Electrofusion Fittings

Electrofusion fittings are specifically designed for reliable, high performance pipe joining and long system life. Complete with automated fusion system, modern Electrofusion fittings have proven to be most economical due to the low potential for operator error.

Fittings directly compatible with the computerized control box being used give information on heating and cooling time directly without any need for operator override. Bar codes are also supplied on the fittings for manual swiping and automatic jointing. The least preferred and reliable method is for the operator to read and manually input the data for heating and cooling times.

Features & Benefits

• Automated computer-controlled jointing to ensure safe, dependable connections
• Computerized data retrieval for proof of a good job, well done
• Proven high performance in gas and water distribution and industrial applications
• Quick to install
• Stronger pipe jointing than compression fittings
• 16 bar rated
• 4.7mm standard UK pin size

Applications

• Drinking water
• Industrial & sewage water
• Gas – for installations under BSEN:1555 pt 3

Standards

• BSEN 12201 - Water
• BSEN 1555 - Gas (installations under British Gas approval should be yellow)
• WIS 4-32-14 - Water

Couplers & Bends

Reducers

63 - 125mm Electrofusion Couplers & Bends

63 - 125mm Electrofusion Reducers

140 - 225mm Electrofusion Couplers & Bends

140 - 225mm Electrofusion Reducers

250 - 400mm Electrofusion Couplers & Bends

250 - 400mm Electrofusion Reducers

Jointing different types of PE

Any PE80 pipe can be joined to another PE80 pipe either by Butt-fusion or Electrofusion. Different manufacturers may have alternative material grades, but as long as the materials are the same i.e. both PE80, they can be joined with the same technique. This also applies to PE100 pipes.

Jointing pipes with different SDRs

Butt-fusion should only be used for jointing pipes of the same OD and SDR value.

Electrofusion can be used to weld pipes of the same OD with different SDR values and therefore wall thickness. However the maximum working pressure of the pipe must not:

• exceed the pressure rating marked on the fitting
• exceed the lower pressure value of the two pipes, if different SDR values

Electrofusion Jointing Guide

This guide is an overview only, if using Electrofusion to joint fabricated fittings and pipe, installation must be carried out by an operative trained in Electrofusion and in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines.

Installation Review

• Ensure equipment that is clean, in good condition and regularly maintained
• Use mechanical pipe preparation tooling wherever possible
• Ensure that cutters/blades of mechanical scrapers are clean and in good condition
• Check that you have somewhere clean and dry to place tools and equipment during the Electrofusion process
• Jointing surface of pipe must be dry, clean and suitably scraped
• Check Electrofusion equipment is compatible with fittings – different Electrofusion fittings can have different pin sizes (UK standard is 4.7mm) and automated capability
• Check that the fusion time displayed matches that on the fitting
• Fittings should be dry clean and within their protective wrapping
• Only use alcoholic wipes if the pipe has been previously scraped (>1 minute) to ensure grease removal. A freshly scraped pipe inserted into the fitting immediately is preferred Alcoholic wipes should not be used on Gas pipelines.
• Coiled pipes tend to suffer from ovality. As a result they need to be re-rounded prior to Electrofusion
• Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions

A basic electrofusion kit for jointing polyethylene pipes should include:

• Automatic or manual Electrofusion control box compatible with fittings & appropriate leads
• Compatible generator
• Pipe scraper (mechanical / hand)
• Restraining, aligning and insertion equipment
• Re-rounding clamp
• Rubber hammer
• Alcoholic wipes
• Marker pen
• Data retrieval & barcode scanner (if not built in to control box)

Butt-fusion Jointing Guide

This guide is an overview only, if using Butt-fusion to joint fabricated fittings and pipe, installation must be carried out by an operative trained in Butt-fusion and in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines.

Installation Overview

• Ensure equipment that is clean, in good condition and regularly maintained
• Ensure that the correct jointing parameters for the machine type and pipe are known
• Check the heating plate is clean and dry
• Check the trimmer is clean and that the blades are not damaged and in the correct position for the required pipe size
• Ensure that the generator is in good condition and has sufficient fuel
• A tent is available to provide shelter during welding and end caps are available
• Check that the pipe and fittings are compatible – size of pipe, wall thickness (SDR) and material (PE80 or PE100) is the same
• The pipes and fittings to be jointed are of the same size
• Jointing surface of pipe must be dry, clean and suitably scraped
• Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions

A basic electrofusion kit for jointing polyethylene pipes should include:

• Butt-fusion machine with correct sized clamp shells, trimmer, heater plate, hydraulic pump and timer
• Compatible generator
• Pipe support rollers
• Welding tent / shelter and groundsheet
• Cleaning material, lint free cotton cloth or paper towel
• Pipe cutters
• External/ internal de-beading tool
• Data transfer options
• Printer / Minitran
• Pipe end cover caps
• Indelible marker pen