Conductive Joints

For cold climates where electrical thawing of service connections is required, metal contact strips are molded into the Fastite gasket, providing a "built-in" contact which will carry the necessary current between the socket and the pipe end. Under compression, the rubber gasket forces the contact strips firmly against the metal surfaces. This design assures an enclosed and protected contact which remains effective against expansion, contraction or future movement of the joint. Special preparation of the pipe sockets and plain ends is required when using conductive gaskets. Instructions are outlined on each can of AMERICAN Fastite Joint Lubricant. The Fastite Joint Conductive Gasket is satisfactory for transmission of electrical current up to 600 amps. Other types of joint bonding are used to provide electrical conductivity across joints for low voltage/current requirements, such as for corrosion monitoring or cathodic protection.

Fastite Conductive Gasket

In assembling Fastite pipe with conductive gaskets, both plain end and socket must be thoroughly cleaned and be free of rust and from asphaltic or other coating material. A protective coating is applied to the sockets and beveled ends of Fastite Conductive Joint pipe prior to shipment to prevent oxidation on the gasket seating surfaces during transportation and storage prior to assembly. Thorough cleaning of the gasket seating surfaces in the socket and on the plain end is required prior to assembly to provide proper electrical contact between the copper clips and the metallic surfaces of the joint.

Assembly from this point is the same as described previously for the Fastite Joint.

Note: Fastite Conductive Gaskets should not be used with Fastite restrained plugs. Some sizes of Fastite pipes may not be suitable for use with Conductive Gaskets. Contact AMERICAN to check availability.