Pressing ahead with Conex Bänninger’s >B< Press

With more and more installers taking advantage of the benefits that press fittings have over traditional brazing, the demand for training in this flame-free, fit-and-forget technology is rising.  Here, Dan Wild, Conex Bänninger’s Business Unit Director, outlines why and introduces the >B< Press installation video, specifically developed for the Installer Festival to show the simplicity of how to complete the process correctly.

There’s no doubt the last few months have been extremely challenging for everyone involved in the HVAC industry.  Covid-19 has seen how we all do business and our usual working practices change rapidly.

What it has taught us though is that the HVAC industry is resilient, with many installers out there carrying out vital work on projects to maintain heating and hot water to UK homes and businesses.  It has also made us look at the most practical ways that we can support installers and heating engineers during this difficult period, which is why the Installer Festival is a great platform to bring the industry together virtually.  

At Conex Bänninger, we are delighted to be involved in this first event of its kind for our sector.  We’re committed to raising professional standards and supporting the industry, so we hope that our >B< Press installation video guide plays a part in helping installers and heating engineers stay up-to-date with Best Practice and learn new skills that can benefit them for years to come. 

Ultimately, the decision on which fittings to choose is based on a number of factors: ease of installation; speed of installation; health and safety issues; cost; and installation limitations. Many of these factors have led to the continued shift away from traditional brazing methods to more efficient methods.

This has led to the rise of press fittings in recent years, which has been largely driven by improved installation times (when compared to brazing).  Press fittings are up to three times faster than brazing, and they also negate the need for a hot works permit and to stay on-site for hours after installation due to fire risk and health and safety reasons, which can often be the case when working with flame-based fittings.

Another factor for the increasing use of press fittings, particularly 3-point press variants like Conex Bänninger’s >B< Press range, is the added layer of security and peace of mind for the installer that joints will be pressed correctly, which can sometimes be a challenge when using traditional methods.

With the >B< Press range, this safeguard is achieved thanks to a leak-before-press indicator (a specially designed O-ring that has a reduced section in two positions), which, if not pressed properly, will leak at low pressures (from 0.1 to 0.6 bar). When the joint has been pressed correctly, the O-ring seal compresses to form a secure joint.

With over 110 years of manufacturing excellence, >B< Press is one range from Conex Bänninger’s extensive portfolio of fittings for the HVAC industry which is available from distributors and merchants nationwide.

This >B< Press Installation Video Guide is designed to give you an overview of >B< Press, the features and benefits and to show the simplicity of how to complete a correct installation with an easy to follow step-by-step guide.