ac line set

[dasaro]

I am installing a split unit AC myself and have a question...

I have seen web pages that affirm that a hard solder (braze joint) is the only acceptable method of joining refregerant lines.

However I have also seen on JW Harris web site that silver solder (their staybrite product) is perfectly acceptable.

One page I found leaned toward soldering since the low heat keeps the copper tubing from being annealed.

Other pages say that the braze joint is harder and better than soft solders.

I can soft solder pretty well. my brazing is OK, so I dont have a preference either way.. Just curious what everyone else thinks....

[Ed Imeduc]

I always use a 15 like silvaloy15 excel or silfos15. Dont use a soft solder at all. You better be EPA or have some one that is.To even test the lines for sure. Or it can cost you many $$$$$.


ED :alarm:

[dasaro]

I planned on calling in a pro to purge the lines and open the valves.

I just have trouble understanding the conflicting info. Is J.W. Harris wrong?


what gives?

[Ed Imeduc]

J.W.harris say there Dynaflow is the same as 15 and only 6% the temps are the same for both 1190o to 1465o
Dont know, like and use silfos15
ED

[Grady]

I only braze but I know guys who use nothing but Staybrite. The two biggest downfalls to Staybrite are the use of flux (acid) & the joint is less resistant to vibration. When brazing, you need to flow nitrogen or other inert gas thru the lines while brazing to prevent oxidation on the inside of the tubing. Service valves must also be kept cool to prevent damaging them. If you are not equipped properly either let a pro do it or use Staybrite & use the flux & solder very sparingly.

[scottg]

I use 15% silver solder for most brazing joints.
I use staybright for txv and reversing valves