16 / 116
16
PLUMBING CONNECTION
AUTUMN 2015
ELECTROFUSION:
MAKING SURE
YOU GET THE BASICS RIGHT
L
ike most technologies that filter their way through
to Australia, electrofusion of polyethylene pipes
is not new. In fact, it has been used successfully
across Europe for decades. While some innovations are
adopted and put into practice without problems, others
encounter issues for various reasons. New technology is
often hampered by teething problems or bugs, which is
understandable, while at others times, problems are caused
due to user error. Unfortunately, in the case of electrofusion
in Australia, the latter has been the case.
When installed correctly, electrofusion is an efficient and
effective joining method for developing polyethylene pipe
systems to supply liquids and gases. The joint itself takes
place between two pipe ends and the electrofusion fitting
surrounding both.
The polyethylene pipes to be joined are cleaned, inserted
into the electrofusion fitting with a temporary clamp and a
voltage is applied for a fixed time depending on the fitting
in use. The built-in heater coils then melt the inside of the
fitting and the outside of the pipe wall, which weld together
to produce a very strong homogeneous joint. The assembly
is then left to cool for a specified time. When done so
correctly, the joint is safe and secure.
FAILURES
Since its introduction in Australia, the rate of failures
per install is not all that high, though you only need an
occassional failure to have an expensive problem on your
hands. Of those that have failed, a large percentage have
been linked to poor installation practices that could have
THE PROCESS OF JOINING POLYETHYLENE PIPES VIA ELECTROFUSION FITTINGS AND PROCEDURES HAS CAUSED
PROBLEMS ACROSS THE INDUSTRY AND MANY FAILURES HAVE BEEN ACCREDITED TO PLUMBERS. JUSTIN FELIX
REPORTS ON WHY ERRORS ARE BEING MADE AND WAYS TO RECTIFY THEM TO ENSURE A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR THE
JOINING METHOD IN AUSTRALIA.
COVER STORY:
ELECTROFUSION