Viega ProPress 304 Stainless, MegaPress, ProPress, ProPressG, ProPress 316 Stainless Installation Manual

Viega ProPress Systems

Installation Manual

The global leader

in plumbing, heating

and pipe joining systems

Heritage of quality, vision for the future

Viega’s heritage of superiority demands nothing
but the best for our customers. Engineered to be
efficient, Viega products perform at the highest
possible level, providing confidence and peace of
mind. Viega is the only manufacturer to offer press
systems in multiple pipe joining materials and, with
a supply chain that can process orders in less than
24 hours, Viega is positioned to provide customers
the best, most versatile support in the industry.

Introducing Viega ProPress systems

Viega ProPress systems are state-of-the-art press
fitting systems that provide economical and reliable
piping installations for the commercial, industrial
and residential markets.

The Systems

Our products are the result of decades of experience
in manufacturing fittings. Viega ProPress systems are
offered in the following configurations:

Viega ProPress: Copper and Zero Lead Bronze
fittings in copper tube size (CTS) with Smart
Connect® feature.

Viega ProPressG: Copper and Bronze fittings for use
with fuel gas in copper tube size (CTS) with Smart
Connect feature.

Viega ProPress for Stainless: 304 and 316
stainless steel pipe and fittings in copper tube
size (CTS) with Smart Connect feature.

Viega ProPress fittings require no soldering or
welding, and thus no fire hazard, which is particularly
important in restoration or retrofit work. The press
fittings are installed with the system pressing tools
(a battery-powered or corded pressing tool).

One squeeze of the trigger makes the connection
on any size tube in four to seven seconds.

Flameless

No flame is required to make the connection. This
eliminates noxious fumes, the need for a hot work
permit and a fire watch.

World’s Largest Selection of Fittings

There are more than 1,400 different engineered
fittings available in a variety of materials,
configurations and sizes.

Professional Appearance

Because there is no buildup of joining material,
exposed threads or tarnish, Viega ProPress
connections have a clean, professional look.

Less Equipment

With Viega ProPress systems there is no need to
buy or carry expensive, cumbersome equipment.
Welding tanks and threading machines are a thing

of the past.

2

IM-PP 724607 0815

Contents

1 System Description

1.1 Viega ProPress ................................................................5

1.1.1 Listings and certications ...................................................5

1.1.2 Codes .................................................................5

1.2 Viega ProPressG ..............................................................5

1.2.1 Listings and certications ...................................................5

1.2.2 Codes ..................................................................5

1.3

Viega ProPress for Stainless 304 and 316

1.3.1 Listings and certications ...................................................5

1.3.2 Codes ..................................................................5

1.4 Fitting description ..............................................................6

1.4.1 Viega large-diameter ttings ................................................6

1.4.2 Pipe ...................................................................6

1.4.3 Special features ..........................................................7

1.4.4 Viega Smart Connect feature ................................................7

1.4.5 Sealing elements .........................................................7

1.4.6 Fitting markings ..........................................................8

1.5 Applications ..................................................................9

1.5.1 Commercial and residential ................................................10

1.5.2 Industrial and plant operations ..............................................10

1.5.3 Fire protection systems ...................................................10

1.5.4 Fuel gas systems ........................................................10

..............................................5

2 Tools

2.1 Tools .......................................................................11

2.2 Pressing tools ................................................................11

3 General Installation Instructions

3.1 Tube selection ................................................................12

3.1.1 Viega ProPress ..........................................................12

3.1.2 Viega ProPressG ........................................................12

3.1.3 Viega ProPress for Stainless ...............................................12

3.2 Handling instructions ..........................................................13

3.3 Pressing requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

3.3.1 Minimum distance between ttings ..........................................13

3.3.2 Pressing in tight quarters ..................................................13

3.3.3

3.3.4 Transition connections ....................................................14

3.3.5 Minimum space requirements for 2½" to 4" ProPress ttings ......................15

3.4 Welding, soldering or brazing requirements .........................................17

3.4.1 Viega ProPress to existing brazed tting ......................................17

3.4.2 Viega ProPress to existing solder tting .......................................17

3.4.3 Soldering or brazing near an existing Viega ProPress tting .......................17

3.4.4 Welding adjacent to a Viega ProPress tting ...................................17

3.4.5

Clearance requirements for ProPress rings

Welding in line with a Viega ProPress tting

......................................14

.......................................17

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3

3.5 General installation requirements .................................................18

3.5.1 Expansion ..............................................................18

3.5.2 Electrical bonding ........................................................18

3.5.3 Piping exposed to freezing temperatures .....................................18

3.5.4 Corrosion protection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

3.5.5 Concealed spaces .......................................................18

3.5.6 Underground installations .................................................18

3.5.7 Pressure testing .........................................................18

3.5.8 Pipe hangers and supports ................................................18

3.5.9 Pressure surges .........................................................19

3.6 Viega ProPress installation requirements ...........................................19

3.6.1 Rotating a pressed tting ..................................................19

3.6.2 Deection ..............................................................19

3.7 Identication .................................................................19

3.8 Viega ProPress ½" to 2" installation ...............................................20

3.9 Viega ProPress XL (Copper) 2½" to 4" installation ....................................21

3.10 Viega ProPress for Stainless ½" to 2" installation .....................................22

3.11 Viega ProPress XL (Stainless) 2½" to 4" installation ...................................23

3.12 Viega ProPressG ..............................................................24

4 Warranty

4.1 Limited warranty for Viega ProPress ttings and valves ...............................25

4.2 Limited warranty for marine and industrial applications ................................26

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1 System Description

1.1 Viega ProPress

Viega ProPress ½" to 4" fittings feature an
EPDM sealing element suitable for many
applications, including:

• Hot and Cold Potable Water

• Rainwater/Gray Water

• Fire Sprinkler

• Chilled Water

• Hydronic Heating

• Compressed Air

• Low-Pressure Steam

• Vacuum

• See Table 1.1 on page 9 for more

applications

1.1.1 Listings and certifications

• NSF 61 Annex G

• IAPMO PS 117

• UL 213

• FM Class 1920

• ICC-ES PMG 1037

• ABS

• CSA MSE 13

1.1.2 Codes

Compliant with:

• ICC International Plumbing Code

• IAPMO Uniform Plumbing Code

• National Standard Plumbing Code

• NFPA 13, 13D, 13R and 54

• ICC International Mechanical Code

• IAPMO Uniform Mechanical Code

1.2 Viega ProPressG

Viega ProPressG ½" to 2" fittings have a
factory-installed HNBR sealing element suitable
for many applications, including:

• Natural Gas

• Propane Gas

• Diesel Fuel

• See Table 1.1 on page 9 for more

applications

1.2.1 Listings and certifications

Viega ProPressG fittings have been listed for
use with fuel gas distribution systems intended
for installations above ground, underground,
indoors and outdoors, for operating pressures not
exceeding 125 psig for use with copper tube ½"
through 2" nominal size.

• CSA LC-4

• IAPMO LC-4

• ICC-ES PMG 1036

1.2.2 Codes

The major codes and standards regulating fuel gas
piping systems include:

• NFPA 54/Z223.1 National Fuel Gas Code

• ICC International Mechanical Code

• IAPMO Uniform Plumbing Code

Other codes include:

• NFPA 58 Liqueed Petroleum Gas Code

• UPC Chapter 12 Fuel Piping

• NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible

Liquids Code

• NFPA 30A Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing
Facilities and Repair Garages

• NFPA 31 Standard for the Installation of Oil­Burning Equipment

Note: All systems must be installed per local
code requirements.

1.3

Viega ProPress for Stainless ½" to 4" ttings feature
both EPDM and FKM sealing elements suitable for
many applications, including:

1.3.1 Listings and certifications

1.3.2 Codes

Viega ProPress for Stainless 304 and 316

• Potable Water (316)

• Condenser Water

• Process Water

• RO and DI Water

• Caustic Chemicals

• Compressed Air

• See Table 1.1 on page 9 for more

applications

• NSF-61 G (316 EPDM)

• ABS

• TSSA

• United States Coast Guard

• Lloyd’s Register

• Det Norske Veritas

• ASME B31

• UL 213 (304 FKM ½" to 2")

• IAPMO PS 117 (316 EPDM)

• ICC International Plumbing Code

• SBCCI International Standard Plumbing Code

• IAPMO Uniform Plumbing Code

• PHCC National Standard Plumbing Code

• Florida Building Code, Volume II Plumbing

Code

• Contact your local Viega representative for
details on approvals in your area.

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5

1

2

Viega fittings are
pressed before, after
and on top of the
sealing element in
a single step, which
creates a permanent
connection that
is secure and
guaranteed to last.

4

3

1.4 Fitting description

Viega ProPress ttings are offered in more than
600 congurations in copper, bronze, 304 and 316
stainless steel, including: elbows, couplings, ball
valves, reducers, tees, reducing tees, threaded
adapters, unions, caps and anges. Viega ProPress
ttings for Stainless are designed to be used with
only Viega’s stainless steel pipe.

1. Viega’s unique, patented Smart Connect feature
helps installers ensure that they have pressed
all connections.

2. Viega offers three different sealing elements
to suit virtually any application: EPDM, HNBR
and FKM.

3. Viega’s distinctive hexagonal pressing pattern
bonds fitting and pipe and provides the
mechanical strength for the connection.

4. All Viega ProPress
fittings are designed with
cylindrical pipe guides to
keep the pipe straight and
protect the sealing element
during assembly.

1.4.1 Viega large-diameter fittings

Viega 2½" to 4" ttings feature an EPDM or FKM
sealing element, stainless steel grip ring and PBT
separator ring as shown in Figure 1.1.

The grip ring comes standard in all 2½" to 4"
fittings. The grip ring is a stainless steel ring with
teeth, which grips the tube and ensures that the
fitting is locked securely in place.

The PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) separator
ring ensures that the sealing element and grip ring
perform at a maximum capacity by providing a
positive physical separation.

Whether working with stainless steel or copper,
ProPress XL fittings are designed to be pressed

with RIDGID’s XL-C press rings and V2 actuator.
This will produce a non-detachable, permanent
connection.

Figure 1.1

Sealing

Element

PBT

Separator

Ring

Stainless Steel

Grip Ring

6

Fittings that do not
have cylindrical pipe
guides risk making an
unsecure connection.
Without the pipe
guides, installers can
possibly damage the
sealing element.

1.4.2 Pipe

Viega stainless steel pipe is offered in either 304
stainless or 316 stainless to complement the Viega
ProPress for stainless fittings and offer a complete
system solution. Viega stainless steel pipe meets
the requirement of ASTM A312 or ASTM A554 for
schedule 5 304 and 316 stainless steel pipe.

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1.4.3 Special features

Viega ProPress copper, 316 stainless steel and
Zero Lead bronze fittings meet the federal lead-free
requirements of NSF 61-G through testing under
NSF/ANSI 372 (0.25% or less maximum weighted
average lead content). Fast and easy; one squeeze
of the trigger makes the connection on any size
tube in four to seven seconds.

1.4.4 Viega Smart Connect feature

In Viega ProPress ½" to 4" fittings, the Smart
Connect feature (Figure 1.2) assures the escape of
liquids or gases from inside the system past the
sealing element of an unpressed connection. The
function of this feature is to provide the installer
quick and easy identification of connections that
have not been pressed prior to putting the system
into operation (Figure 1.4).

Figure 1.2: The Smart Connect feature of Viega
press fittings is color marked on the bead

When the fitting is pressed (Figure 1.3), a
permanent, sealed, non-detachable, mechanical
connection is created.

Figure 1.3: Section of a press fitting in unpressed
(A) and pressed (B) condition

Unpressed fittings from other manufacturers,
without the patented Smart Connect feature,
may not leak during the initial system pressure
test. However, they can unseat in future system
operation. The Smart Connect feature is designed
to protect from this potential risk.

Figure 1.4

Identify an unpressed
connection during
pressure testing

1

when water flows past the
sealing element.

Upon identification,
use the press tool
to press the fitting,

2

making a permanent leak­proof connection.

Viega ProPress
connections are fast,
flameless and guaranteed.

3

1.4.5 Sealing elements

Viega ProPress EPDM sealing element

Operating temperature:
0°F to 250°F (-18°C to 120°C)

Viega ProPress and ProPress for stainless 316
fittings are manufactured with a high-quality EPDM
sealing element installed at the factory. This sealing
element is used mainly in the applications of
potable water, hydronic heating, fire sprinkler and
compressed air installations. EPDM, or ethylene­propylene dienemonomer, is shiny black in color.
The EPDM sealing element is
a synthetically manufactured and peroxide
cross-linked, general-purpose elastomer with
a wide range of applications.

It possesses excellent resistance to aging, ozone,
sunlight, weathering, environmental influences, most
alkaline solutions and chemicals used in a broad
range of applications.

The EPDM sealing element has particularly good
resistance to hot water, making it ideal for seals
and gaskets in heating systems, fittings and
household appliances (e.g. washing machines,
pumps, dishwashers).

All sealing elements are inserted into the fitting using
an H1 Grade lubricant registered with NSF, the
USDA and approved for use under FDA 21 CFR.

Viega ProPress FKM sealing element

Operating temperature:
0°F to 284°F (-18°C to 140°C)

FKM is well known for its excellent resistance
to petroleum products and solvents as well as
exceptional high-temperature performance.
The FKM sealing element is a special-purpose
elastomer typically installed where higher
temperatures are required.

FKM, a fluoroelastomer, is dull black in color. It
possesses excellent resistance to aging, ozone,
sunlight, weathering, environmental influences,
oils and petroleum-based additives. Its superb
resistance to high temperatures and petroleum-

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7

based additives makes it ideal for seals and
gaskets in solar, district heating, low-pressure
steam and compressed air system fittings. It can
withstand heat spikes up to 356°F.

Viega ProPress HNBR sealing element

This sealing element is used mainly for applications
of natural gas, propane, mixed and manufactured
fuel gases in the vapor state (not in the liquid state).
It is commonly used in fuel oil heating systems.
HNBR, or Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber,
is yellow in color for easy identification.

Ambient operating temperature:

-40°F to 180°F (-40°C to 82°C)

HNBR is widely known for its physical strength and
retention of properties after long-term exposure to
heat, oil and chemicals.

The unique properties attributed to HNBR have
resulted in wide adoption of HNBR in automotive,
industrial and assorted high-performance applications
(e.g. engine seals, grommets, gaskets, fuel system
seals and hoses, transmission system bonded piston
seals, oil field packers and rotary shaft seals).

With its excellent performance for the most
demanding of applications, HNBR is the ideal choice
for applications needing excellent physical properties
as well as oil, heat and/or chemical resistance.

For specific applications, please contact your
local Viega District Manager or contact Viega
at 1-800-976-9819.

1.4.6 Fitting markings

Markings on Viega ProPress fittings include:

• Green Dot: EPDM sealing element and Smart
Connect feature

• Size of tting

• Manufacturer name

• Manufacturer date code

Markings on Viega ProPressG ttings include:

• Yellow Dot: HNBR sealing element and Smart
Connect feature

• CSA: indicates certication to ANSI/CSA LC4

• Yellow rectangle: identies Viega ProPressG

tting as a certied gas or fuel oil tting

• 125G: identies the CSA maximum pressure
rating of the tting for fuel oil or gas
applications

• Size of tting

• Manufacturer name

• Manufacturer date code

Markings on Viega ProPress for Stainless 316
include:

• Green dot: EPDM sealing element and Smart
Connect feature

• Stainless steel alloy number

• Size of tting

• Manufacturer name

• Manufacturer date code

Markings on Viega ProPress for Stainless 304
include:

• White dot: FKM sealing element and Smart
Connect feature

• Stainless steel alloy number

• Size of tting

• Manufacturer name

• Manufacturer date code

8

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1.5 Applications

Listed below are common applications approved by Viega for Viega ProPress fitting systems.

Table 1.1

Types of Service

Fluids/Water

Hot and Cold
Potable Water

Rainwater/
Gray Water

Fire Sprinkler 175 PSI Note 3 √ √ √

Chilled Water

Hydronic Heating

Cooling Water

Deionized Water 200 PSI 158˚F √

Low-Pressure
Steam

Isopropyl Alcohol 200 PSI 75˚F √

Latex Paint 200 PSI 32˚F-250˚F √

Methyl Ethyl
Ketone

Nitric Acid 10% 200 PSI 73˚F √ √

Phosphoric Acid 25% 200 PSI Ambient √

Parafn Wax 200 PSI 100˚F √

Fuel, Oil and Lubricant

Heating
Fuel Oil

Diesel Fuel 125 PSI Note 3 √ √ √

Ethanol Pure Grain Alcohol 200 PSI Note 3 √ √

Propane Compliant with CSA LC4 125 PSI -40˚F-180˚F √ √

Butane Compliant with CSA LC4 125 PSI -40˚F-180˚F √ √

Kerosene Note 3 68˚F √ √ √

Lube Oil Petroleum Based 200 PSI Note 3 √ √ √

Gases

Compressed Air

Compressed Air

Natural Gas Compliant with CSA LC4 125 PSI -40˚F-180˚F √ √

Oxygen - O
(nonmedical)

Nitrogen - N

Carbon Dioxide

- CO

Ammonia Anhydrous 200 PSI 122˚F √

Acetylene 200 PSI 86˚F √ √

Argon Welding Use 200 PSI Ambient √ √ √ √ √

Hydrogen - H

Vacuum 29.2 in Hg Note 3 √ √ √ √ √ √

1. All systems are recommended to be clearly labeled with the uid or gas being conveyed. For further information please consult Viega Technical Services.

2. All Viega systems must be used with the manufacturer’s recommended sealing element. Contact your local Viega representative or Viega Technical Services for application
temperature, pressure and concentration limits.

3.

System pressure and temperature ranges depend on sealing element.

Up to 50% Ethylene Glycol or

Propylene Glycol solution

2

2

2

2

Keep oil and fat free /

System Operating Conditions

Comments Pressure Temperature FKM EPDM EPDM HNBR EPDM HNBR

200 PSI 32˚F-250˚F √ √

200 PSI Note 3 √ √ √

Ethylene Glycol /

Propylene Glycol

Ethylene Glycol /

Propylene Glycol

Less than 25mg/m

oil content

More than 25mg/m

oil content

non-liquid O

2

3

3

200 PSI Note 3 √ √ √ √

200 PSI Note 3 √ √ √ √

200 PSI Note 3 √ √ √ √

Up to 15

PSI

200 PSI 100˚F √

125 PSI Note 3 √ √ √

200 PSI Note 3 √ √ √ √ √ √

200 PSI Note 3 √ √ √

140 PSI Up to 140˚F √ √ √ √ √

200 PSI Note 3 √ √ √ √ √ √

200 PSI Note 3 √ √ √ √

125 PSI 0˚F-250˚F √ √ √

248˚F √ √ √ √

ProPress

304 Stainless

ProPress

316 Stainless

ProPress ProPressG MegaPress MegaPressG

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