When it comes to testing for inadvertently unpressed connections for water and compressed air systems, Viega’s unique, patented Smart Connect-Feature is the only guaranteed method in the industry to provide a failsafe solution.

Viega is the first and only manufacturer to incorporate the safety feature on multiple pipe joining systems – both copper and stainless steel. All Viega press fittings offer the unique Smart Connect-Feature. Put simply, the feature means that unpressed fittings automatically leak during the pressure test.

“Normally when systems are tested, the pressure applied is static, so there are no pressure surges which occur during normal system operation when taps are turned on and off etc. In addition, there is usually a pressure differential between floors – e.g. a five-storey apartment may have a 130kPa pressure difference between the top and bottom floor,” says Robert Hardgrove, technical manager/strategic projects with Viega Australia. “It means that inadvertently unpressed fittings may not be readily identified.

“However, with Viega press fittings, such mishaps are prevented. In fact, Viega created the Smart Connect-Feature to make sure these issues don’t occur. This safety feature has been tried and tested millions of times – and it guarantees that any inadvertently unpressed connectors become visible.”

If the connection has a leak, a dry leakage test will show a visible pressure decrease over the entire pressure range from 2.2 kPa to 300 kPa. And if the leakage test is carried out with water, this visibly escapes from the unpressed fittings in the pressure range of 100 kPa to 650 kPa. The system allows for a central leakage test of the entire system rather than testing of individual sections.

“In non Viega Propress fittings, the omission of pressing may go unnoticed during the leak test. Leakage with resulting damage may occur if there are pressure surges while the system is in operation,” adds Robert.