The basic difference between soldering and brazing is the temperature necessary to melt the filler metal. That temperature is defined to be 842ºF/450ºC by the American Welding Society (AWS) but is often rounded to 840ºF. If the filler metal melts below 840ºF the process being performed is soldering.
Do you braze or solder copper pipe?
If you have ever been involved in medical gas piping or refrigeration piping, brazing is where it’s at when joining copper tubing. On the plumbing side, we tend to solder copper tube joints when using a torch. When looking for a stronger joint, brazing is one of the options.
Can you braze a copper pipe?
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Quote from Youtube video: And today's video will be straightforward. But to give you all a quick background. We're gonna begin our lesson with what is brazing brazing by definition is a metal joining process in which two or
Is brazing better than soldering?
Soldering, in addition to having a lower processing temperature, typically results in a lower-strength joint than a brazed joint. For many applications, this is suitable and even desirable. The shear strength of brazed joints typically exceeds that of soldered joints by a factor of five.
What is the proper way of soldering brazing a copper pipe?
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Quote from Youtube video: In the beginning to make sure it reaches brazing temperatures. Once the pipe has been heated start heating the fittings hub. Always staying in motion. Every.
Are soldered copper joints strong?
A soldered four-inch Type L joint has a pressure rating of 440 psi. If the plumber in the field decides to braze that joint rather than solder it, the rating will be reduced to 293 psi — the annealed rating.
How would you explain the difference between soldering and brazing?
The only difference between soldering and brazing is the temperature at which each process takes place. Soldering takes place at a temperature below 840°F (450°C), and brazing occurs at a temperature above 840°F (450°C).
Can you braze copper with a propane torch?
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Quote from Youtube video: You can add the flux cold or after the copper has been heated with a flame or heat gun. Just wait for the liquid flux to turn brown then add the rod. Just like that.
Can you braze a pipe with water in it?
Don’t try to solder pipes with water in them. When you’re repairing or tying in to existing copper pipes, it’s common to find a small amount of water in them even after you close the valve and drain the pipes.
Which gas is used for brazing of copper pipes?
Braze-A-Gas consists of oxygen and acetylene that, when combined, are the engineer’s best choice for brazing copper tubes together in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. These products produce a flame temperature of about 3 500°C, which is significantly hotter than propane, propylene, or MAPP gas.
How long do soldered copper pipes last?
The most attractive benefit of using copper piping is its resilience and longevity. With having a lifespan of 20-30 years (and in some instances) with an occasional 50-year expectancy, copper is certainly something to consider.
How hard is it to solder copper pipe?
Soldering copper water supply lines is not a difficult skill. Even a rookie can learn to solder leak-proof joints in 30 minutes. The process is simple—if you follow a few basic guidelines.
What solder is used for plumbing?
Acid core solders are most often used in plumbing applications to join metal pipes or sheet metal. Rosin core solder is also fabricated with a hollow core inside the solder wire, but the flux used is a milder variety made of rosin, which is a solid form of resin derived from conifers such as pine.
Do plumbers use solder?
Solder is an important component of both plumbing and electronics, but plumbing solder and electrical solder are two very different substances. Not only is it unwise to substitute one for the other, in some circumstances it could be illegal. Solder is used to join metal parts together.
Is soldering copper pipe illegal?
Which product category is covered by the law? State law prohibits the use of any pipe, pipe or plumbing fitting or fixture, solder, or flux that is not lead free in any public water system or facility providing water for human consumption.
Why is soldering going to be illegal?
Legislative History. In 1986 Congress Amended the Safe Drinking Water Act, prohibiting the use of pipes, solder or flux that were not “lead free” in public water systems or plumbing in facilities providing water for human consumption.
Can I use a soldering iron for plumbing?
Typically, electrical solder contains rosin core flux; plumbing solder uses an acid-based flux. So it’s not a good idea to use plumbing solder for electrical connections because the acid in the flux can damage the wiring and lead to connection failure.
Is there a difference between electrical solder and plumbing solder?
Electrical solders have a lower melting point (around 360 ˚F), while solders utilized in plumbing have higher melting points, usually well over 400 ˚F. This is why electrical soldering can be done using a soldering iron while a lot of pipes soldering utilizes a gas torch to heat up the metals.
