Installation Guide

21
Exposed pipework
On long exposed runs of pipework, the expansion of
Speedfit pipe when warm (1% on length between
20 to 82°C) can cause it to sag between clip fixings.
When this is undesirable, pipework can be boxed in.
Speedfit pipe and fittings are stabilised to withstand
limited exposure to ultra-violet radiation in sunlight
but are not designed for permanent direct exposure.
Under such conditions painting or lagging is required.
Pipe and fittings should also be lagged to prevent
frost damage.
Chemical eects
Only water or oil based paints should be used. Do not
allow Speedfit fittings to come into contact with jointing
compounds, cellulose based paints, paint thinners or
strippers, solder flux, acid based descalents or aggressive
cleaning products including those below pH4, high in
hypochlorite (e.g. bleach) or containing hydrogen
peroxide. (See the disinfection of hot and cold water
systems section of the installation advice for specifically
permitted disinfection procedures).
If there is a risk of any chemical treatments coming into
contact with Speedfit, please contact the Technical
Advisory Service first to check compatibility.
Fluxes and Speedfit
Speedfit does not recommend that fluxes of any type
come into contact with our pipe and fittings. However,
if fluxes are to be used in an environment where Speedfit
is installed then we recommend installers use non-acidic
and zinc chloride free fluxes such as Fernox Flux.
Acoustic
Properly installed, Speedfit pipes are virtually silent in
operation and do not resonate; they absorb the acoustic
vibrations and pressure waves created by cavitations,
water hammer, float operated valve oscillation and
other hydraulic eects. The inherent flexibility of Speedfit
pipe eectively eliminates these troublesome problems,
including those that occur when, due to thermal
expansion, metal pipes rub against structural members
and where long, straight runs of rigid pipe amplify water
borne noise.
Protection against rodents
When used in locations vulnerable to rodent attack,
all plastic pipes and fittings should be adequately
protected within sealed ducts. Speedfit products along
with other materials such as electrical cables may be
damaged if rodents are present. If vermin infestation is
suspected then a rodent exterminator should take
appropriate action to prevent structural damage
or disease.
Biological
No taste, colour, odour or toxicity is imparted to water
by Speedfit components, nor do they promote
microbiological growth. In accordance with BS7291 Part 1
requirements, the opacity of both pipes and fittings
allows insucient light to pass for the growth of algae.
Tests within the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme,
have approved Speedfit pipe and fittings to BS 6920
for water quality.
System testing
On completion of the plumbing and heating system it is
essential that system checking and a hydraulic wet test
takes place. Connections to boilers, radiators and sanitary
ware should first be capped or plugged. Testing should
be carried out at 2 bar for 10 minutes followed by 10 bar
for 10 minutes. This testing combined with other relevant
checks, should reveal most system problems. Any
components within the system not designed to take
these pressures should be disconnected.
Before carrying out a
pressure test ensure all
Speedfit pipe and fittings
are installed correctly.
Speedfit Barrier Pipe is
printed with insertion
marks to help ensure
full insertion has
been achieved.
Remember pressure testing is NOT a substitute for
making sure fittings are clean and free of any grit,
dirt or swarf and the pipe is correctly inserted
(see Making a Good Connection).
System commissioning
and flushing
With existing systems, flushing prior to the use of Speedfit
is essential to remove any harmful contamination or
chemical residues from elsewhere in the system.
For the installation of central heating systems flushing
procedures must be in line with BS7593 code of practice
for treatment of water in domestic hot water heating
systems. Flux residues used in the soldering of capillary
fittings are very corrosive. Dirt and grit, which can enter
the system when Speedfit pipe is being pushed through
underfloor or across a roof space, must be removed.
During the commissioning of a heating system, all air must
be removed from the system before the boiler is allowed to
fire. This will ensure pockets of air do not cause localized
overheating within the system as this could have a
detrimental aect on the pipework and boiler.