The popularity of PEX in residential and commercial construction has produced an influx of engineered polymer (EP) F1960 expansion fittings claiming to be “just the same as Uponor ProPEX®”. However, these lower-quality F1960 fittings are putting systems and contractors at significant risk for leaks or poor performance. Uponor ProPEX fittings are certified by a third-party Read more
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The popularity of PEX in residential and commercial construction has produced an influx of engineered polymer (EP) F1960 expansion fittings claiming to be “just the same as Uponor ProPEX®”. However, these lower-quality F1960 fittings are putting systems and contractors at significant risk for leaks or poor performance.
Uponor ProPEX fittings are certified by a third-party agency, NSF International, to prove the product is designed and manufactured to the ASTM F1960 standard. In addition, ProPEX fittings also include additional internal quality testing that extends beyond ASTM F1960 standard requirements to provide a higher-quality product.
Some suppliers claim their fittings are compliant to F1960, which means, in their opinion, they meet the standard. However, there is no third-party agency to confirm that compliance. This confusion between certification and compliance is resulting in PEX piping installations with lower-quality connections that are putting systems at risk for failure and jeopardizing installers’ reputations.
Uponor has performed a random sampling of these lower-quality F1960 EP fittings and found them to have a reduced internal diameter — up to 50% in some instances. Additionally, Uponor has received claims for failed connections that, after investigation, were found to be different suppliers’ low-quality F1960 fittings.
Many generic F1960 expansion fittings have a thinner sealing barb and weaker tube stops compared to ProPEX fittings. Those differences can result in leaks that cost time and money to repair — and also damage a contractor’s reputation.
It is important to be vigilant when ordering and purchasing F1960 fittings. Ensure you are getting the superior quality of ProPEX that comes with a 25-year transferable limited warranty when used as a system with Uponor PEX-a pipe and ProPEX rings.
To learn more about the differences in ProPEX and how it can impact your business, visit uponor.com/propex.
RIDGID, part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, introduces the smallest and lightest press tool on the market, the RP 115 Mini Press Tool. Designed for residential and lightweight commercial plumbing use, it completes the majority of press connections installed in the market with ease, while getting professionals to their next job faster. Engineered with the Read more
RIDGID, part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, introduces the smallest and lightest press tool on the market, the RP 115 Mini Press Tool. Designed for residential and lightweight commercial plumbing use, it completes the majority of press connections installed in the market with ease, while getting professionals to their next job faster.
Engineered with the quality and technology that have kept RIDGID first in pressing for decades, the RP 115 can press 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch copper and stainless steel fittings. It is 14.6 inches long, 2.5 inches wide and weighs only 5.5 pounds with battery and jaws. The RP 115 has a SlimGrip handle and optimized trigger for balance and control; one-handed jaw opening and operation for reach and ease of use; and 210-degree head swivel for access to tight spaces.
Visit RIDGID.com for more info.
Webstone®, a brand of NIBCO, announces new Water Heater Service Valve Kits. These kits simplify the installation of water heaters and isolate the water supply and other peripheral devices for service. Hot and cold connection solutions are available with options for your unique installation needs, including isolation valves, vacuum relief valves, and expansion tank service Read more
Webstone®, a brand of NIBCO, announces new Water Heater Service Valve Kits. These kits simplify the installation of water heaters and isolate the water supply and other peripheral devices for service. Hot and cold connection solutions are available with options for your unique installation needs, including isolation valves, vacuum relief valves, and expansion tank service valves.
All kits feature FIP dielectric unions for connection to the water heater and press or sweat options for connection to system piping. All products are forged from lead-free dezincification-resistant brass.
Learn more: www.webstonevalves.com/pro-pal
The Easier, More Economical Way To Locate Leakage The Gen-Ear LE® from General Pipe Cleaners provides a simple, more economical water leak locator with stronger sound amplification than competitive systems offer. Gen-Ear LE can pinpoint water leaks in residential and commercial water lines – including problems in walls and under concrete slabs, swimming pools, and hot Read more
The Easier, More Economical Way To Locate Leakage
The Gen-Ear LE® from General Pipe Cleaners provides a simple, more economical water leak locator with stronger sound amplification than competitive systems offer.
Gen-Ear LE can pinpoint water leaks in residential and commercial water lines – including problems in walls and under concrete slabs, swimming pools, and hot tubs.
General’s compact amplifier fits easily in the palm of your hand – providing noise-free amplification with built-in, preset audio filters to eliminate settings guesswork.
High performance headphones with noise cancellation also block interference from ambient noise. And when released, an amplifier safety button mutes sudden loud noises.
Gen-Ear LE’s advanced acoustic ground sensor accurately detects the gurgling or hammering of water escaping from cracked pipes under concrete, asphalt, or tile. Probe rods pinpoint problems beneath soft surfaces like grass or carpet. And the magnetic attachment locates above ground pipe or hydrant leaks.
For especially hard-to-find leaks, the Sound Amplification Module adds air to the line, increasing water pressure and amplifying leak sounds to aid precise problem location.
Two AA batteries power Gen-Ear LE for 20 or more hours. To extend battery life, the system automatically shuts down when headphones are removed. And the power light blinks to indicate low batteries.
New Fans Are Ready to Help Cool the Hot Months Ahead Comfort Zone®, an established leader in portable heating and cooling products, adds new cooling products just in time for the warmer months ahead. This year’s spring and summer seasons promise to bring the warm weather we have been waiting for. Yet, at times, those Read more
New Fans Are Ready to Help Cool the Hot Months Ahead
Comfort Zone®, an established leader in portable heating and cooling products, adds new cooling products just in time for the warmer months ahead. This year’s spring and summer seasons promise to bring the warm weather we have been waiting for. Yet, at times, those same months bring the need to escape from the discomfort of the high temperatures. Designed to deliver that relief, the new products include three additions to the Comfort Zone® Powr Curve™ product line, which provides 30% more airflow with 20% less noise. Each of Comfort Zone’s new fans offers the right solution for every need.
“At Comfort Zone, our quality cooling solutions are innovative, energy efficient, and value priced,” said Barry Jacobs, VP Product Management and Product Development. “We are proud that these new fans fulfill our enduring mission to support our customers’ health and comfort. And in the heat of the summer months, there is no greater comfort than the cool, fresh air our fans can provide.”
Powr Curve Technology™ Fans are equipped with patented a six-blade JET STREAM design that provides 30% more airflow than traditional models. In addition, with the TRIPLE-ZONE, tri-curve grille, these fans effectively eliminate turbulence for up to 20% less noise. Each fan also has a tilt feature and can be used free-standing or wall-mounted (mounting hardware included), so that customers can adjust the fan whether they are seated, lying down or wherever they need cooling. With this blend of flexibility, power and quiet performance, the new Powr Curve fans are perfect for a wide range of uses.
The new fans from Comfort Zone are:
- Comfort Zone® Powr Curve™ 18” SMART WiFi Oscillating Pedestal Fan (CZST180SBK/CZST180SWT): Featuring the unique 6-blade fan and triple-zone, tri-curve grille design of the Powr Curve technology, this fan delivers 30% higher airflow with 20% less noise than traditional fans, made possible by its 3 fan speeds and the oscillation feature. The fan is WiFi enabled which means that you can control your pedestal fan from anywhere while on the go. Simply download our Comfort Zone app — compatible with both iOS and Android operation systems — from either the App Store or Google Play. Using the app, you can turn the fan on and off, change speeds, turn the oscillation on and off, and schedule the fan to turn on and off automatically. The fans are also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for convenient voice control. Additionally, the fan is wall mountable (brackets included). Available in Black or White. MSRP: 79.99
- Comfort Zone® Powr Curve™ 20” Utility Floor Fan (CZHV206BK): The unique fan blade and grille design of Powr Curve technology means that this all-metal utility fan will provide incredible performance at maximum power. The copper wire, high-efficiency motor delivers 30% higher airflow, and its 180° adjustable tilt allows the flow to be directed exactly where needed. Its sturdy design and versatility make this fan perfect for warehouse, garage, gym, or home. Available in Black. MSRP: $79.99
- Comfort Zone® Powr Curve™ 20” High-Velocity Oscillating Utility Stand Fan (CZHVP206BK): Equipped with 3 convenient speed settings and an impressive oscillation range, this utility stand fan features a copper wire, high-efficiency motor for creating a cool and comfortable environment in the home, workshop, or other large spaces. The durable all-metal post adjusts easily up to 53” in height, allowing a wide-ranging distribution of cool air. The sturdy design ensures not only vibration-free performance but also the fan’s reliability, year after year. Available in Black. MSRP: $119.99
For more information, please visit comfortzoneproducts.com