor do they promote microbiological growth. The opacity of both pipes and fittings allows insufficient light to pass for the growth of algae. Side Loads: Fittings should not be subject to excessive side loads and they should not be used as support brackets. Pipe and fittings should be adequately supported to prevent excessive side loading. Maximum Torque Figures (BSP): Plastic threads are not generally as strong as brass threads. Customers and end users should be aware of this when choosing products for their applications. Over tightening of plastic threads will cause undue stress and eventual cracking and leakage. The maximum torque figures for BSP threads used on Speedfit plumbing products in mating threads conforming to the relevant BS or International thread standards are shown below. Threads Plastic Brass Size 1/2 3/4 1/2 3/4 Applications: - Mains fed and indirect cold water systems - Vented and unvented hot water systems - Vented and sealed central heating systems Maximum Torque 3.0 Nm 4.0 Nm 4.0 Nm 5.0 Nm Do not use for gas, fuel oil or compressed air applications. Separate fittings are available for compressed air. UK Standards: Speedfit products are designed and manufactured under a fully integrated system assessed by B.S.I. to BS EN lso9001. They are approved by the WRAS and BBA. Speedfit PEM, PSE and SFM Fittings and Speedfit Barrier Pipe are Kitemarked to BS7291 Parts 1, 2 and 3, Class S. (License No. KM39767) Speedfit also carries a number of additional international standards and approvals. 7
What Every Installer Must Know Changing from copper or galvanized plumbing systems to plastic/polymer based plumbing products is new to most people. This is a short guide to give you the best advice when using Speedfit we know that once you get going with Speedfit you will stay with this amazing product! THE GOLDEN RULE Always push the pipe all the way into the fitting this means the pipe must pass through the collet AND the O Ring to make a permanent leak proof connection see Making a Good Connection on page 3. The most common error when using Speedfit is where the pipe is only pushed through the collet, which grips the pipe, but the seal is not made. The pipe must be pushed past the O Ring to make the seal. TIP - A gentle twisting motion of the pipe as it goes through the O ring aids this process. FLUXES Flux MUST NOT come into contact with Speedfit pipe and fittings. If flux is to be used during installation then the system must be flushed prior to connecting Speedfit pipe and fittings. This is a common error when using plastic plumbing systems, and care must be taken when using flux. Speedfit Africa supply a non-acidic flux called Fernox which is safe for use around Speedfit products. CUTTING PIPE Cut your pipe using a John Guest pipe cutter (JG-TS) always ensure that your cut is straight and without burrs or sharp edges. Never use a hacksaw or pipe that has a damaged end. The John Guest pipe cutter blade is patented and ensures that the pipe is never squashed out of shape when cutting. CONNECTION TO GEYSERS Speedfit pipe should never be connected directly to a geyser. At least one metre (1m) of copper pipe must be used unless otherwise stated in the geyser manufacturers installation literature. For more information refer to SANS 10254 (installation, maintenance, replacement and repair of fixed electric storage water heating systems). CONNECTION TO COMPRESSION FITTINGS (CONEX) When using compression fittings with Speedfit pipe, a Standard Pipe Insert (prefix TSM) must be used to withstand the compressive pressure of the olive ( O Ring). The olive must be located within the length of the pipe insert and the pipe fully inserted into the fitting. The connection should not need more than 2 full turns AFTER the olive has gripped the pipe. Soft copper olives are recommended. TIP - Ensure the nut and olive are in place on the pipe before inserting pipe insert. SYSTEM TESTING On completion of the plumbing system it is essential that system checking and a hydraulic wet test take place. Testing should be carried out at 2 BAR for 10 minutes followed by 10 BAR for 10 minutes. Before carrying out a pressure test ensure all Speedfit pipe and fittings are installed correctly. Speedfit Barrier Pipe is printed with insertion marks to help ensure full insertion has been achieved. A test harness can also be created to bypass the geyser by simply disconnecting Speedfit from around the geyser and linking the two fittings together with a length of B/PEX pipe. Stop Ends are also very useful for sealing off all points prior to testing. TIP leaving the system pressurized, and the pipe slightly expanded under pressure whilst plastering the walls provides added expansion area for a better finish. WET PLASTER Speedfit pipe can be buried directly under wet plaster. To prevent potential future surface hairline cracks to plaster caused by expansion and contraction of pipes, it is recommended that all Speedfit pipe is chased into the wall and protected with appropriate sleeving. Common sleeving products include flexible conduit, wire mesh and plumbers paper. Pipe under pressure during plastering also provides greater resistance to hairline cracks possibly forming in the future. CONCRETE SLABS Speedfit pipe and fittings can be laid in concrete slabs providing they are either installed in conduit pipe with access boxes for the fittings, or if no fittings are to be buried, then pipes should be under pressure when pouring, and until fully cured. Insulation is also recommended to protect against heat loss and the effects of frost. SYSTEM COMMISSIONING AND FLUSHING With existing systems, flushing prior to the use of Speedfit is essential to remove any harmful contamination or chemical residues from elsewhere in the system. Flux residues used in the soldering of capillary fittings are very corrosive. Dirt and grit, which can enter the system when Speedfit pipe is being pushed through a roof space, must be removed. PIPE BENDING Gentle bends can be made with pipe clips on either side of the curve, positioned to maintain the bend radius. Tighter bends can be achieved by using the cold forming bends (15/22CFB). Internal Bending Springs are available in 15mm and 22mm sizes. It is also possible to bend Speedfit pipe using a standard pipe bender. For bends of radii smaller than those shown in the technical checklist we recommend the use of an equal elbow. TIP - Pipe should not be heated with a blowtorch or hot air gun to assist in making a bend. 8
EXPOSED PIPEWORK Speedfit pipe and fittings are stabilised to withstand limited exposure to ultra-violet radiation in sunlight, but are not designed for permanent direct exposure. Under such conditions painting or lagging is required. Pipe and fittings should also be lagged to prevent frost damage and freezing - use only water or oil based paints when painting Speedfit pipe or fittings. PIPE STOP DISTANCES Stops are located at the following distances from the end of the fitting: Please contact Speedfit Africa for your requirements regarding timber/steel frame housing. We have specialist in-house services to ensure you get the maximum from your installation. Pipe O/D 15mm 22mm 28mm Stop Distances 30mm 35mm 44mm SUPERSEAL PIPE INSERTS: The Superseal Pipe Insert (prefix STS) has been developed to be used with Speedfit pipe and fittings to provide an extra line of defense when installing a Speedfit solution. The insert has its own O Ring which gives a secondary seal against the inside of the fitting. The Speedfit connection, when made with the Superseal Insert, has a number of design features: 1. 2nd O Ring provides an added line of defense if the pipe has been scored due to poor handling on site. 2. Inserts give greater rigidity on the length of pipe within the fitting reducing the chance of weeping if a side load is applied. 3. Connections are easier to make as the head of the insert is tapered for ease of insertion. This avoids problems where pipe may not have been fully inserted into the fitting - see Golden Rule on page 8. 4. A small notch at the head of the insert creates a deliberate drip during pressure testing; aiding identification of pipe not fully inserted into fittings. Note: All SABS testing was completed with Superseal Inserts on the hot water pipe. Speedfit Africa recommend using Superseal Inserts on all installations. TIMBER/STEEL FRAMED CONSTRUCTION: Speedfit is well suited for timber/steel frame construction. If the pipe passes through an external wall (connection to the mains), care must be taken not to damage the vapour barrier. Pipe should be installed on the inside of the thermal insulation layer. If this is not possible, the use of conduit should be specified at the design stage. Pipe in steel frame buildings should be installed through preformed holes in the structure and protected by a rubber or plastic grommet. Where clipping of pipe is restricted, cable ties may be used to secure the pipe. Common Problems and Identification Problem: Burst or melted pipe. Pipe will be distorted showing either a Parrot beak look or a long opening with the edges of the pipe melted in a wave shape. Identification: A Parrot beak will have been formed by the pipe bursting due to the water freezing. If the pipe has a melted appearance it will have been subject to a temperature in excess of 128 degrees Celsius. This will have been caused by direct contact with a heat source such as a blowtorch or flue pipe or by water or steam within the system rising above safety levels. Problem: A fitting or part of a fitting dissolved - the fitting may have blown off the pipe and may have missing component parts. Identification: The fitting will have failed because of a chemical attack. The most common attack is from acid based solder flux running down into the fitting during soldering of a nearby copper fitting or flux coming into contact with the fitting in some other way. Problem: Weep from fitting. Identification: The pipe has not been fully inserted up to the pipe stop or one or both of the O Rings have been damaged by burrs or sharp edges on the end of pipe. See What Not To Do on page 3. Problem: The fitting has blown off the pipe. Fitting is missing the collet; the pipe insert is still inside the fitting after the pipe has come out. Identification: If this happens on first fix, the most likely reason is that the pipe has not been fully inserted into the fitting, up to the pipe stop, and the system has not been pressure tested. If the collet (gripping device) is missing everything will blow out, if the collet is there and the pipe support is still inside the connector but the pipe has still blown out, this means that full insertion had not been accomplished. 9
Other Speedfit Product Ranges and Applications SPEEDFIT DRINKS DISPENSE SOLUTIONS Speedfit Africa carries a full complement of pipe and fittings for drinks dispense applications such as pub installations, fridge installations, vending machines and more UNDER FLOOR HEATING Speedfit Africa supply a complete solution for underfloor heating (UHF) through local partners qualified in the installation of Speedfit UFH products. Please contact us for further information. SPEEDFIT PURE WATER SOLUTIONS Speedfit Africa carries a full complement of pipe and fittings for pure water applications such as water filtration units, filtration kits, reverse osmosis systems and more SPEEDFIT AIR AND PNEUMATICS SOLUTIONS Speedfit Africa can supply both pipe and fittings for compressed air and pneumatic installations. Please contact us for further information. SOLAR PLUMBING SOLUTION Speedfit Africa will be adding unique plastic solar fittings to our range. Please contact us for further information. SPECIAL APPLICATIONS Boats: The flexibility of the Speedfit System ensures it can be cabled easily around the interior and hidden from view. Caravans: Speedfit is ideal for caravan installations due to its flexibility and its resistance to corrosion and freezing. Prefabricated Buildings: Speedfit is ideal for prefabricated ablutions, classrooms, site units and other prefabricated structures. Exhibitions: The unique ability of the Speedfit System to be easily demounted and reused, together with its flexibility, makes Speedfit ideal for this application. Holistic Added Value Services (HAVS) On-site installer training and installer certification Overseeing of projects and installations Site inspections and reporting Fault reporting (See steps below) Plumbing companies - Speedfit certification CAD design service In-store merchandising (DIY retailers) Dedicated technical support We take pride in the quality of our products and all complaints are thoroughly investigated. If you have a failure and would like an investigation into the cause of the problem please follow this guide when contacting Speedfit Africa: 1. Please read the section on page 9 Common Problems and Identification. If this does not resolve the issue then: 2. Photograph the problem in situ and provide us with these pictures at info@speedfitafrica.co.za 3. Contact your local representative for an on-site appraisal prior to removing the failed section. 4. We will need at least 50mm of pipe to ensure an accurate analysis. 5. If there is a suspicion that the pipe is faulty, please provide marking details from the pipe. Please return both fitting and pipe with a report to us for investigation, by either giving it to your local representative, or posting it to Speedfit Africa. Please ensure all parts are placed in a sealed bag prior to sending. 10
Contact us Head Office: 4 Savannah Park 2a Sneezewood Lane Glen Anil Durban 4051 Call us on: +27 (0)31 569 3073 Mail us: Speedfit Africa PO BOX 20605 Durban North 4016 Skype us at: Speedfitafrica e-mail us at: info@speedfitafrica.co.za accounts@speedfitafrica.co.za Fax us on: +27 (0)31 569 3074 or +27 (0)86 629 0409 www.speedfitafrica.co.za Our national team of Sales and Product Consultants are available to help installers get the best from the Speedfit System. Please contact us for an introduction to your local team. If you would like to add Speedfit to your range, please call to arrange an appointment and make the right connection. Product Support The Speedfit Africa Technical Advisory Service is available to assist and advise on all aspects of using the Speedfit system. The service is available between 8.00am and 4.00pm, Monday to Friday on Telephone No. +27(0)31 5693073 and Fax No. +27(0)31 5693074. E-mail queries can be sent to info@speedfitafrica.co.za The John Guest Speedfit Technical Advisory Service (UK based) is available to assist and advise on all aspects of using the Speedfit system. The service is available between 9.00am and 4.30pm (UK time), Monday to Friday on Telephone No. +44(0)1895 425333 and Fax No. +44(0)1895 425350. While John Guest Ltd warrants their products against defects in manufacture and materials, it is the responsibility of any user/installer to ensure that the fittings and related products are suitable for their application, that the installation is carried out correctly, and that the installation is properly maintained. Due to the wide variety of operating conditions, applications and uses of our products, it is the user s (specifier s) responsibility, through their own testing and analysis, to ensure correct product selection for their application. Products should be used only in accordance with the manufacturers guidelines and all installations should be fully pressure tested before handover to the final user. Speedfit fittings and pipe are SABS approved to SANS 15875-1, 2, 3 & 5:2004