29
I-800
Threaded Connections
Threaded connections require application of a thread sealant that has
been tested and approved for use with CPVC material. Victaulic recom-
mends the use of Spears Manufacturing Blue 75 Thread Sealant or IPS
Weld-On Teal Seal. These products have been tested specifically for
compatibility with Victaulic FireLock CPVC Sprinkler System Products.
However, it is important to contact the sprinkler manufacturer to verify
chemical compatibility with their products.
In addition, cutting oils used while threading metal pipe can cause stress
cracks in CPVC material. Before making threaded connections, threaded
metal pipe must be flushed and degreased to remove cutting oil.
Victaulic strongly recommends the pastes listed above; however, tape
can be used, provided the following requirements are followed.
NOTE:
Tape sealant must be used properly to prevent “wedging” of tapered pipe
threads, which can cause joint failure due to excessive stress on the fit-
ting.
DO NOT USE A COMBINATION OF PASTE AND TAPE ON
THREADED CONNECTIONS.
• The thickness of the tape
MUST
be a minimum of 25 mil. Tape less than
25-mil thick will not provide sufficient sealing.
• The initial wrap of tape
MUST
fully cover the end of the threads. Failure
to fully cover the end of the threads can cause seizing of the threads,
which produces a false sense of tightening the joint properly. Additional
attempts to tighten a joint with seized threads can cause damage to the
pipe and fittings.
• Tape
MUST
be wrapped
CLOCKWISE
for standard pipe threads. Tape
that is wrapped in the wrong direction will bunch and create uneven
sealing.
•
DO NOT EXCEED 2 – 3 OVERLAPPING WRAPS OF TAPE.
Excess
tape increases the male thread diameter and causes stress to the joint.
1.
Apply sealant to the male threads only. Make sure all threads are
covered. DO NOT clog the waterway with excessive sealant.
2.
Thread the sprinkler into the fitting by hand until finger-tight.
3.
To tighten the sprinkler completely into the fitting, use an adjustable
wrench on the flats of the sprinkler adapter and a sprinkler wrench
designed specifically for the sprinkler. When a pipe wrench is used,
Victaulic recommends the use of a smooth-jawed wrench or a strap
wrench when installing threaded connections. DO NOT use tools with
teeth or conventional pipe wrenches on any part of a fitting for CPVC
pipe.
4.
DO NOT over-torque threaded connections. Generally, one to two
turns beyond finger-tight are required to make a threaded connection.
Factory testing indicates 10 ft-lbs minimum to 25 ft-lbs maximum of
torque for obtaining a proper seal.
I-800 2755 Rev_I.fm Page 29 Tuesday, September 13, 2005 8:46 AM