Press Connection System joins copper tubing from ½-4 in.
Press Release Summary:
Targeting plumbing and heating markets, ProPress® XL-C is suited for use on large scale commercial and industrial construction projects. System includes copper fittings with specially designed sealing element, Model V2 actuator jaw, and XL-C pressing rings, and works with all standard series RIDGID pressing tools. System is rated at 200 psi working pressure and 600 psi test pressure, while working temperature range is 0-250°F.
Original Press Release:
New Propress® XL-C System Now Available for Joining Copper Tubing up to 4 in.
ELYRIA, OH - May 2006 - A new copper press connection system for larger sizes of copper tubing, 2-½" to 4", the ProPress® XL-C system is being introduced to the plumbing and heating markets, and is particularly efficient for use on large scale commercial and industrial construction projects. In seconds, the ProPress System joins copper tubing from ½" to 4", replacing the traditional method of soldering.
The XL-C system is the latest evolution in pressing innovations from Ridge Tool Company and Viega, who launched the original ProPress System in 1999, with a full line of fittings from ½" to 2", and a system for larger sizes in 2001.
The patented XL-C system for joining 2-½" to 4" tubing includes new copper fittings with a specially designed sealing element, a new Model V2 actuator jaw and new XL-C pressing rings. The XL-C system works with all standard series RIDGID pressing tools (CT400 and 320-E).
The new highly engineered ProPress XL-C copper fittings from Viega are lighter in weight than the original XL bronze fittings. The system has also been designed to reduce deflection, making the fittings easier to align with the tube. XL-C fittings are available in a full line of more than 50 new SKUs of 2-½", 3" and 4" sizes in a variety of configurations, including male and female adapters, flange adapters, caps, couplings with stops, couplings without stops, 45° and 90° elbows, reducers, tees and reducer tees. Because the fittings are the same copper material as the tubing, the result is a more professional, aesthetically appealing appearance.
The Model V2 actuator jaw and new XL-C pressing rings from RIDGID have been designed with several improvements. The Model V2 actuator is lighter in weight; it has a serrated grip for more control and comfort; and it is marked with an easy-to-read identification system enabling the user to quickly identify the proper actuator jaw. Offered in three sizes, 2-½", 3" and 4", the XL-C pressing rings have a new patented swivel feature that allows the tool to rotate nearly 180 degrees, to provide more flexibility and easier access in tight spaces.
According to Rick Henry, product manager, alternate joining technologies, Ridge Tool,
"The ProPress XL-C system offers contractors and maintenance professionals consistent, watertight connections at drastic time and labor savings. Users can make copper tubing connections in less than 10 seconds, compared to 30 minutes for the traditional method of soldering a 4" copper tubing joint."
All ProPress System joints from ½" to 4" are rated at 200 psi working pressure and 600 psi test pressure, which is higher than the maximum pressure anticipated for a potable water copper tubing system. The working temperature range is 0 to 250° F.
Because it is flameless, the ProPress System is cleaner, and it provides a more professional appearance, eliminating tarnished solder joints. ProPress is ideal for repair and maintenance because users can create a watertight connection even when the system is wet, which cannot be accomplished when soldering with a torch.
The XL-C fittings are backed by a 50-year warranty from Viega. The new V2 actuator and XL-C pressing rings are backed by the RIDGID lifetime warranty.
The ProPress System was brought to the U.S. market by a collaborative effort between Ridge Tool Company and Viega, two of the world's strongest, most recognized names in plumbing. Viega manufactures the ProPress fittings; Ridge Tool Company manufactures the RIDGID®-branded pressing tools that are used to install the ProPress fittings. Together, Ridge Tool Company and Viega work to market, sell, distribute and service the ProPress System.
Ridge Tool Company, a leading manufacturer of hand and power tools, markets its products in more than 130 countries. The company's broad offering includes threading and drain cleaning machines, and more than 300 types of tools serving the rental, plumbing, HVAC/R, industrial, electrical, petroleum, institutional, commercial and hardware markets. Ridge Tool is a subsidiary of St. Louis, Missouri-based Emerson. Emerson is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions to customers through its network power, process management, industrial automation, climate technologies, and appliance and tools businesses.
For additional information on the new ProPress XL-C system, please contact: Ridge Tool
Company, 400 Clark Street, Elyria, OH 44036 U.S.A. Or, call toll free: 1-800-769-7743. www.ridgid.com or www.propresssystem.com
Corporate Contact:
Steve Dyer o 440-323-5581
