There seems to be some confusion in the HVAC/R industry right now about press fittings. So RLS – manufacturer of the original RLS (Rapid Locking System) press fittings that were first sold under the ZoomLock brand name – wants to set the record straight.

While you can’t always trust what you hear, you can always trust the facts. And here are some undisputed facts about HVAC/R press fittings:

FACT: RLS is the inventor, patent holder and manufacturer of the original HVAC/R press fittings, which were introduced under the ZoomLock brand in 2015, through an exclusive agreement with Parker Hannifin Corporation’s Sporlan division. The fittings were designed and engineered – and continue to be made – in America.

FACT: The exclusive agreement ended in late 2019, and RLS stopped supplying fittings for ZoomLock in August of 2020. (See the official announcement here)

FACT: In August of 2020, Parker began selling press fittings manufactured in Europe by Conex Banninger (the Conex B MaxiPro line) under the “ZoomLock Max” name.

FACT: RLS now sells the exact same fittings, tools and jaws that were originally sold as ZoomLock under their own RLS brand name. That is why the original ZoomLock tools and jaws still work perfectly with RLS fittings – and always will.

FACT: Any rumors being circulated about RLS/ZoomLock jaws needing to be “traded in” or replaced are simply not true.

FACT: RLS fittings and jaws use a patented double circular press, with 360˚ metal-to-metal connections. ZoomLock Max/Conex B MaxiPro fittings and jaws use a hexagonal press similar to what is used in plumbing.

FACT: RLS fittings have a 6+ year proven track record of success worldwide. Conex Banninger introduced the new B MaxiPro design sometime after June of 2019.

FACT: The only difference between the original ZoomLock fittings and the current RLS fittings is the name. The product is identical – and made in the same American factory.

Want more facts? You can get them from the source by visiting rapidlockingsystem.com or emailing sales@rapidlockingsystem.com.

RLS^® LLC (“RLS”), manufacturer of the first press-to-connect fittings for the HVAC and refrigeration industries, announces the launch of their new RLS Certified Installer online training program at training.rapidlockingsystem.com. The new training portal walks HVAC/R contractors through the step-by-step process of making reliable, permanent copper tube connections using RLS press technology.

“We’re very excited to offer this comprehensive new training program for users of RLS press fittings,” said Paul Schubert, President of RLS. “The new portal explains our patented press technology, how and why it works so well, and the steps required for proper installation. Both audio descriptions and video demonstrations are used to reinforce the material and facilitate learning.”

Users must pass a series of quizzes as they work through each section of the training program, as well as a final test after completing the entire course. After passing the final test, a customized certificate of completion can be downloaded.

In conjunction with the new training program launch, RLS has also introduced a new company logo. The new design comes as the company celebrates the sixth anniversary of the introduction of its revolutionary technology to the HVAC/R market. Originally introduced in 2015 under the ZoomLock® brand through a partnership with Parker Hannifin Corporation, RLS fittings are now sold exclusively under the RLS brand.

“Now that RLS press fittings have taken on their own identity in the marketplace, we felt it was time to give our logo a new look that represents our leadership position in the industry,” said Schubert. “The logo emphasizes our patented fitting design, including the unique flared ends which make it instantly recognizable as an HVAC/R fitting, setting it apart from those used for plumbing.”

RLS designs, develops, and proudly manufactures its fittings in America, at its centrally located Missouri factory. The press fittings replace the time-consuming and demanding conventional practice of manually brazing HVAC/R copper joints. RLS fittings allow for faster, more consistent connections that reduce total installed cost while also enhancing safety, since they do not require an open flame.

RLS is a subsidiary of Marmon Holdings, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company. For more information, visit rapidlockingsystem.com or training.rapidlockingsystem.com for the new online training program.

RLS Will Now Supply Its Patented Press Fittings Exclusively Under Its Own Brand

RLS® LLC (“RLS”) will no longer supply its patented press fittings to Parker Hannifin Corporation (“Parker”) for the ZoomLock™ brand. RLS is making this announcement to help avoid confusion in the marketplace as to the source and quality of fittings sold under the ZoomLock brand going forward.

RLS is a subsidiary of Marmon Holdings, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company. RLS designs, develops, and proudly manufactures in America its patented fittings engineered for high- pressure connections in the air conditioning and refrigeration industries. By replacing the time-consuming and demanding conventional practice of manually brazing copper joints, RLS’s fittings allow for faster, more consistent connections that reduce total installed cost while enhancing safety.

RLS introduced its patented fittings in 2015 and partnered exclusively with Parker at that time. RLS has since manufactured and supplied millions of fittings for Parker’s Sporlan Division to sell under the ZoomLock brand.

However, RLS recently decided not to renew its exclusive partnership with Parker. This decision was made, in part, because RLS believes discounted pricing provided to Parker was not passed along to customers as intended. Paul Schubert, President of RLS LLC, said Parker has paid back most of the discounts at issue and RLS expects to fully recover the remaining funds.

RLS has also learned Parker plans to source fittings for its ZoomLock brand from Conex Universal Limited (“Conex”) in the United Kingdom.

RLS previously filed patent lawsuits against Conex in the United States and the United Kingdom alleging Conex infringed claims of RLS’s patents. RLS and Conex agreed to settle the lawsuits as reported here. As part of the settlement, Conex agreed, without admitting liability or infringement, that it would stop selling the design of its fitting that RLS accused of infringement in the lawsuits.

Today, RLS’s patented fittings remain the only complete range of refrigerant press fittings and are featured in the Copper Tube Handbook. They are also backed by a 10-year limited warranty and proven by millions of fittings installed.

“To be clear, RLS will no longer supply its patented, proven, and made in America product line to Parker to sell under the ZoomLock brand,” Schubert said. “To ensure end users are equipped with the high-quality product they need and have come to expect, look for RLS’s fittings under its own branding going forward. The RLS brand is your assurance of the same quality connection.”

Visit RLS’s website at www.rapidlockingsystem.com for more information on where to find and purchase RLS’s patented fittings.