What's A Compression Fitting?
As a rule of thumb, compression fittings are most commonly used for domestic, commercial and light industrial projects. Manually installed with wrenches, they offer quick and effective installation of MDPE and HDPE water pipes as well as systems for other fluids, compressed air and certain gases.
The sealing ferrule within a compression fitting may be made of plastic, rubber or even hard metal, depending on the application. Compression fittings may also feature adaptations to suit the requirements of a wide range of applications. For example: to ensure complete impermeability, seals made from softer materials may feature an insert that supports the inner wall of the tube.
Features and benefits of compression fittings:
- Inexpensive and widely available from plumbers/builders merchants, DIY stores etc.
- Shorter in length and more compact than insert-style fittings
- Easy for non-skilled persons to install without specialist training, tools or equipment
- Fast, low-cost installation
- Extremely reliable, so ideal for waste pipes and traps
- Good flow characteristics due to uninterrupted inner surfaces
- Durable and able to withstand all weather conditions
- Can often be reused
Limitations of compression fittings:
- They are less resistant to vibration than fittings with soldered or welded joints
- A reliable seal is less tolerant of connecting surfaces that are not completely round or have longitudinal scratches
- If pipework isn’t properly restrained when installed, subsequent repeated bending or movement can cause the ferrule to lose its grip on the pipe and the fitting to slip out of position
What's An Electrofusion Fitting?
Electrofusion fittings are designed for industrial applications such as gas or water supply and cable ducting, where higher performance and strength will be demanded of them and safety is paramount.
Using fittings made from high-grade polymers known for their low rate of degradation, the electrofusion process uniformly diffuses heat across the joining surfaces to create a safe and reliable welded joint that will withstand higher pressure than any other fittings on the market.
If professionally done, electrofusion guarantees an exceptionally strong, air- and watertight homogenous connection.
Features and benefits of electrofusion fittings:
- Long service life from high-grade material that is non-corrosive and has a low degradation rate
- Capable of withstanding high water/fluid or air/gas pressure
- Reduced likelihood of joint failure due to movement
- Enhanced safety and reliability (currently the system most widely used in the gas sector)
Limitations of electrofusion fittings:
- The welding process means installation takes more time than with compression fittings
- Most European countries require installation to be carried out by trained and certified personnel
- Requires the purchase or rental of expensive equipment
- Extremes in ambient temperature during installation may extend the process, incurring additional costs and installation difficulties
- Extreme heat or cold during the welding process can also permanently compromise the integrity of the weld.
In summary, compression fittings seem to be the preferred choice for most water supply and drainage applications, due to cost, availability and ease of use. However, if you are using it for gas, compressed air or other fluids, electrofusion will undoubtedly give better overall performance and longer service life, safety and peace of mind.
Still like to learn more about compression and electrofusion fittings? Then speak to the experts at Drainfast, one of the UK’s leading providers of specialist drainage supplies and related products. You can call them on 01730 774000 or email [email protected] for prompt and friendly advice and assistance.
Written by
Vicki James
Sales & Marketing Coordinator
Vicki is a vital part of the marketing team; from reporting to copywriting, she ensures we complete projects on time.
