JONES STEPHENS: Pexalgas FAQ
Q. What is the relevant regulation for the correct installation of the system? A. PEXALGAS must be installed in accordance with the PEXALGAS Installation Manual, and in accordance with any local building regulations.
Q. Is there an International Standard that regulates the production of multilayer gas systems? A. Yes. PEXALGAS is compliant with ASTM F1281 (PEX-AL-PEX pipe), the IFGC (International Fuel Gas Code), IRC (International Residential Code) and the UPC (Uniform Plumbing Code) per ICC-ES report PMG-1588.
Q. What are the main features of the PEXALGAS fittings? A. PEXALGAS fittings are press fittings. They are manufactured with CW617N brass alloy and they are equipped with a yellow O-ring with CE label, which is made of HNBR, in compliance with EN 682. The fittings are equipped with an AISI 304 stainless steel sleeve supported by a plastic ring, which makes clear its use: fuel gas transportation. The fittings can be easily recognized thanks to a specific Gas marking compliant with the product standards.
Q. What are the available diameters of PEXALGAS range? A. Jones Stephens provides a range of PEXALGAS pipes: 16×2 (16 mm diameter and 2 mm wall thickness), 20×2, 26×3 and 32×3.
Q. Is PEXALGAS pipe supplied in different lengths? A. The 16mm and 20mm diameters are available in 100-meter-long coils; 26mm and 32mm diameters are available in 50-meter-long coils.
Q. What does E.Q. mean? A. E.Q. stands for Equivalent Size. Equivalent size is the closest U.S. fitting size and is included for reference only.
Q. Can I install manifolds in a domestic system? A. Yes. Q. What is the fire rating of PEXALGAS pipe? A. PEXALGAS piping is fire resistant, rated C-S2,D0 according to EN 13501-1.
Q. What is the maximum operating pressure (MOP) of the PEXALGAS system? A. The pressure rating for PEXALGAS pipe is 72.5 PSI, but the normal operating pressure of a domestic installation is far lower (generally below 5 PSI).
Q. Which crimping profiles are compatible with PEXALGAS fittings? A. PEXALGAS fittings can only be used with a Jones Stephens PEXALGAS pressing tool. PEXALGAS™ FAQs JONES STEPHENS Phone 800.355.6637 | Fax 800.462.6991 | Web www.jonesstephens.com
Q: Are there any tools that are compatible with the Jones Stephens PEXALGAS press jaws? A: Yes, the jaws are compatible with the following:
- Klauke: UAP 2, UNP 2, UP2EL-14, HPU2, UAP4L, UAP3L, UAP 332, UAP 432 and Uponor UP 75 EL model
- Milwaukee: M 18 presstool model and M 18 long throw presstool
- Nibco: PC-280 • Pressfit: Puma and Puma RR model
- Rems: Power-Press E, Power-Press SE, Power-Press 2000, Power-Press, Power-Press ACC, Power Press XL ACC, Accu Press, Accu Press ACC and Accu Press 22V ACC model
- Ridgid: RP 10-S, RP 10-B, RP 300, 320-E, RP 330, RP 340-C, RP 340-B, RP 342-XL and RP 350 model
- Rothenberger: Vario 2000, Vario-Press 1000 APC, Romax Pressliner, Romax Pressliner Eco, Pressliner, Pressliner Eco, Romax AC Eco, Romax 3000 AC and Romax 4000 model
- Virax: P10 Virax P 22+, M 30+, P 25+ and P 30+ model
Q. What kind of fuel gas can the PEXALGAS system transport? A. Natural gas and LP (Propane) gas.
Q. Which operations should I follow to install a PEXALGAS fitting to its pipe? A. 1. Cut the pipe with a proper pipe cutter. 2. Calibrate the pipe extremity inserting completely the pipe gauge into it and then start rotating; the gauge bottom has a milling part that chamfer the internal diameter of the pipe. Potential leftovers inside the pipe need to be removed. 3. Insert the pipe into the fitting and verify that the pipe has reached the bottom of the fitting by seeing the yellow pipe color through the inspection holes on its sleeve. 4. If using an electric (automated) crimping tool, place the jaws over the fitting sleeve and push the activation button (according to the instructions of the electric crimping tool). This is an automatic operation: most automated crimping tools will return to the open position when the crimp is complete. If using the manual crimping tool, place the jaws over the fitting sleeve. 5. Now, you can remove the jaw from the fitting. Remember to verify that the pipe has not moved during the operation.
Q. Can I avoid the calibration of the pipe? A. The calibration step is mandatory. If the pipe isn’t calibrated, the insertion of the pipe into the fitting can be difficult and can cause some rifling on the internal layer of the pipe damaging the connection and compromising the gastight seal.
Q. When do I know that my crimping tool needs maintenance? A. See instructions for crimping tool.
Q. Do I need to respect a minimum distance between fittings during the installation? A. The minimum distance between two sleeves must be no less than the diameter of the installed pipe. A shorter distance could jeopardize the functioning of the same. PEXALGAS™ FAQs JONES STEPHENS Phone 800.355.6637 | Fax 800.462.6991 | Web www.jonesstephens.com
Q. Can the PEXALGAS system be directly installed into concrete or underground? A. PEXALGAS may be installed underground or into concrete in accordance with the installation manual. Underground pipes must be laid at a distance of at least 3 feet from any waste pipes and they must be positioned above the same. The piping does not require any protection in particular when laid underground, as long as an appropriate bedding is prepared for the pipes and the same are covered with a layer of at least 8 inches of fine sand or strained clay. Underground pipes that enter the building must be fitted with a sealed sleeve at the end, in order to prevent water, gas and animals from entering the building. Jones Stephens does not recommend burial of brass fittings or components.
Q. What is the minimum required radius to bend the PEXALGAS pipes? A. The multilayer pipe can be manually bent up to D. 20 with a minimum radius of 5 times the pipe diameter. Using an external or internal bending spring the minimum radius can be reduced to 4 times the pipe diameter. The pipe manual bender allows a radius of 2.5 times the pipe diameter (the bending radius is given by the bending tool).
Q. Can I reuse pipes and fittings of other installations that have fallen into disuse? A. The reuse of neglected items (pipes and fittings) from dismantled installation is forbidden.
Q. Is it possible to combine PEXALGAS pipes with fittings of other manufacturers and vice versa? A. No.
