Uponor Expands PEX Plumbing Line With 2" Tubing and ProPEX Fitting System

    Jan. 29, 2007 - Uponor continues to expand its plumbing line of crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) tubing, fittings, accessories and tools by adding 2-inch diameter sizes of Wirsbo™ AQUAPEX® tubing and fittings. Along with its 1-1/4- inch and 1-1/2-inch offerings, the new 2-inch size gives plumbing and mechanical contractors an affordable, fast and easy alternative for multifamily residential and commercial plumbing applications.

    Uponor continues to expand its plumbing line of crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) tubing.

    "Uponor is committed to supporting and expanding our presence in the commercial market," says Steve Lockridge, senior plumbing product manager at Uponor. "The new 2-inch product broadens our customer's ability to extend PEX applications into the commercial environment." As with all its Wirsbo AQUAPEX products, Uponor has also obtained UL fire-resistance rated assemblies and Warnock Hersey listings, which allow for installation in fire-rated walls, floors, ceilings, through penetrations and plenum applications.

    "These listings support Uponor's commitment to commercial applications and market advancement," Lockridge says. The new 2-inch offering is available in 20-foot and 18-foot straight lengths of tubing and a full line of components, including the ProPEX® 200 Battery Expander Tool Kit and ProPEX brass fittings -- adapters, couplings, reducing tees and elbows. Proven through more than 30 years of successful installations worldwide, the proprietary ProPEX fitting system needs no torches, glues or go/no-go gauges to form fast, permanent and reliable connections Using a ProPEX expander tool, the installer simply enlarges the Wirsbo AQUAPEX tubing enough for the fitting to be inserted. The tubing then shrinks around the fitting, as it quickly returns to its original shape, saving substantial labor time over sweating joints. This shape-memory process produces a connection that actually becomes stronger over time. In addition, the quality of that connection is immediately verified through visual inspection by the plumber. New Expander Tool: In conjunction with the launch of the new 2- inch product, Uponor has unveiled the ProPEX 200 Battery Expander Tool, an electro-hydraulic device with microprocessor-based intelligence that makes fast, easy connections for all sizes of Wirsbo AQUAPEX tubing (3/8-inch through 2-inch). The ProPEX 200 Battery Expander Tool Kit includes:

    • 2" pistol (for expanding tubing of that size)
    • 1-1/2" pistol (for expanding all other sizes)
    • 2" H-series expander head and lubricant
    • 10' hydraulic hose
    • Hydraulic pump
    • 2 batteries and a charger
    • Operating manual
    • Wheeled, stainless-steel roller case

    Wirsbo AQUAPEX tubing is manufactured to the following standards: ASTM F876, ASTM F877, ASTM F1960 and ASTM F2080, as well as ANSI/NSF Standard 14 and Standard 61. It carries the following hydrostatic temperature and press ratings: 200 degree F at 80 pounds per square inch (psi), 180 degree F at 100 psi, and 73.4 degree F at 160 psi. Listed by IAPMO, HUD, NSF, UL, CSA, ICC and ITS, Wirsbo AQUAPEX tubing is approved by the following codes: IPC, UPC and NSPC. For more information, call Uponor toll-free at (800) 321-4739.

    Uponor is a leading supplier of PEX-based plumbing and heating systems for the residential and commercial building markets across North America and Europe. Uponor employs 4,100 people globally. In 2005, Uponor's net sales were $1.3 billion, returning an operating profit of 11.9 percent. Uponor OYJ is listed on the Nordic Exchange in Helsinki, Finland. Uponor, Inc. is headquartered in Apple Valley, Minn. For more information, visit www.uponor-usa.com

    Contact: Jon Orton
    e-Commerce/Public Relations Manager
    (800) 321-4739, ext. 5329
    jon.orton@uponor-usa.com