In this we will talk about what an American faucet 1 1 2 inches and similar fittings are. In addition, we will consider what are the features of the use of these devices in the construction of household plumbing systems and plumbing communications.
"American" - what is it? This is a common name for a quick coupling, consisting of three structural elements: a union nut and two threaded ends. The device is in demand in the construction of various pipelines due to its strength and ease of installation.
Main characteristics
This type was originally developed in the USA (hence the name) and subsequently spread throughout the world, after plumbers realized how easy and at the same time high-quality installation was carried out.
Consider the main characteristics of these fittings:
- An angle American crane and similar products allow you to assemble and disassemble the line without the need for pipe rotation. This is very convenient when carrying out repair work on pipelines fixed in one position.
- American is a detachable connection with a union nut. Thus, it is enough to dock the pipe to the coupling and tighten the nut. A characteristic difference from other connections is that the joined elements are motionless.
- The tightness of a detachable connection made by means of a union nut is ensured by a dense elastic washer that acts as a gasket.
Important: The success of joining pipes with the help of an "American" is ensured by pairing with a high-quality processed end, on which the thread is professionally cut.
Application features
Installation of the pipeline is long-term, as a special conical or flat gasket seal is used. As with the entire assembly, the sealing material is reusable. Therefore, its price is more justified than spending on the purchase of disposable fittings.
A fitting with a union nut is characterized by small dimensions and straightness and coaxiality of the joined pipes. Each end of such a fitting ends with a fitting, which is selected depending on the type of connection. Between the fittings there is a gasket, over which the nut is screwed.
In accordance with the type of docking, the following types of connection are distinguished:
- detachable threaded butt fitting with internal thread;
- detachable threaded butt fitting with external type thread;
- detachable threaded butt fitting with union nut.
Important: Depending on the characteristics of the pipeline, the listed types can be combined or combined to achieve the best result.
Features of docking fittings
As already mentioned, in this case a conical or flat seal is used.
The conical seal has the following advantages:
- the seal is made according to the "metal-to-metal" scheme without the use of additional sealing materials, which means that it is more reliable and durable;
- resistance to chemical and physical influences (including temperature changes) due to the homogeneity of the chemical and physical properties of sealing materials;
- the possibility of using with a slight (up to 5 °) deviation of the axes, joined sections of pipelines without compromising the tightness of the connection.
Important: The listed advantages are provided under the condition of high precision manufacturing of connecting parts.
Less demanding on the quality of the components is the joining of pipes using a flat seal.
In this case, a flat Teflon gasket is used, made in the form of a ring.
Like most other threaded fittings, American parts are made of stainless steel grades such as AISI321, AISI316 and AISI304 or brass.
Markings can be found on the body of the fittings, which will simplify the selection of suitable connecting elements. The marking indicates the diameter in inches (for example, 1 inch), steel grade and nominal pressure in PSI.
ball valve
The listed characteristics of water fittings are most characteristic of American ball valves. This type of valves is used in the construction of water pipes and heating systems.
The main working element of the device is a shutter with a characteristic spherical shape, rotating inside the housing. The spherical valve has a through hole. When the through hole is located in the same axis with the fitting fittings, water is supplied. When the hole is perpendicular to the fitting holes, the water supply stops.
The design of the ball valve is not new and has been widely used for 100 years. But of greatest interest are taps with an American connection. Such shut-off valves are used both in domestic and industrial conditions, which is explained by operational simplicity and efficiency.
Other types of fittings "American"
The American coupling is a fitting designed for joining two coaxial identical pipes or for joining pipes of different diameters.
This type of coupling is not much different from traditional couplings. One side of the fitting is screwed to steel pipes, welded to copper pipes, or brazed to polypropylene or copper pipes. The other part of the fitting is a collapsible connection of fittings and a union nut.
To complete the review, let's talk about the angular type of connection. An angle valve with an American 3 4, as well as just an angle fitting made with two fittings and a union nut, is characterized by ease of do-it-yourself installation. Corner docking with an American guarantees additional convenience where installation is carried out in a limited space.
Conclusion
So, we looked at what an American is, and what are the instructions for using it. Now you can find out what type of connecting element is required for installation work and select the necessary pipeline components.
Are there any questions that need clarification? More useful information can be found by watching the video in this article.
