Steel reducing tee - 15/12/15 1509260009

Application and construction of a reducing tee in a steel system

This component connects pipes with diameters of 15 mm and 12 mm, creating a branch in water, heating, or gas installations. Thanks to the use of galvanized steel (Fe/Zn88) with a zinc layer thickness of 8-15 µm, the fitting is resistant to corrosion, which is crucial for long-term operation inside buildings. The construction is based on a press-fit system, eliminating the need for fire or chemicals during installation. Inside each of the three connections, there is a seal made of ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber (EPDM). This material ensures flexibility and tightness even with changes in operating temperature, and its chemical resistance protects against degradation when in contact with various media transported through the installation.

Function of controlled leakage and installation safety

One of the most important features of this tee is the LBP (Leak Before Press) function. In practice, this means that if the installer forgets to press one of the connections before applying pressure to the system, the seal will allow a controlled leak of water or gas at the point of error. This ensures that a failure will not go unnoticed after the installation is commissioned – the liquid will flow out before the component is fully tightened. This is a significant safety feature for installers, allowing for immediate correction of the error without the need to disassemble the entire pipe section after the work is completed. The maximum working pressure is 16 bar at a temperature of 20°C, which covers the needs of most standard domestic and industrial installations.

Dimensions and technical details of connections

The component has three press-fit couplings, but their dimensions vary, allowing for a smooth transition between pipes of different diameters. Two ends have an outer diameter of 15 mm (connections 1 and 3), while the middle pipe has a diameter of 12 mm (connection 2). These differences also translate into installation lengths:

• Connections with a diameter of 15 mm require a pressing depth of 15 mm.
• The reducing connection with a diameter of 12 mm requires a deeper pipe insertion – 21 mm.

The overall dimensions of the fitting are compact, facilitating installation in tight spaces such as distribution cabinets or under floors. The total length of the connections is 35 mm for the 15 mm arms and 41 mm for the 12 mm reducing arm. Such dimensional precision guarantees that after pressing the pipes, there will be no mechanical stress or risk of leakage resulting from poor fit. This system is suitable for both new projects and the modernization of existing pipe networks.