Page 110 - The City and Guilds Textbook: Plumbing Book 1 for the Level 3 Apprenticeship (9189), Level 2 Technical Certificate (8202) and Level 2 Diploma (6035)

The City & Guilds Textbook: Plumbing Book 1

Capillary fittings to BS EN 1254:1998

Capillary fittings use the principle of capillary action to draw solder into the
fitting when they are heated by a blowtorch. There are two different types:
1 Integral solder ring: this type of fitting has a band of lead-free solder housed
inside a raised ring on the fitting socket, so extra solder is not needed.
2 End feed: this type of fitting needs solder to be fed at the end or the mouth
of the fitting. It does not have solder in the fitting.

How to complete a soldered fitting, step by step

STEP 1 Cut and de-burr the tube. STEP 2 Clean the end of the tube and the inside STEP 3 Apply flux to the end of the tube only.
of the fitting with either wire wool or emery Do not apply the flux to the inside of the fitting.
cloth. Insert the tube into the fitting. Twist the tube
slightly when inserting it. This ensures an even
spread of flux on the tube and fitting.

p Figure 2.19 Integral solder ring

STEP 4 Apply heat to the fitting and wait 10 STEP 5 While the fitting is still hot, use a clean
seconds. If the fitting is an integral soldered ring cloth to wipe any excess solder off the fitting.
type, then solder will appear at the mouth of the Try not to disturb the fitting as you may cause a
fitting. If the fitting is an end feed type, then apply leak. When the fitting has cooled down a little,
solder to the mouth of the fitting, ensuring that the clean off any excess flux with a damp cloth.
solder flows all around the socket. Do not use too
much heat or the fitting and flux will turn black and
the fitting will not solder. p Figure 2.20 End feed
p Figure 2.21 Completing a soldered fitting
Fluxes and solders used with capillary fittings
As we have already seen, integral solder ring fittings have a bead of lead-free
solder inside the fitting and so solder is not required for this type of joint.
End feed fittings, however, require that solder be added during the soldering
process to the mouth of the fitting. For hot and cold water pipework
installations this solder MUST be lead-free to comply with the Water Supply
(Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. There are several types of lead-free solder
available, the most popular being a mixture of tin and copper to EN 29453
(known as number 23 tin-based solder), which has a melting point of 230°C

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