Q How long has copper plumbing been used?
A The earliest recorded use of copper for conveying water is a water conduit in Abusir, Egypt, which dates back to 2750 BC and is still in good state of preservation. Copper water pipes and cisterns were widely used by the Romans - examples can be found at the archaeological site of Herculaneum, destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79AD. At the beginning of this century, copper started being used again in Europe and North America.
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Q What are the benefits of flame-free jointing techniques?
A Copper flame-free jointing can be done by press fittings and push-fit fittings. The benefits of these types of fittings are:
Work can be undertaken with occupants in the building
No flux fumes
No additional ventilation required
No need for hot work permits/certificates
Quick to install
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Q What is degreased copper tube?
A Specially degreased copper tubing, to BS EN 13348 is cleaned to the requirements of Hospital Technical Memorandum HTM02 (which replaces HTM2022). Such tubing, which is eminently suitable for use on medical gas (including breathable air) and oxygen lines, comprises half-hard temper, phosphorous de-oxidised, non-arsenical copper, complying with the chemical requirements of BS EN 1976, Cu-DHP, CR024A (supersedes BS6017 Cu-DHP). When jointing tubing with brazing alloys, the temperatures involved in hard soldering convert the metal, in the heat-affected zone, from the half-hard to the soft condition. This effectively reduces the maximum safe working pressure by approximately one-third. Precautions should also be taken during jointing operations to prevent the formation of oxide along the lines described in HTM02. Copper tubing is suitable for most gases with a few exceptions. Where there is any doubt regarding the type of material or internal finish required, the tube manufacturer should be consulted.
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Q Can leaded solders be used on drinking water installations?
A No.
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Q Copper tube used to be manufactured to BS 2871 Part 1. What is the number of the current European Standard for copper tubes?
A EN 1057.
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Q What is the current standard for copper fittings?
A EN 1254 Parts 1 to 5.
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Q Can chrome plated copper tube be formed into a bend?
A Yes, with care and the correct procedure.
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Q When notching joists for pipework, is there a maximum depth allowed?
A Yes, 1/8th of the depth of the joist.
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Q Do you need to feed solder into an integral solder ring fitting?
A No, the integral solder ring fitting has the correct amount of solder to form a joint.
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Q When flux has been used in jointing copper pipework do you have to flush the pipework afterwards?
A Yes, any flux left inside the pipework must be removed after jointing is complete.
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Q There are two types of compression joints - Type A and Type B. Which is ‘manipulative’?
A Type B is manipulative, it requires the end of the tube to be flared.
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Q Can copper be used for refrigeration pipelines?
A Yes.
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Q When working on a site that does not permit flames can you use copper press fittings?
A Yes, they are flame-free fittings.
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Q When removing old copper pipework, or an old copper cylinder, can they be recycled?
A Yes, copper is 100% recyclable.
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Q What makes a sprinkler head activate?
A When the sprinkler head reaches a certain temperature it will activate.
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Q When a sprinkler system operates, do all of the sprinkler heads open?
A No, only the sprinkler heads that are affected by the heat of the fire.
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Q Does a sprinkler head use more or less water than a fire brigade hose in controlling a house fire?
A Less, much less.
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Q What is the British Standard for the design and installation of domestic sprinkler systems?
A BS 9251.
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Q Do sprinkler systems need to be tested regularly?
A Yes, at least once each year.
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Q There are a number of types of sprinkler heads, including concealed. If you saw a concealed sprinkler head in-situ what would you see?
A Only the cover plate, a disc on the ceiling.
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