What is a female flare fitting?
A flare fitting has a tapered end that fits into a flared piece of tubing and is secured in place with a sleeve and flare fitting (threaded nut) to produce a pressure-resistant, leak-tight seal.
What does OD flare mean?
outside diameter
These fittings are NOT lead-free and may not be used in potable water systems. All flare sizes are listed as OD (outside diameter) of the tubing they fit.
What is a flared joint?
A mechanical joint between two pieces of copper or plastic tubing; made by flaring one end of a tube in such a way as to receive a special fitting which fits in the flare; may be taken apart and reassembled without difficulty; especially useful in areas where fire hazard will not permit the open flame required in …
What is the difference between flare and compression?
Generally speaking, compression outlets are used for water and compressed air lines, where slight leakage isn’t going to cause too much of a problem. Flared outlets are used for gas and high-pressure lines, where even a little leakage can cause major problems if left unattended.
Do you use pipe sealant on flare fittings?
Do not use Teflon ® tape or pipe sealant on any flare ends because you will not obtain a leak-free seal. Keep flare end of fitting free of grease, oil and thread sealant. Use a wrench only on the hex surfaces of the fittings.
Can flare fittings be used for water?
While it’s legal to use flare connections on water lines, it’s rarely done. A leaking water line won’t fuel a fire or lead to an explosion, and residential water pressures aren’t high enough to warrant the use of this robust but relatively labor-intensive joint.
How are flare fittings sized?
The most common flare fitting standards in use today are the 45° SAE flare, the 37° JIC flare, and the 37° AN flare. SAE 45° flare connections are commonly used in automotive applications as well as for refrigeration and air conditioning.
Can you cap a flare fitting?
Q:Can this cap be used to cap off a 5/8 flare gas fitting? A: Yes. It is advised to check for leaks after capping.