Having been around for over 40 years, John Guest’s push-fit connection technology has been adopted across the world in industries ranging from plumbing and heating, to automotive and telecommunications. Here the company looks into the benefits and examines the changing applications.
Following its invention over 40 years ago, John Guest’s push-fit concept is now used in applications across the world.
The technology was introduced into the plumbing and heating sector in 1987 and in the industry today the combination of plastic pipes with push-fit fittings has resulted in a reliable, easy and efficient method of installation – push-fit technology reduces assembly times to a few seconds with an instant tube-coupling system.
The JG Speedfit fitting features a twist and lock cap that increases the compression on the ‘O’ ring seal around the pipe, locking it into position. This has stainless steel teeth which provide a firm grip and ensure the pipe stays in place, while the ‘O’ ring seal eradicates any leakage risks. The product is also demountable and reusable.
However, the flexibility and reliability of the solution have resulted in its adoption in industries outside of plumbing and heating where it is now meeting the demands of engineering environments and high-tech industries.
Take the automotive industry as one example. Here, the push-fit fittings are integrated in the fuel, brake vacuum, air suspension and low-pressure power steering systems of some of the leading automotive manufacturers – including BMW and Ford. In global terms, over one billion John Guest automotive connectors have been used in vehicle applications over the past 30 years.
The push-fit fitting is also now being incorporated into new developments including fuel cell systems to create the next generation of vehicles that will address the demand for zero emission solutions.
In telecommunications, John Guest was at the forefront of fibre system development in the UK, working in conjunction with what was British Telecom in the 1980s. Developing the first push-fit connectors specifically for fibre optics, push-fit fittings were used with micro-duct systems utilising blown fibre installation methods.
Specifically designed push-fit connectors for the fibre to the home (FTTH) market have now been developed, with the connectors often used in very technically and environmentally demanding areas.
Accommodating and protecting delicate fibre bundles, the original gripping mechanism remains the key feature to securing new communication lines. Over 2.5 million John Guest connectors sold in 2014 alone were for use in fibre optic telecommunication networks.
Said to be the world’s first food quality push-fit fitting, millions of John Guest connectors are now used every year in the UK beer and beverage industry. Here they offer fast and easy installation – the tube is simply pushed into the fitting to produce an instant but permanent leak-proof connection.
Furthermore, the beer industry is now able to adapt the way it traditionally temperature conditions draught beer thanks to John Guest’s new ‘Polarclean’ range. It is, however, virtually impossible already to find a pub in the UK where the beer hasn’t been brought from the keg right up to the beer tap through John Guest connectors.
Specialist water control valve manufacturers have also been using JG cartridge technology for many years, with some 20 million fittings being installed.
A SOLUTION FOR MANY INDUSTRIES
Now used in a vast array of industries, this simple fitting has evolved with the needs of designers, inventors and manufacturers in all markets. Creating a secure and adaptable fitting, the push-fit concept is a sophisticated piece of kit that may go unnoticed to many, but makes a big impact in the wider world of technology.
John Guest
T: 01895 449233
