Pressing ahead
Grant Phipps, Managing Director at Rapid Locking Systems Europe, explains why using press fittings can help deliver safer, faster HVAC installations.
In the HVAC world, time and safety are two things you can’t afford to waste. For years, I stuck with traditional brazing for joining copper pipework, because that’s what I knew. But the job has changed. With tighter deadlines, stricter on-site safety regulations and new refrigerants like A2Ls becoming the norm, we needed a smarter way to work.
Robert Swieconek, owner at Superheat and Subcooling HVAC LLC, says: “That’s when I started using flame-free press fittings. The time and security of knowing we can press fittings and not have to purge nitrogen constantly when piping is priceless.”
A safer, flame-free method
Press fittings have transformed how we install HVACR systems. They’re installed using a handheld pressing tool, no gas bottles, no open flame and no hot work permits required. On jobs with restricted access or in sensitive environments like hospitals and data centres, that makes them ideal. Brazing, by comparison, demands additional safety oversight. You need hot work permits, fire watches and nitrogen purging to prevent oxidisation. Not only does that slow things down, it increases risk – especially with today’s mildly flammable A2L refrigerants like R32 and R454B.
By removing the flame, press fittings significantly reduce ignition risk and help contractors comply with evolving building safety standards, particularly where refrigerant handling regulations are tightening.
Time savings that add up
On a typical install, we can cut labour time by up to 60% using press-to-connect fittings. Each joint takes seconds to complete, with no need for post-installation cooling or rework.
That speed doesn’t come at the cost of quality. Every fitting includes a pre-installed O-ring and is mechanically pressed to deliver a uniform, high pressure seal – tested to 700PSI and suitable for use with A2Ls. It’s a consistent, repeatable process, regardless of who’s on the tools.
For fast-paced commercial projects, particularly in retrofit settings, the reduction in downtime and labour hours is invaluable.
Training the next generation
One unexpected benefit has been onboarding. Where brazing takes years to master safely, press systems can be taught in a matter of hours. That helps us bring junior installers into the fold more quickly and confidently. It also means we can scale up for larger contracts without worrying about inconsistent workmanship.
Still a role for brazing
Press fittings aren’t a total replacement for brazing. For certain high temperature applications or where local spec requires it, brazing still plays a role. But for most commercial and residential systems – AC units, heat pumps, refrigeration lines – press can easily become a standard approach.
HVAC installations are becoming more complex. From refrigerant regulations to site restrictions, the pressure is on installers to work faster, safer and smarter. Press fittings allow us to do exactly that – without compromising on performance.
As Robert puts it: “It’s not about cutting corners – it’s about working smarter, not harder.”
