Install Transair Push to Connect Fittings In 7 Easy Steps

Push to connect fittings have grown in popularity due to their ability to efficiently couple fittings to thermoplastic tubing while maintaining performance. Invented in 1969, push-to-connect fittings were first used for industrial pneumatic applications, typically at the point-of-use. 

In 1997, that technology was applied to compressed air aluminum piping, creating the Transair^® product line. The connection technology of Transair changes as the diameter size increases.

• Push-to-connect is used for 1/2" to 1-1/2" pipe 

• Snap ring is used for 2" to 2-1/2" pipe 

• Clamshell for 3" to 6" 

Out of the three connection technologies, push-to-connect is the easiest to install but oftentimes causes the most confusion. 

Seven steps for expert installation

By following these simple steps, you will be an expert installer of Transair^® push-to-connect fittings. (Full lengths of Transair pipe only require three installation steps, while cut lengths require seven steps.)

Installing full lengths of Transair aluminum pipe

1. Inspect the connectors for the proper torque setting

Every Transair connector comes pre-torqued from the factory. This is represented by solid and outlined arrows on the nuts aligned within a corresponding torque range on the body of the connector. This torque guarantees the safety and seal strength of each connection.

2. Insert the pipe into the connectors

Push the pipe into the connector until the mark meets or is covered by the nut of the connector.

• All 1/2" (16,5mm), 1" (25mm), 1-1/2" (40mm) pipes come from the factory with the insertion depth pre-marked on both ends. 

• DO NOT tighten the connector after the pipe has been inserted. The connectors are pre-torqued and do not require additional tightening. 

3. Install fixing clips

To ensure the proper stability of the system, we recommend the use of at least two (2) clips per pipe. 

• Maximum of 5 feet of space between clips for 9 feet lengths of pipe

• Maximum of 10 feet of space between clips for 15 and 20-foot lengths of pipe

Transair can also be cut to length to fit the installation area. Follow these below steps to ensure the proper installation of cut pipes.

Installing cut lengths of Transair aluminum pipe

1. Inspect the connectors for the proper torque setting

Every Transair connector comes pre-torqued from the factory. This is represented by solid and outlined arrows on the nuts aligned within a corresponding torque range on the body of the connector. This torque guarantees the safety and seal strength of each connection.

2. Measure & mark the pipe for cutting

3. Cut the pipe

Place the pipe cutter (6698 03 01) on the pipe at the desired cutting mark. Rotate the pipe cutter around the pipe until the pipe is cut.

• After each full turn, gently tighten the wheel to tighten the cutting wheel.
• DO NOT use a hack or band saw to cut the pipe.

4. Remove debris

Carefully chamfer the outer edge of the pipe using the chamfer tool (6698 04 01). Then, deburr the inner edge of the pipe using the deburring tool (6698 04 02)

• IMPORTANT: Remove all debris/rough edges prior to inserting the pipe, otherwise the internal seal on the connector may become cut or damaged.

5. Mark the insertion depth

Using the Transair (6698 04 03) marking tool, mark the insertion depth on the cut end of the pipe.

6. Insert the pipe into the connectors

Push the pipe into the connector until the mark meets or is covered by the nut of the connector.

• All 1/2" (16,5mm), 1" (25mm), 1-1/2" (40mm) pipes come from the factory with the insertion depth pre-marked on both ends. 
• DO NOT tighten the connector after the pipe has been inserted. The fittings are pre-torqued and do not require additional tightening. 

7. Install fixing clips

To ensure the proper stability of the system, we recommend the use of at least two (2) clips per pipe. 

• Maximum of 5 feet of space between clips for 9 feet lengths of pipe
• Maximum of 10 feet of space between clips for 15 and 20 foot lengths of pipe

Golden rules of safety

• Only Use Transair connectors/accessories with Transair pipe. (mixing Transair with a competitive product will void the 10-year warranty)
• Do not hang external equipment from Transair pipe.
• Only use Transair aluminum pipe for compressed air, vacuum or inert gas applications. (Contact the factory for other media)
• Place Transair pipe in a sleeve if the install will be in dirt or solid masses.

Watch how to install Transair^® push to connect connectors! 

This post was contributed by Guillermo Hiyane, product sales manager, Parker Fluid System Connectors Division.

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