Technical Information

Products

This technical data sheet outlines the general specifications for the products listed below. Please be aware that specific details may vary between products. For precise information tailored to each product, please consult the relevant product page on our website.

Product Codes

4090G, 4092G, 4130G, 4243G, 4270G, 4341G, 5001a, 5002a, 5040, 5041, 5085, 5086, 5090, 5092, 5130, 5130R, 5240, 5243, 5270, 5301, B020, C803SFEF, C805SCEF, C901EF, C903SFEF, C904LEF, C905SCEF, C906EF, FA, FFL5221, P440EF, P717EF, P737EF, P803WPEF

Approvals

Flowflex holds ISO certifications independently audited by the British Standards Institute, ensuring credibility and trust with consumers, clients, and business partners alike. We take pride in these certifications and are committed to continuous improvement to better serve our clients.

Standards

The products in this range are manufactured in accordance with the following standards to ensure superior quality, safety, performance, and compatibility:

Manufacturing

The products in this range are manufactured in accordance with the following standards:

• BS EN 1092-3: Connections with Copper Alloy Flanges
• BS EN 1254: Copper and Copper Alloy Plumbing Fittings
• BS EN 1254-1: Capillary Fittings for Soldering or Brazing to Copper Tubes
• BS EN 1254-5: Capillary Fittings With Short Ends For Brazing to Copper Tubes

Connections

The products in this range are engineered to establish connections in compliance with the following standards:

• BS EN 1092-3: Connections with Copper Alloy Flanges
• BS EN 1254-1: Capillary Fittings for Soldering or Brazing to Copper Tubes
• BS EN 1254-4: Plumbing Fittings with Threaded Connections
• BS EN 1254-5: Capillary Fittings With Short Ends For Brazing to Copper Tubes
• BS EN ISO 17672: Brazing Alloys
• BS EN ISO 9453: Soft Solder Alloys
• ISO 228-1: Parallel Threads
• ISO 7-1: Tapered Threads

Complimentary Products

The products in this range are specifically designed to work with products that adhere to the following standards:

• BS EN 1057: Copper Tube for Water and Gas in Sanitary and Heating Applications
• ISO 228-1: Parallel Threads
• ISO 7-1: Tapered Threads

Working Conditions

Applications

Products in this range are designed and manufactured to deliver reliable performance in the following applications. However, please review each product individually for detailed information on its specific intended uses.

• Domestic Low Pressure Gas to EN 1775
• Compressed Air
• Chilled Water Systems
• Fire Protection Services to EN 12845
• Hot and Cold Water Services to EN 806
• High Pressure Gas to EN 15001
• Refrigeration
• Closed Heating Systems to EN 12828
• Drainage Systems
• Liquid Fuels to 12514

If you plan to use our products outside of the specified applications, you are required to obtain our approval before proceeding with installation.

Choosing Your Brazing Alloy

When brazing Flowflex products, ensure that your brazing material adheres to the EN ISO 17672 standard.

If you have chosen an alloy that contains lead or cadmium, ensure that you are in compliance with your local regulations as in some cases it may not be permitted for potable water installations.

Choosing Your Soldering Alloy

When soldering Flowflex products, ensure that your soldering material complies with the EN ISO 9453 standard.

If you have chosen an alloy that contains lead or cadmium, ensure that you are in compliance with your local regulations as in some cases it may not be permitted for potable water installations.

How To Prepare Your Copper Pipe

Equipment

Tools

• Pipe Cutter
• Deburring Tool
• Hand Protection

Supplies

• Copper Pipe

Installation Steps

Cut Your Pipe To Size

Cut Your Pipe To Size

Cut your pipe cleanly across the tube diameter using a good quality pipe cutter or rotary pipe cutter.

Cut Your Pipe Accurately

Cut Your Pipe Accurately

It is important to ensure that the pipe ends are clean and cut square. Failure to do so could impact on the quality of your jointing. If your cut is not flat, or your pipe is too short, the pipe may not hit the pipe stop compromising the joint integrity. Too long and you may introduce strain into the whole system.

Clean The Socket Of The Pipe

Clean The Socket Of The Pipe

Using your deburring tool, make sure the inside of the pipe is smooth and will not interfere with the flow.

Clean The Outside Of The Pipe

Clean The Outside Of The Pipe

Clean the outside of the pipe, making sure that there is no pipe residue, dirt or grit is present near the joint. Failure to remove all oxides and any material where the fittings and tube overlap can interfere with the capillary action and thus will reduce the strength of the soldered joint, resulting in failure.

To the same effect, over zealous cleaning can result in too much material being removed, resulting in a loose fit and failure.

How To Install Flowflex End Feed Fittings

Equipment

Tools

• Flame
• Hand & Eye Protection

Supplies

• Copper Pipe
• End Feed Fittings
• Solder (EN ISO 9453) or Brazing Rod (EN ISO 17672)
• Flux

Installation Steps

Apply Flux

Apply Flux

As soon as possible after cleaning, flux should be applied sparingly to the inside of the fitting and also the outside of the pipe at the point of overlap. This will help the capillary action and induce a stronger joint.

Assemble

Assemble

Insert the tube into the fitting until the pipe reaches the base of the pipe stop. A small twist can also be applied to ensure even coverage of the flux. At this point, excess flux should be wiped away using a rag.

Before proceeding to the next step, a uniform space around the circumference of the joint should be sought to allow for good capillary action. Excessive space can lead to cracking of the solder.

Heating

Heating

When heating, the entire circumference of the fitting should be heated evenly. It is recommended that you preheat the pipe and the fitting before applying direct heat.

Do Not Overheat the Joint

Do Not Overheat the Joint

Do not overheat the joint or direct the flame into the face of the fitting cup. Overheating could burn the flux, which will compromise its effectiveness and the solder will not enter the joint properly.

Apply Solder

Apply Solder

Touch the joint with the solder. If the solder does not melt, take it away and continue heating. If the solder begins to melt, push the solder into the joint whilst continuing to heat the base of the joint.

Solder joints depend on capillary action to draw the free-flowing solder into the narrow clearance between the tube and the fitting. Molten solder metal is drawn into the joint due to the capillary action, regardless of whether the flow is upwards, downwards or horizontal.

Cooling And Cleaning

Cooling And Cleaning

You should allow the joint to cool naturally. Cooling the joint forcefully could stress the joint.

When cool, remove any excess flux and residue with a wet rag.

Larger fittings require brazing instead of soldering. Brazing requires the same steps as above, but Brazing Rod must be used instead of Solder. Typically the Fitting will need to be heating to a much higher temperature also.

How To Assemble Threaded Connections

Threaded connections are typically either taper male threads to ISO 7 or parallel female threads to ISO 228. The most common sizes feature parallel male threads to ISO 228. These fittings are commonly used to connect pipework to boilers, pumps, and backplate elbows, ensuring secure and reliable connections in plumbing and heating systems.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure secure, reliable connections in your plumbing systems, enhancing overall performance and longevity.

Taper Male Threads

For taper male threads, apply a small amount of inert jointing compound or PTFE tape before installation. This ensures a secure and leak-free connection.

Parallel Male Threads

When installing parallel male threads, such as those used for cisterns and cylinders, a high-quality jointing washer should be used to create a reliable seal and prevent leaks.

Tightening Guidance For Threaded Connections

Testing Your Installation

Flowflex products are designed to comply with normal installation specifications, such as BS 806-4. As such, we strongly recommend that all systems are thoroughly tested upon completion. Whenever possible, completed systems should also be flushed to remove any debris, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

Testing Hydraulic Installations

For hydraulic-based installations, the system should be tested to 1.65 times the system’s maximum operating pressure. This pressure should be maintained for at least 30 minutes to help identify any potential issues and confirms the system’s integrity.

If higher test pressures are required for your specific application, please contact us for further guidance and support.

Flowflex End Feed Electrical Continuity

Equipotential Bonding forms an important part of an installation, which ensures that all metalwork may be earthed or at least has the same potential to reduce the risk of equipment damage and personal injury. Isolated fittings or valves are not required to be bonded.

Flowflex End Feed Fittings provide guaranteed electrical continuity when correctly assembled with BS EN 1057 Copper Tube.

After all plumbing work has been completed, always ensure continuity checks are conducted by a qualified electrician in accordance with regulations (BS 7671).