Can you use silver solder for refrigeration lines?

Never use solder with lead in an HVAC application. You could get away with it in drain lines, cold water fittings, and cold water lines that won’t experience large changes in pressure or temperature, but generally, you’ll want to use one that contains anywhere between 15 and 30 percent silver, known as a soft solder.

Can you solder air conditioner lines?

It’s okay to solder copper tubing for some of the lines in an air conditioner. Other A/C lines contain high pressure and need brazed or welded joints. Some copper air conditioner tubing has contracted and expanded ends that fit together for joining.

What is the best material to use on HVAC pipe brazing?

When brazing copper the best choice is always sil-phos. Only use silver braze on the brass and steel joints. This compound is very expensive so it is not commonly used when sil-phos can be used.

Can you silver solder over soft solder?

WARNING Soft lead solder at the temperatures required for silver soldering turns in to a very corrosive compound that will eat into the brass, it will also form an oxide on top that will prevent the silver solder from sticking to it.

What percentage of silver is in silver solder?

So, what is silver solder made out of? Generally, silver solder contains: 65% fine silver. 20% copper.

Can you solder a tin of silver?

Background. Tin/silver alloys were developed as an alternative to lead-containing solders. Typical commercial tin/silver alloys contain between 3 and 5% silver. Solder joints using Tin/Silver alloys maintain better high temperature strength then tin/lead solders.

When to use silver solder on copper lines?

Silver Solder refers to when you’re using solder that’s around 45 percent silver or higher. You won’t use this type of solder too often. It’s useful when you’re making joints with steel, like when connecting copper lines to steel, or connecting steel to steel.

Can you use solder on a refrigeration line?

Soldering is a viable method of joining ACR tubing and components while servicing and installing refrigeration systems. However, not all types of solders can be used satisfactorily. Tin/lead and tin/antimony alloys are not normally recommended for our systems.

What’s the difference between brazing rod and silver solder?

Soldering is the same but at temperatures BELOW 840°F. With HVAC rods melting at around 1200°F, it confuses me why we usually call it “silver solder” but also often call it brazing rod. The best term to call it is a “brazing alloy.” I try to remember it, but I often find myself calling it silver solder.

Which is better tin or silver refrigeration lines?

However, a tin/silver alloy is a viable option and offers some distinct advantage over brazing. Some advantages include the elimination of oxide scale formed by heating the joint. This means a nitrogen purge is not required during this process – which is a great saving for any technician.