Every year, polypropylene pipes are becoming an increasingly popular material for the installation of internal water supply and heating systems. They are replacing the more expensive, heavier and more corrosive steel pipes with their threaded and welded joints. For the installation of polypropylene lines, special devices have been developed - soldering irons. With their help, you can mount the wiring at home without resorting to the help of qualified specialists. Such devices are in demand among home craftsmen and professionals. In order not to be mistaken with the choice, purchasing this tool, you need to get to know it better. The editorial staff of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" offers you an overview of the best soldering irons for polypropylene pipes in 2020 - a rating based on customer and expert reviews.
Content
Piping material and types of connections
There are two ways of connecting engineering networks: detachable and one-piece. Detachable include threaded 
flanged 
and socket connections.
To one-piece - electrowelded
and brazed. Brazing was indeed used when installing copper internal systems for cold and hot water. In some buildings of special purpose, this method of installation is still used today.
Until recently, all this referred to metal water pipes: steel, non-ferrous metals, cast iron. Steel is subject to corrosion. This is a serious disadvantage for water supply networks. Stainless steel is expensive and is only used in industry. It is no coincidence that recently, polypropylene and polyethylene water pipes have been enjoying well-deserved popularity. 
Their use significantly reduces the cost of installation work, increases the service life of water supply systems. The rejection of electric welding improves the environmental component of the installation and the quality of drinking water. Installation of light, cheap, strong, durable and harmless plumbing systems is performed by joining into a socket, using special welding machines, popularly nicknamed "soldering iron".
What is PP pipe soldering iron
Cylinder or "iron"
A device for welding polypropylene pipes is often called a soldering iron, sometimes an iron. It really has a lot to do with a home iron:
- powerful electric heater;
- heating surface, similar, in some products, to the sole of the iron (sword-shaped);
- thermostat;
- handle.
Interesting! Some craftsmen make their own soldering iron from old irons.
The heating surface of the devices can have a cylindrical (rod) shape. Such devices are more compact. They are more convenient to use in hard-to-reach places, since the nozzles can be positioned on the heating element at any angle. 
Nozzles
Soldering irons are equipped with nozzles that are attached to the heater and transfer heat to the workpiece and fittings (connecting parts). The cross-section of these devices corresponds to the cross-section of the pipes and is indicated in the technical documentation by the letters DN (nominal diameter). To prevent the molten polymer from sticking to the metal and complicating the work of the master, the nozzles are made with a Teflon coating.
Thermostat
The working surface of the soldering iron is usually heated to 260 ° C. The duration of heating depends on the diameter of the product. In the event of overheating, connections can lose bandwidth. The molten polypropylene fuses part of the inner section, obstructing the flow of water.
As a result, water consumption is dramatically reduced. For heating systems and hot water supply, this is accompanied by a decrease in water temperature, or complete freezing in winter.
Insufficiently heated elements do not ensure the tightness of the permanent connection. Simply put, the installed water supply will flow at the joints and will have to be redone.
To eliminate problems with the heating temperature, the devices are equipped with manual or microprocessor thermostats. In the first case, by turning a special knob on the scale, the set temperature is set, after which the thermostat or thermostat is triggered.
In the second, the temperature is controlled by a microprocessor.
Pipe shears
If necessary, prepare a workpiece of a certain size for soldering, it is marked and cut with special scissors. Of course, you can use a hacksaw for metal or a grinder. However, it is better to perform a high-quality cut with special scissors.
Good hand shears should be equipped with a ratchet or ratchet mechanism, a sharp, hard stainless steel blade, and a wide base to ensure a smooth 90 degree cut. The quality of the connection depends on this. In the event of an uneven cut, the joint may be leaky.
How to solder polypropylene pipes
The tips are attached to the sword-shaped heating surface of the soldering iron with screws. In devices with a cylindrical heating surface, they are put on the working body like clamps and are also tightened with screws. The blank is inserted and the fitting slides over the nozzle. 
The device is connected to a 220 volt power supply. The surface heats up, the polypropylene softens to a certain extent. Then the heated workpiece is inserted into the heated fitting until it stops and allowed to cool.
Thus, diffusion welding of parts takes place. The instructions attached to the soldering iron describe the heating time of the parts for each diameter in seconds.
Important! In order for the joint to be of high quality, it is impossible to apply significant force to the elements to be connected and rotate them along the axis.
Soldering iron selection criteria
When choosing a device, you should pay attention to the following characteristics:
Electric power
An important parameter that determines the rate of heating of parts and their diameter. The maximum and minimum welding time depends on it. A home soldering iron is typically used for plumbing installations, with an internal section of 15 mm to 40 mm (or 0.5 to 1.5 inches). Sometimes it becomes necessary to install sections with a cross section of 2 inches (50 mm). A professional tool connects sections with a section from 50 mm onwards (more than 100 mm).
Experts advise to determine the required power of the device, multiply by 10 the maximum diameter of the nozzle in millimeters. Thus, for home use, it is enough to purchase a 500 W welder. The best option would be to buy a device with an 800 W parameter. For professional use, you should purchase a device with a power of up to 2 kW.
Device complete set
The soldering iron kit includes a set of several nozzles. In budget sets, there will be no more than four of them: DN 15; 20; 25 and 32 mm. This is quite enough for the installation of an internal water supply system for an apartment, a summer residence, or for their repair. The type of welding nozzle depends on the shape of the heater.Complete with a sword-shaped and a round shape of the heater are so-called. paired nozzles.
Models with a rod (cylindrical) heater are used with shoe nozzles resembling a clamp.
To maintain a working condition, non-stick materials are applied to their surface, the best of which is metallized Teflon. Over time, the coating wears out, polypropylene sticks to the metal. The quality of the joint may suffer from this. Therefore, experienced craftsmen carefully monitor the condition of the attachments and change them in a timely manner.
The presence of a thermostat and its design
Domestic and low-budget models, a bimetallic thermostat and a thermostat are used as a temperature controller. The operating temperature is set by turning the knob to the corresponding value on the scale. On the handle there is a power switch and indicators: green and red. The red indicator lights up when the toggle switch is turned on and signals the power supply to the soldering iron. The green indicator is on when the temperature of the heating surface is lower than the set one.
Two toggle switches mean the presence of two heating elements and a separate activation of each. Thus, the power of the soldering iron is regulated. One heating element, 800 W, works with workpieces up to DN 50 mm. To heat parts of a larger section, the second heating element is turned on. The total power reaches 1600 W, and makes it possible to quickly heat large-diameter workpieces.
The advantages of this option are its simplicity and low cost. Of the shortcomings, users note insufficiently accurate temperature control (overheating is possible). In some models, the adjustment knob is not well located. Sometimes, from an accidental touch, it can change its position towards a higher or lower temperature on the scale. As a result, the joint may turn out to be defective.
Semi-professional and professional popular models are equipped with microprocessor regulators capable of controlling the set temperature with high precision. In addition to toggle switches and indicators of inclusion and heating, such a device can be equipped with an LCD display that displays the temperature value. Its cost is much higher than simple thermostat-controlled soldering irons.
How to choose a soldering iron from the best manufacturers
When purchasing a device for welding polypropylene water pipes, it is important to understand that its quality and cost directly depend on the manufacturer. Given their significant number in the domestic market, buyers always have a question: "which company is the best to buy a product?"
Models of the German company Rotenberger, traditionally high-quality, flawlessly working for many years, are always in demand. Czech Dytron soldering irons are highly regarded by professionals for their excellent quality and functionality.
The cost of European brands is not available to everyone. On the other hand, many years of operation without the cost of repairs or the purchase of a new device pays for itself, especially when it comes to professional use.
The characteristics of Russian models Eliteh and SPECs, Turkish ones - Valtec, Candan, Cobra, are inferior to German and Czech ones. Their advantage is reasonable prices. For household work that is not associated with a high intensity of device loads, this is a completely justified purchase.
Chinese products are most common on the Russian market. The quality of these products is low, but they are inexpensive. If you follow the instructions for use, these soldering irons can withstand operation during the warranty period, and if you're lucky, even a little longer. Choosing from the "Chinese", you should give preference to the soldering irons Sturm, Fora.
What to look for when brazing PP pipes
Unreinforced pipes
When starting the installation of polypropylene water pipes, it is necessary to study the features of their operation. Polypropylene has a very high linear expansion coefficient when heated. Under the influence of hot water, polypropylene routes are lengthened so that they lose their straightness. The lash takes the shape of a sinusoid. 
In heating systems, this shape of the route will cause the accumulation of air at its upper points, with the cessation of circulation and a decrease in the water temperature. With further lengthening, the lashes break and pull out fasteners from the walls and break fittings at connections to radiators or control and stop valves (valves, taps, mixers).
Important! Unreinforced polypropylene pipes can only be used when installing cold water pipelines. Reinforced material is used for heating and hot water supply systems.
Reinforced pipes
To reduce the coefficient of linear expansion, polypropylene pipes are reinforced with aluminum foil or fiberglass. In this case, the coefficient of linear expansion decreases 6 times. Aluminum foil is glued to the polypropylene outside, or between layers of the base material. When soldering joints made of material with an outer coating of aluminum, it must be removed with a special device along the entire length of the joint.
For pipes with interlayer foil, this operation is not necessary. The fiberglass reinforcement layer is also located between the polypropylene layers. Such traces can be welded by "ironing" without preliminary processing.
Important! Manufacturers of reinforced pipes guarantee trouble-free operation of water pipelines at a water temperature of no higher than 95 degrees. FROM.
After getting acquainted with the equipment, equipment, characteristics and manufacturers, we proceed to the rating of high-quality soldering irons for polypropylene pipes in 2020, compiled according to the opinion of buyers and experts.
Review of the best soldering irons for polypropylene pipes in 2020
Candan cm - 03
Turkish-made apparatus. The heating surface is a "iron", with the possibility of attaching two of the four nozzles available in the set 1500 W power makes it almost professional. Welds workpieces with a diameter of 16 to 75 mm. Users leave the best reviews about this model. It is readily acquired by professionals. The average price fluctuates around 3000 rubles. It occupies the tenth line in the ranking.
Advantages:
- compact;
- powerful;
- the presence in the set of special scissors, tape measure.
Disadvantages:
- high power consumption.
ENKOR ASP-1500 / 20-63
The ninth in the ranking is the Russian apparatus. The total power of the two separately switched on heaters is 1500 W. The set includes 6 nozzles with a diameter of 20 to 63 mm. Three of them can be simultaneously attached to the sword-shaped heating surface. The maximum temperature is 3000 C. The process is controlled by a thermostat. The original stand provides the ability to fix the soldering iron to the table surface with a clamp, which greatly facilitates the work of the master. The average price of the device is 2700 rubles.
Advantages:
- powerful;
- compact;
- affordable valuable;
- the stand is attached to the table.
Disadvantages:
- frequent thermostat failures;
- fragile box.
Elitech SPT 1000
The Russian apparatus Elitech SPT 1000 is considered very popular with home craftsmen and professionals. The device is equipped with a rod heating element with a power of 1000 W and four shoe nozzles with a diameter of 20; 25; 32 and 40 mm, which are heated up to 3000 C. The process is controlled by a thermostat. Compact and lightweight (2.6 kg) device allows you to solder in hard-to-reach places. It costs about 1800 rubles.
Advantages:
- optimal power;
- compactness and light weight;
- the possibility of using in hard-to-reach places;
- Excellent value for money and quality.
Disadvantages:
- soft stand;
- short-lived Teflon-coated tips.
In our ranking, Elitech SPT 1000 ranks eighth.
Wester DWM 1500
The seventh in the ranking is Wester DWM 1500 (developed in Germany, manufactured in China). The device is equipped with a xiphoid form of a working body with two separate heaters with a total power of 1500 W. The heating temperature is controlled by a thermostat. The kit includes nozzles with a diameter of 20; 25; 32; 40; 50 and 63 mm. The stand is equipped with a clamp that allows you to firmly fix the device to the table.Convenient metal case makes it easy to carry and transport the kit, complete with gloves, scissors, tape measure, screwdriver and hex wrench. The average price is 3800 rubles.
Advantages:
- powerful;
- quick heating of parts;
- reliable thermostat;
- thoughtful equipment.
Disadvantages:
- according to customer reviews, no flaws
Elitech - SPT 800
Compact and lightweight (3 kg) device with a xiphoid working surface. Equipped with a 800 W heater, which indicates its non-professional purpose. Great for DIYers for small jobs. Heating is controlled by a thermostat. For temperature control, there is a special handle and a scale conveniently located on the body of the device. Power and temperature indicators inform the master about the presence of voltage on the device and the heating temperature. Complete with all necessary nozzles, diameters from 20 to 63 mm, Teflon coated. The average price reaches 1,600 rubles. Confidently ranked sixth in the ranking.
Advantages:
- economical (only 800 W);
- fast heating (4 min);
- affordable price.
Disadvantages:
- short-lived teflon coating of nozzles;
- the stand is not fixed to the table;
SPECIAL PTP-1000
The fifth line of the rating is occupied by the Russian soldering iron SPETS PTP-1000. Simple, inexpensive, reliable, it meets all the requirements for non-professional equipment. The 980 W xiphoid heater will heat the nozzles up to 300 degrees. A thermostat protects it from overheating. To adjust the temperature, a knob and a scale are mounted on the body. Voltage and heating temperature indicators constantly inform the master about the state of the soldering iron. The set contains all the necessary nozzles, diameters from 20 to 63 mm, coated with Teflon. For ease of transportation, a metal case is provided, in which all parts of the kit are rigidly fixed. This ensures the complete immobility of the parts in the box during transport. The average price is 1800 rubles
Dignity:
- simplicity and reliability;
- efficiency (980 W);
- affordable price.
Disadvantages:
- inconvenient stand.
Brima TG - 171
The fourth place in the rating is given to the Chinese-made Brima TG - 171, developed by German specialists. It is a compact, lightweight, reliable and inexpensive tool with a xiphoid work surface and two heaters with a total power of 1500 watts. On the body there are two toggle switches for separate switching on of heating elements, a temperature regulator with a scale, voltage and heating indicators. In addition to the soldering iron, the kit includes:
- metal case;
- six paired nozzles for all pipe diameters, from 20 to 63 mm;
- stand;
- gloves;
- roulette;
- special scissors for cutting pipes;
- building level;
- screwdriver and hex wrench.
The manufacturer made sure that, having bought a set, the master no longer ran around the shops, buying in addition the things and tools necessary for work. The kit contains everything. The purchase of this device will cost 4055 rubles. This is its average price.
Advantages:
- decent functionality;
- affordable price;
- complete with everything you need for work.
Disadvantages:
- inconvenient stand;
- possible thermostat failures.
Candan CM - 05
The three leaders in the rating are opened by the Turkish welding machine Candan CM - 05. This machine is more suitable for professionals. The round working surface is heated by two heaters, 1200 W each. For this reason, the parameter shows that it is intended for welding large cross-section pipes, from 50 to 160 mm. However, this model can be used for soldering workpieces up to DN 50 mm, if you purchase the appropriate attachments and turn on one of the two heaters. The power for small pipes is too large, but it will take less time to warm up the parts. True, the overconsumption of electricity in this case is ensured, so it is better to use a soldering iron for its intended purpose. The price is affordable, on average about 6,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- powerful;
- reliable thermostat;
- high-quality assembly and components;
- high-performance.
Disadvantages:
- not supplied with attachments.
Dytron Polys P - 4a 1200 W
In second place in the ranking is the Czech Dytron Polys P - 4a 1200 W. Users appreciate it for its high-quality assembly and materials. Microprocessor-based heating control ensures accurate maintenance of the set temperature, with fluctuations within 1.5 degrees. The power of the x-shaped heater is 850 W. The device is equipped with paired nozzles in the amount of 8 pieces, for soldering pipes with a diameter of 16 to 75 mm. The average price of the model included is 15775 rubles.
Advantages:
- high quality workmanship;
- reliability and durability;
- microprocessor temperature control.
Disadvantages:
- soft stand;
- high price.
Rothenberger Roweld Rofuse Basic 48
This unit is designed for electrofusion welding.
In addition to socket soldering, electrofusion welding is used to connect plastic pipes. In this case, the connecting elements are special couplings. Leading manufacturers produce machines with automatic welding time adjustment. The process technology is as follows:
- Before starting work, the ends of the pipes are cleaned with a special scraper from a thin film of oxides;
- The inner surface of the coupling and the cleaned pipe ends are degreased;
- The ends of the pipes are inserted into the coupling until it stops. At the time of docking and welding, the pipes and the coupling are located on a special device (positioner). This ensures their complete immobility and docking accuracy.
- A special barcode is glued to the clutch, in which all its characteristics are encrypted.
The set includes a scanner connected by wires to the control module. The device is connected to the network. Its two terminals are connected to special connectors on the coupling. The scanner reads the coupling barcode and transmits it to the control unit. The automatics of the device determines how many seconds and what voltage this joint is brewed. - After reading the barcode, the device gives a readiness signal on the display and duplicates it with a sound signal. The operator presses the start button.
- The entire welding process is carried out automatically.
At the end of welding, molten polyethylene appears from the special holes of the coupling. This means that welding is complete. The countdown of the cooling time began, which ends with the achievement of complete immobility of the joint.
If necessary, the device can issue a complete protocol of the performed action. To read and replicate it, it is equipped with a USB port. This procedure is necessary for the professional use of equipment, for the preparation of as-built documentation for the facility.
Among the sufficient number of professional devices for electrofusion welding on the market, Rothenberger Roweld Rofuse Basic 48 is distinguished by excellent quality and functionality. Its power is 2800 W, operates on a 220 V network, and is equipped with a barcode scanner. Its average price is 165,161 rubles.
Advantages:
- powerful, professional;
- the presence of a barcode scanner;
- possibility of welding logging.
Disadvantages:
- high price.
In our ranking, the Rothenberger Roweld Rofuse Basic 48 takes the first place.
| Device name | Developer Manufacturing | Main characteristics | average price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rothenberger Roweld Rofuse Basic 48 | Germany / China | The type of connection is electrofusion; power 2800 W; voltage 220 V; welding logging; display; Barcode Scanner; device class - professional; diameter of welded pipes - up to 315 mm | RUB 165161 | |
| Dyton Polus P 4a 1200W | Czech Republic | Socket connection type; Xiphoid heater; power-850W; temperature controller - microprocessor; heating temperature - 280 degrees. number of attachments included - 8 | RUB 15725 | |
| Candan CM - 05 | Turkey | Socket connection type; Xiphoid heater; power-850W; temperature controller - microprocessor; heating temperature - 280 degrees. number of attachments included - 8 | RUB 2948 | |
| Brima TG - 171 | China | Socket connection type; Xiphoid heater; power-1500W; temperature regulator - thermostat; heating temperature - 300 degrees. number of attachments included - 6 | 4055 RUB | |
| Special PTP - 1000 | Russia / China | Socket connection type; Rod heater; power-1500W; temperature regulator - thermostat; heating temperature - 300 degrees. number of attachments included - 6 | RUB 2560 | |
| Eliteh - SPT 800 | Russia / China | Socket connection type; Xiphoid heater; power-800W; temperature regulator - thermostat; heating temperature - 300 degrees. number of attachments included - 6 | 1263 RUB | |
| Wester DWM 1500 | Germany / China | Socket connection type; Xiphoid heater; power-1500W; temperature regulator - thermostat; heating temperature - 300 degrees. number of attachments included - 6 | RUB 2948 | |
| Eliteh - SPT 1000 | USA / China | Socket connection type; Xiphoid heater; power-1000W; temperature regulator - thermostat; heating temperature - 300 degrees. number of attachments included - 4 | ||
| Enkor ASP - 1500/20 - 63 | USA / China | Socket connection type; Xiphoid heater; power-1500W; temperature regulator - thermostat; heating temperature - 300 degrees. number of attachments included - 6 | RUB 2560 | |
| Candan CM - 03 | Russia / China | Socket connection type; Xiphoid heater; power-1500W; temperature regulator - thermostat; heating temperature - 320 degrees. number of attachments included - 4 | 2300 RUB |
The popularity of certain models depends on the ratio of their quality and cost. You shouldn't choose a tool at a low price. You can run into a cheap fake that will not survive the warranty period. You need to collect as much information as possible about the device. It is necessary to familiarize yourself with the features and description of the device, listen to the advice and recommendations of experienced craftsmen, who will definitely tell you which tool is better to buy. After that, it remains only to find out from the seller how much the model costs, compare its price with the functionality and make a decision.
Having a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes on the farm, you can independently mount all internal pipelines in an apartment or a country house, saving a lot of money on wages for specialists. It is possible that after a successful experience, for someone it will become a profession and profitable business. One has only to buy an “iron” at an affordable price and start acting. Our review is not the ultimate truth, but it can help to avoid mistakes when choosing.
