Plumbing Connection 1-2015

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PLUMBING CONNECTION AUTUMN 2015 19
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∫ Ensure a supervisor is available to evaluate jointing
and testing procedures on a daily basis.
∫ If you peel the pipe too early before the weld is done,
the end of the pipe will reoxidise and the fusion weld
won’t be as good.
∫ Keep the rain off the welds by covering the area where
you are welding.
∫ When using pipes that come off a coil, the pipe isn’t
perfectly round. Calipers bring them back to a perfect
roundness. This is important to ensure the heat from
the weld is spread evenly around the pipe rather than
causing a blowout.
∫ Make sure your blades are nice and sharp when
peeling a pipe – and do it twice to ensure it has been
done correctly. Also, use a specifically manufactured
electrofusion pipe scraping tool or a metal blade paint
scraper. Do not use a metal file or wood rasp.
∫ Be aware that pipes can shrink after being placed in a
bore – particularly after fluctuations in weather.
∫ It is extremely important to get your machines
calibrated every 12 months.
∫ Always buy reputable brands from companies you
know and trust as they will provide support and a good
back-up service.
In order for plumbers to maintain the work and avoid
seeing these electrofusion jobs going to civil contractors
and the like, it is important for them to undertake the
necessary training and avoid any temptations to take
short cuts along the way. The future is in your hands;
make sure you’re equipped to tackle it.
GET YOURSELF TRAINED UP
Nationally recognised training bodies offer both theory and
practical based training in electrofusion welding and should
be adopted by contractors and their staff who work in the field.
Some institutions include:
∫ Polysmart Plastics Welder Training
∫ XLT Training Institute
∫ LeHunt Polytec Electrofusion Training Program
ENSURE A SUPERVISOR IS
AVAILABLE TO EVALUATE JOINTING
AND TESTING PROCEDURES ON A
DAILY BASIS.