Why No-Braze Refrigerant Fittings Are the Future

Traditional refrigerant fittings require technicians to utilize an open flame in the brazing process in order to bind the fittings to pipes. This technique can be dangerous and pose a safety hazard to both the installer as well as the home or business owner. However, until the invention of SmartLock fittings, this was the standard.

Today, the no-braze refrigerant fittings from SmartLock allow HVAC technicians to connect fittings to any type of pipe without the need to use an open flame. These refrigerant fittings utilize our patented metal-to-metal technology to create a permanent seal that doesn’t leak and requires absolutely no brazing.

In today’s blog post, we are going to discuss why no-braze refrigerant fittings are the fittings we expect to see widely used throughout the HVAC industry in the future. Read on to learn more, and if you’re ready to upgrade your HVAC operation, learn how to purchase SmartLock refrigerant fittings near you.

What Is Brazing and How Does It Work?

Traditional AC fittings require flaring, welding, and brazing. This means that HVAC techs are often expected to utilize an open flame in dry attics, around flammable flora, or in other not-so-ideal conditions. Additionally, these techniques require special training, education, safety training, and work permits. Simply put, with SmartLock® AC fittings, using an open flame when working on air conditioning units is a thing of the past. When you choose to work with our AC fittings, you no longer have to concern yourself with brazing or flaring jobs which can be hazardous as well as labor-intensive.

SmartLock® AC fittings don’t require any flaring, brazing, or welding, and they can be used without any special tools. They are ideal for everything from mini-split systems and standard unitary swages to multi-zone systems and VRF systems. SmartLock® AC fittings are also compatible with all refrigerants and compressor oils, making them ideal for almost any job.

The Hazards of Brazing Refrigerant Fittings

While brazing was the standard when it comes to joining refrigerant fillings and pipes for many years, it does come with several safety hazards. In general, whenever a process requires high enough heat in order to melt metal, there are going to be some safety concerns.

Brazing requires the use of PPE equipment, including special eye protection and clothing. This is because the high heat can easily burn hands, eyes, and other skin. Additionally, the protective eye wear is designed to ensure the technician's eyes are protected from the bright light that can be emitted by brazing, as well as possible fragments that can chip off during the process.

The brazing process can also emit smoke and chemical fumes that can be dangerous when breathed in, making the tech nauseous as well as irritating the eyes and throat.

In addition to health safety risks, brazing also increases the risk of fires and explosions due to the high heat. Before beginning work, the tech must ensure that the area they are working in is clear of any flammable or combustible items. Additionally, fire suppression equipment must be kept within reach in case of emergency. This can be especially challenging when brazing is already being done in a tight space.

SmartLock No-Braze Refrigerant Fittings

While brazing has been the standard for refrigerant fittings in the past, with the invention of SmartLock no-braze refrigerant fittings, HVAC technicians are no longer required to use high heat to produce a reliable seal. With SmartLock refrigerant fittings, techs can install and repair air conditioning condensers and systems without having to pick up a torch.

SmartLock fittings work with patented metal-to-metal technology. They work with any type of pipe, don’t require any special tools or equipment, and are much less labor intensive than traditional refrigerant fittings that require brazing. They also work with almost any type of HVAC system.

When the HVAC technician tightens their wrench, the ferrule forms around the outer dimension of the tube and clamps down, creating a cold form of the ferrule and tube. The seal is permanent and doesn’t require special tools, knowledge, or pose the safety hazards of brazing.

The Safer Refrigerant Fitting Options

With SmartLock, repairing and installing air conditioning condensers and units no longer has to be a dangerous job that requires brazing or an open flame. Instead, with our no-braze refrigerant fittings, you can look forward to working quicker and more efficiently while remaining safer. If you’re looking for a way to take your HVAC company into the future, SmartLock no-braze refrigerant fittings are the answer.

How to Find SmartLock No-Braze Refrigerant Fittings

Working with no-braze refrigerant fittings is an easy way to make your HVAC company more efficient and safer. Our patented metal-to-metal technology allows you to create no-leak, permanent seals without the use of an open flame and doesn’t require any special tools, training, or safety practices. Leave traditional air conditioning fittings in the past where they belong. Move into the future with SmartLock no-braze refrigerant fittings today.