Today, when replacing plumbing communications in a house, plastic pipes made of polypropylene are in increasing demand. To connect such pipes, soldering irons for plastic pipes are used, which are also called polypropylene soldering irons. If you decide to replace the old pipes in the house with new plastic ones, then you will surely face the task of choosing a polypropylene soldering iron. So, let's figure out what to look for when buying a soldering iron for plastic pipes, what characteristics affect the efficiency and performance of a soldering iron.
Soldering iron power
Power is an important technical characteristic of polypropylene soldering irons. This indicator determines what diameter of pipes can be welded, the heating time of the soldering iron, and also, accordingly, the speed of work (especially if you are replacing pipes professionally). Many uninformed consumers believe that a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes should have a power consumption in the range of 1.5-2 kW. However, if the device will be used for domestic purposes (to connect small-diameter pipes), then the indicated power is too much, since a tool of such power can connect pipes with a diameter of more than 100 mm. Therefore, professionals when choosing a polypropylene soldering iron adhere to the rule: the minimum power must correspond to the value of the pipe diameter multiplied by 10 (i.e. for pipes with a diameter of 50 mm, you must use a soldering iron with a minimum power of 500 W). Thus, if a soldering iron is needed only for home use, then a 1.2 kW device is also quite suitable. If a device is purchased in order to professionally weld plastic pipes, then it is recommended to purchase a device with a capacity of at least 1.8-2.2 kW.
Soldering iron tips
As a rule, nozzles of various diameters are sold complete with a soldering iron, which significantly expands the possibilities of using a soldering iron and increases its functionality. A significant plus of most devices is the ability to install several nozzles at once in order to simultaneously heat plastic pipes of different diameters.
These attachments are available in various coatings. The best and most functional nozzles are considered to be Teflon-coated, as well as from metallized Teflon (they are more durable and differ from other nozzles by uniform heating).
Soldering iron manufacturers
Today, the question of the manufacturer of the soldering iron is insignificant, since it is difficult to judge the quality of the soldering iron, even if it is made in China. But many brands indicate different countries of origin, so buyers have many opinions and ratings on this matter. So, for example, they believe that the best in quality are European, then Turkish, and the Chinese "brainchilds" close the row. But upon closer inspection, it usually turns out that both the Turkish and Russian instruments inside turn out to be Chinese. Chinese soldering irons are quite attractive in terms of "price / quality" criterion, although they are inferior in quality to European ones, but they work out the declared warranty period (of course, subject to the operating conditions).
Let's consider several models of soldering irons of different price groups.
Temp PPT-1200
Soldering iron for plastic pipes Temp PPT-1200 is used for manual contact soldering of polypropylene pipes up to 32 mm in diameter. It is used for socket (socket) soldering of pipes and fittings. The device provides high quality soldering.
Main technical characteristics:
The set of the Temp PPT-1200 soldering iron includes (in addition to the soldering iron itself): a metal case, nozzles, instructions.
Zenit ZPT-2000
Multifunctional soldering iron for plastic pipes Zenith ZPT-2000 from the Russian manufacturer is a convenient and reliable tool for soldering plastic pipes and fittings. Using a soldering iron ZPT-2000, you can easily replace old pipes with polypropylene ones. The device is ideal for manual contact and socket soldering.
Features of this model:
Main technical characteristics:
The set of the ZPT-2000 soldering iron includes: a metal case, teflon-coated nozzles, cutting scissors for pipes, fasteners, instructions, a measuring tape, a screwdriver, a hexagon, gloves.
Vorskla PMZ 1,5 / 6
The soldering iron for plastic pipes PMZ 1.5 / 6 is a reliable and easy-to-use tool. The principle of its operation is quite simple, even a beginner can handle it. The prepared pipe ends are heated to the required temperature and connected. After cooling, the connection is ideally strong. This model of soldering iron is suitable for brazing PP-R and PE plastic pipes.
Main technical characteristics:
Odwerk 20-40
Soldering iron Odwerk 20-40 is a compact machine for socket welding of plastic pipes.
Features of this model:
Main technical characteristics:
The soldering iron kit includes: a soldering iron, a convenient metal case, teflon-coated tips.
Rules and recommendations for work
Working with a soldering iron requires strict adherence to safety requirements. It is necessary to strictly follow the instructions for using the soldering iron, otherwise you can not only connect the pipes poorly, but also be seriously injured.
Using a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes, on the one hand, does not require special training and professional skills, and on the other hand, it is not such a simple matter.
So, soldering is carried out only when the pipes are dry, otherwise the soldering may turn out to be fragile and leaky.
The order of work.
1. At the first stage, it is necessary to shut off the water supply, as well as dismantle the old pipes.
2. It is worth carefully working out a plan for the placement of all plumbing, as well as household appliances that require connection to the system so as to ensure maximum efficiency and practicality.
3. Before using the soldering iron, put it on its feet and fix it.
4. Install the nozzles according to the diameter of the pipes and fittings to be brazed. It should also be borne in mind that when working with polypropylene pipes of different diameters, different times are required for heating and cooling the nozzles.
5. Set the temperature regulator to 260 °.
6. Plug the device into a grounded socket.
7. On the body of the device there is a switch button. When the soldering iron is turned on (for most models), the green indicator lights up, and when the heating elements are heated, it turns red. Some models of soldering iron have two heating elements. Therefore, to quickly warm up the soldering iron, you can turn on both (then turn off one).The heater of the soldering iron of polypropylene pipes is insulated from the body with a special material. When you turn on the device for the first time, a little smoke and smell may appear (don't worry, they should disappear the next time you turn on the device).
8. After heating the nozzles to the required temperature (when the red indicator goes out), the pipe and fitting are installed on the corresponding nozzle and warm up for 5-6 seconds. After the propylene is melted, the pipe and the fitting are connected. Attention, during the connection of parts, it is forbidden to make rotational movements of the parts.
9. After completing the installation work, it is imperative to clean the soldering iron nozzles.
10. After installation work it is necessary to test the system. To check the quality of the seam, sometimes it is enough just to blow into the pipe, and if the air passes easily, then there are no seals. But if the air passes with effort, it means that the connection is of poor quality and it is better to fix the problem immediately. Such "sealing" sometimes occurs when installing small diameter pipes.
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