When it comes to plumbing, compression olives are an essential component for creating secure connections between pipes. These small, ring-shaped fittings play a vital role in preventing leaks and ensuring the proper functioning of your plumbing system. Whether you’re a professional plumber or a do-it-yourselfer, understanding how to use compression olives correctly is crucial for successful plumbing installations and repairs.
Compression olives are typically made from copper or brass and feature a tapered design. They are designed to fit snugly around the outside of a pipe, creating a seal when tightened. The olive is compressed as the nut is tightened, forcing the pipe and fitting together to form a watertight connection. Compression olives are commonly used in conjunction with compression fittings, which consist of a nut, an olive, and a ferrule. The ferrule helps to distribute the force of the nut evenly around the olive, ensuring a secure seal.
Before using compression olives, it’s important to select the correct size for your application. The olive should be slightly larger than the outside diameter of the pipe. Once you have the right size olive, you can begin the installation process. Start by inserting the pipe into the compression fitting. Next, slide the olive over the pipe and position it against the shoulder of the fitting. Finally, tighten the nut hand-tight, then use a wrench to further tighten it by about one-quarter to one-half turn. Avoid overtightening, as this can damage the olive or fitting.
Selecting the Right Compression Olives
Choosing the appropriate compression olives is crucial for ensuring a secure and reliable connection. When selecting, consider the following factors:
Olive Size: Compression olives come in various sizes to accommodate different cable diameters. Measure the cable’s outer diameter before selecting the olive. The olive should have an internal diameter slightly larger than the cable’s diameter to allow for proper compression.
Material: Compression olives are typically made of copper or aluminum. Copper olives offer superior corrosion resistance and conductivity. Aluminum olives are lightweight and less expensive but may not be suitable for high-corrosion environments.
Type: There are two main types of compression olives: single-piece and two-piece. Single-piece olives consist of a single piece of metal that is crimped around the cable and the terminal. Two-piece olives comprise a separate compression body and ferrule. The ferrule is inserted onto the cable before the compression body is crimped on, providing a secure and moisture-resistant connection.
Insulation: Some compression olives feature insulation to protect the cable from electrical shock and short circuits. Insulated olives are ideal for outdoor or harsh environments where moisture can be a concern.
| Olive Size | Cable Diameter |
|---|---|
| 1/4″ | Up to 6.4 mm |
| 5/16″ | Up to 8.2 mm |
| 3/8″ | Up to 10.3 mm |
Preparation for Compression Olive Installation
Preparation for Compression Olive Installation
Before you can install compression olives, there are a few things you need to do to prepare.
First, you need to gather the right tools. You will need a pair of pliers, a hex key, and a compression olive tool. You may also need a utility knife to cut the PEX tubing.
Once you have gathered your tools, you need to cut the PEX tubing to the desired length. Make sure the cut is clean and square. If the cut is not clean, the compression olive will not seal properly.
Next, you need to insert the PEX tubing into the compression olive. Make sure the tubing is fully inserted into the olive. If the tubing is not fully inserted, the compression olive will not seal properly.
Finally, you need to tighten the compression nut onto the compression olive. Tighten the nut until it is snug. Do not overtighten the nut, or you could damage the compression olive.
Inserting the Cable into the Compression Olive
To insert the cable into the compression olive, follow these steps:
- Prepare the cable. Cut the cable to the desired length and strip the insulation off the end of the cable. The amount of insulation you need to strip will vary depending on the size of the cable and the compression olive.
- Insert the cable into the compression olive. Insert the stripped end of the cable into the compression olive. Make sure that the cable is fully inserted into the olive.
- Tighten the compression olive. Use a wrench to tighten the compression olive. Tighten the olive until it is snug, but do not overtighten it. Overtightening the olive can damage the cable or the olive.
Tightening Torque:
| Size | Tightening Torque |
|---|---|
| #6 AWG | 17-22 in-lbs |
| #8 AWG | 24-28 in-lbs |
| #10 AWG | 16-20 in-lbs |
| #12 AWG | 9-12 in-lbs |
| #14 AWG | 7-11 in-lbs |
| #16 AWG | 5-8 in-lbs |
| #18 AWG | 4-6 in-lbs |
| #20 AWG | 3-5 in-lbs |
Crimping the Compression Olive
Compression olives provide a secure, vibration-proof connection between a hydraulic hose and a fitting. Proper crimping is essential for a reliable seal. Here’s a detailed guide:
Materials Required
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Hose crimper | Used to apply the required pressure for crimping |
| Compression olives | Sized to match the hose and fitting |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Hose and Fitting
Cut the hose to length and remove any burrs from the cut edges. Clean the fitting and the hose end to ensure a good connection.
2. Install the Olive
Slide the compression olive onto the hose and position it correctly over the fitting. Ensure that the olive is seated securely against the fitting.
3. Align the Crimper
Place the hose and fitting assembly into the crimper. Align the crimping jaws with the olive, ensuring that they are centered and perpendicular to the hose.
4. Crimp the Olive
Apply gradual pressure to the crimper until the jaws have closed completely around the olive. The amount of pressure required depends on the hose size and the olive type. Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for specific crimping force and dimension requirements.
Check that the crimped olive has achieved the proper shape and dimensions. If the crimp is not complete or excessive, the connection may leak or fail.
After crimping, remove the assembly from the crimper and inspect the connection for any damage or defects. A properly crimped connection should be strong and secure, with no gaps or distortions.
Testing the Connection
Once the compression olive has been installed, it is essential to test the connection to ensure a secure and leak-proof seal. Here are the steps you can follow to test the connection:
1. Use a torque wrench or adjustable wrench to tighten the compression nut: Slowly and carefully tighten the nut until you feel a slight resistance, indicating that the olive has been compressed and is forming a seal.
2. Apply a reasonable amount of force to the compression nut: Use your hand to apply additional force to the nut, but be careful not to overtighten it. Overtightening can damage the olive or the tubing.
3. Check for any leaks: Using a soap solution or a leak detector, inspect the connection for any leaks. If you see bubbles or hear a hissing sound, it indicates a leak and the connection needs to be tightened further.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 until there are no leaks: Continue to tighten the compression nut and check for leaks until you are satisfied that the connection is secure and leak-proof.
5. Use caution when testing with water: If you are testing the connection with water, it is crucial to ensure that the system is depressurized before opening the valve. Opening a valve under pressure can cause a sudden surge of water, which can damage the connection or cause injury.
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
If you’re experiencing issues with your compression olive connections, there are a few things you can troubleshoot:
1. Check the olive size
Make sure the olive is the correct size for the tubing you’re using. An olive that is too small will not seal properly, and an olive that is too large will be difficult to insert.
2. Clean the olive and tubing
Dirt or debris on the olive or tubing can prevent a proper seal. Clean both surfaces with a clean cloth before making the connection.
3. Insert the olive correctly
The olive should be inserted into the tubing with the beveled end facing towards the fitting. Make sure the olive is pushed all the way into the tubing, but do not overtighten.
4. Tighten the fitting
Once the olive is inserted, tighten the fitting. Do not overtighten, as this can damage the olive or fitting.
5. Check for leaks
Once the fitting is tight, check for leaks by applying pressure to the tubing. If you see any leaks, tighten the fitting further or replace the olive.
6. Inspect and maintain the Olives:
Regularly inspect your compression olives to ensure proper functionality and prevent potential issues.
| Inspection Aspect | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Corrosion or Pitting | Replace the olive immediately. |
| Deformation or Damage | Replace the olive to prevent leakage. |
| Tightness and Connection Integrity | Ensure the olive is securely tightened, avoiding overtightening. |
| Cleanliness and Debris Check | Clean and remove any debris or contaminants for optimal sealing. |
Compression Olive Sizing Guide
Compression olives are measured by their outside diameter (OD) and inside diameter (ID). The OD is the outer diameter of the olive, while the ID is the inner diameter of the olive.
The following table provides a guide to the most common compression olive sizes:
| OD (in) | ID (in) |
|---|---|
| 1/4 | 3/16 |
| 3/8 | 1/4 |
| 1/2 | 3/8 |
| 3/4 | 1/2 |
| 1 | 3/4 |
When selecting a compression olive, it is important to choose an olive that is the correct size for the tubing that you are using. If the olive is too small, it will not properly seal the connection and could leak. If the olive is too large, it will not fit properly and could damage the tubing.
In addition to the OD and ID, compression olives are also available in different lengths. The length of the olive will determine the amount of grip that the olive has on the tubing. A longer olive will provide more grip than a shorter olive.
When installing a compression olive, it is important to use the correct tightening torque. If the olive is not tightened enough, it could leak. If the olive is overtightened, it could damage the tubing.
Types of Compression Olives
Oval Compression Olives
Oval compression olives are the most commonly used type of compression olive. They are ideal for use with soft, flexible tubing, such as polyethylene or polyurethane. Oval compression olives have a rounded shape and a single, longitudinal groove. This groove allows for the olive to be easily compressed onto the tubing, ensuring a secure connection that will not leak.
Hex Compression Olives
Hex compression olives are similar to oval compression olives, but they have a hexagonal shape instead of a rounded shape. This hexagonal shape provides a more secure connection than oval compression olives, making them ideal for use with hard, rigid tubing, such as copper or steel.
Split Compression Olives
Split compression olives are designed for use with flexible tubing that has a thick wall. They have a split design that allows them to be easily installed over the tubing without having to cut the tubing. Split compression olives are also available with a variety of sealing materials, such as rubber or Teflon, to ensure a leak-free connection.
Double Compression Olives
Double compression olives are similar to single compression olives, but they have two grooves instead of one. This double groove design provides a more secure connection than single compression olives, making them ideal for use with applications that require a high level of vibration resistance.
Compression Olive Materials
Compression olives are typically made of brass, copper, or stainless steel. Brass compression olives are the most common type, as they are inexpensive and corrosion-resistant. Copper compression olives are also corrosion-resistant, but they are more expensive than brass compression olives. Stainless steel compression olives are the most expensive type, but they are also the most durable and corrosion-resistant.
Compression Olive Sizes
Compression olives are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different sizes of tubing. The size of the compression olive is determined by the outside diameter of the tubing. The following table shows the most common compression olive sizes:
| Tubing OD (inches) | Compression Olive Size |
|---|---|
| 1/4 | 1/4 |
| 3/8 | 3/8 |
| 1/2 | 1/2 |
| 3/4 | 3/4 |
| 1 | 1 |
Applications for Compression Olives
General Piping Systems
Compression olives are commonly used in general plumbing applications, such as connecting pipes for water supply, heating systems, and drainage. They are suitable for hard and soft copper tubes, making them versatile for various plumbing projects.
Compressed Air Systems
In compressed air systems, where high pressures are involved, compression olives provide a reliable and secure connection. They effectively seal against leaks caused by vibrations or pressure surges, ensuring the integrity of the system.
Fuel Lines
Compression olives find application in fuel lines, connecting pipes that carry gasoline or diesel. The tight seal they provide prevents fuel leaks, ensuring safety and reliability.
Refrigeration Lines
In refrigeration systems, compression olives are used to connect copper tubing used in refrigerant lines. They ensure a leak-proof connection, maintaining the proper flow and pressure of refrigerant through the system.
Instrumentation Systems
Compression olives are used in instrumentation systems to connect pipes and tubes for transmitting signals or carrying fluids. They provide a reliable connection that maintains signal integrity and prevents fluid leaks.
Laboratory Equipment
In laboratories, compression olives are utilized to connect pipes and tubing used in various scientific apparatus and equipment. They enable the secure transfer of gases, liquids, or vapors, ensuring accurate and reliable results.
Marine Applications
Compression olives are commonly used in marine applications, where corrosion resistance is crucial. They are ideal for connecting piping systems on boats and other marine vessels, providing a secure and durable connection in demanding environments.
Instrumentation Systems
In instrumentation systems, compression olives are crucial for connecting pipes and tubes transmitting signals or carrying fluids. They ensure a reliable connection that preserves signal integrity and prevents leaks.
Hydraulic Systems
Compression olives are employed in hydraulic systems to connect pipes and tubes conveying high-pressure fluids. Their secure connection minimizes pressure loss and prevents leaks, ensuring the efficient operation of hydraulic systems.
Safety Precautions when Using Compression Olives
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10. Securely Tighten the Olive
Ensure that the olive is securely tightened onto the ferrule. Under-tightening can lead to leaks, while over-tightening can damage the ferrule or olive. Use a torque wrench to apply the correct amount of torque, as specified by the manufacturer. A recommended torque range is typically provided with the olive or in the installation instructions.
The following table provides torque recommendations for various sizes of compression olives:
| Olive Size (mm) | Recommended Torque (Nm) |
|---|---|
| 15 | 25-30 |
| 22 | 35-40 |
| 28 | 45-50 |
| 35 | 60-70 |
| 42 | 80-90 |
Always check the manufacturer’s specifications for the specific torque requirements of the olive you are using.
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How To Use Compression Olives
Compression olives are a type of mechanical connector used to join two pieces of pipe. They are typically made of brass or copper and have a tapered shape with a threaded end. Compression olives work by compressing the pipe against a gasket, creating a watertight seal. To use compression olives:
- Cut the pipe to the desired length and remove any burrs.
- Slide the compression olive onto the pipe.
- Screw the compression nut onto the olive and tighten it until the olive is compressed against the pipe.
- Inspect the joint for leaks and tighten the nut as needed.
Compression olives are a simple and effective way to join two pieces of pipe. They are commonly used in plumbing and heating applications.
People Also Ask About How To Use Compression Olives
What is the difference between a compression olive and a ferrule?
A compression olive is a type of mechanical connector that uses a tapered shape and a threaded end to compress a gasket against the pipe, creating a watertight seal. A ferrule, on the other hand, is a type of mechanical connector that uses a cylindrical shape and a crimped end to create a watertight seal.
What is the best way to tighten a compression olive?
The best way to tighten a compression olive is to use a torque wrench. This will ensure that the olive is tightened to the correct torque, which will create a watertight seal without damaging the pipe.
Can I use compression olives on PEX pipe?
Yes, you can use compression olives on PEX pipe. However, you must use a special type of compression olive that is designed for use with PEX pipe.
