FAQ Sections

FAQ

Welcome to the Arctic Hayes Frequently Asked Questions page.

Click on the links to the left to jump to the section your are interested in.

If you still cannot find what you are looking for please call our office on 0113 271 5245 and one of our team will be happy to help you.

Pipe Freezing

Pipe freezing kits enable repairs and maintenance of pipework, without the need to drain down the whole system. Our range of pipe freeze kits are ideal for plumbing and pipework installations with minimum disruption, saving time and money!

General Usage
How do you know when enough product has been used and the pipe has frozen?			You will hear a click when the ice plug has formed and reached the pipe wall. The release of refrigerant should be continued for 30 seconds after this click to ensure the plug has formed along the length of the pipe. There will also be visible frost on the jacket. <div align="center">
How many freezes can you get from a can of ZE1/ZE2?			It depends on the conditions in the room and size of the pipe. However, normally ZE1 can complete 1 x 8-15mm freezes and ZE2 can complete 2 x 8-15mm freezes or 1 x 28mm freeze. For any more information please see the freezing guide on the can.
Will the pipe freezing cans work if the can is tilted?			Yes, the cans will work if tilted but will not work if the can is upside down.
Will the pipe freezing kits freeze a 15mm hot water pipe? The water cannot be stopped and the temperature is 40 degrees.			No, all running water needs to be stopped. Turn water off at the mains or ensure there is no running water in the building. The pipe will not freeze if there is any running water. It will freeze hot water, but this will take more time than freezing cold water.
Can a soldered joint be affected by freezing the pipe?			Freezing a soldered joint wouldn’t have any affect unless the joint has pre-existing damage.
The stop tap / valve isn’t 50cm away from the jacket, will this affect the freezing process?			Ideally the jacket needs to be at least 50cm (18”) away from a valve / stop tap. If this is not possible the valve needs to be open so the pressure can escape. If the valve is closed / cannot be opened this can cause the pipe to split.
Can pipes be frozen if there is anti-freeze in the system?			Yes, the pipe can be frozen but it will take more product and time to freeze.
What temperature do the disposable kits go down to?			The flash off temperature is approximately -50°C but the stabilised temperature is around -30°C.
Do the freezing jackets have a limited number of uses?			The AERO jacket (ASM01) is disposable and designed for single use only. The PRO jackets (MUFF) have no limited number of uses.
Can you freeze a pipe if it is attached to a wall?			Yes, as long as the jacket can be placed around the whole of the pipe the freeze will work.
The can leaks when I use it / I don’t get the same number of uses from the can as you advise. What am I doing wrong?			Attach valve to the top of the can and fit the nylon tubes, Open the valve on the can allowing the refrigerant to enter the jackets. To release the refrigerant, slowly turn the value ….if you flood the jacket(s), refrigerant will start leaking out of the ends of the jacket, reduce the supply by turning the value back until you have no leaking/dripping, continue until you have used the dose indicated on the can or you hear the “click” sound, this indicates the ice plug has formed. Aim for the jacket to starting to go white with frost (after a short time) with no leaking. Once the ice plug has formed, wait a further 60 seconds before you start your repair. <div align="center"> Note. The Pro kits come with a weighing scale to see how much refrigerant you have left in the can before starting.
Product Details
Can ZE1 & ZE2 freeze steel, plastic & iron pipes?			Freezing guidelines are for copper pipes. Any other type of pipe will need at least 25% more product and time (depending on conditions). Our refrigerant will not freeze Polybutylene pipes.
What is the product weight of your Arctic Spray canisters?			ZE1 has a fill of 150ml - 101g canister weight and 176g of product, with a total weight of 277g. ZE2 has a fill of 300ml - 125g canister weight and 356g of product, with a total weight of 481g. A full can of ZEP1 weighs approximately 850g, with a canister weight of approximately 250g. The average fill fluid/gas volume is 600g.
What is the shelf life for ZE1, ZE2 & ZEP1?			All three products have a shelf life of 2 years, if stored and used correctly.
The pipe freezing instructions state that the jackets are different colours but are all blue?			The outside of the jackets are blue, the Velcro on the inside is coloured.
Does the ZECOM kit come with 3 pieces of nylon tube? The image on the instructions shows three pieces.			No, the kit comes with two pieces of nylon tube (NTB04). This is designed to be cut if required.

Smoke Products

Smoke products are a vital tool in the heating and ventilation industry. Choose from our wide range of smoke products, including everything from smoke matches and plumbing smoke bomb pellets & cartridges to smoke sticks, and our patented powder smoke.

General Usage
Can Smoke Pellets set off a heat sensor?			No, there isn’t enough heat omitted from a Smoke Pellet to set off a heat sensor. However, they can set off smoke alarms so we recommend you disable your alarm (if permitted) before use.
Are the Smoke Pellets meant to pop?			They can pop if there are air bubbles trapped in the product. This is not a fault.
Can the coloured Smoke Pellets be used on an irrigation system?			No, they are not suitable for use on an irrigation system.
Can lighted Smoke Pellets be used on their side, or just upright?			They can be used on their side but may not have the same burn effect and leave some product behind.
Are Smoke Pellets toxic?			Smoke Pellets are non-toxic but are an irritant. It is not advised you stay in the room when they are in use as they may cause your eyes to itch.
Can Smoke Pellets be used on animals e.g. moles, bees & pigeons?			Smoke Pellets have not been designed or tested for this purpose, they are meant for testing flues.
Product Details
How do you insert the refill stick into the Smoke Pens?			Hold the silver button at the top of the pen and push the refill stick in.

Aerosols & Greases

Our full range of plumbing accessories includes all the aerosol and grease products you need. From silicone grease to maintenance spray, air dusters and gas leak detector spray, we stock all your essential plumbing consumables.

General Usage
Can Crack-It (CI/400) be used to release a seized up stop tap?			Yes, it can be used for this.
Can silicone grease be used on a plastic push-fit fittings for pipework?			Yes, our silicone greases can be used on push-fit joints as it is WRAS approved.
Product Details
Why is the leak detection fluid a different colour to the last bottle I purchased?			The colour of the fluid can change from batch to batch as per the additives in the formula - this is not an issue with the product. The colour of the fluid can also change if the product has been frozen and de-frosted. This will not alter its effectiveness.
Can PH020 be used on natural gases?			Yes, the PH020 Leak detector can be used on natural and LPG gas.

Soldering & Brazing

Top-quality soldering and brazing products; from our Vortex range of brazing torches and gas to kit-bags and soldering mats. Vortex gases offer superior performance to equivalent traditional brazing gases.

General Usage
Can a different brand of gas be used with Arctic Hayes VT torches?			Our torches have only been tested with our gas (VG1/ VG2). We wouldn’t recommend using any other brand with the torches.
Can the gas canister be disconnected from the torch when it is still full?			Yes, the gas canisters have a stopper so gas will not escape once disconnected. You need to unscrew the can, it may make a hissing sound but this is normal. <div align="center">
Can VG1 MAP-X Gas been used on Platinum?			Our gas has not been tested on platinum. Our gas can burn up to 1,300 degrees, the melting point of platinum is 1,770 degrees. Depending on the burning apparatus used, platinum could reach melting point. Both our Propane and Map-X gases have been tested for use on plumbing products which have a much lower melting point.
Can VG1/VG2 gas canisters be disposed of with general waste?			The canisters can be disposed of with general waste if the valve is removed. If the valve is not removed the canisters would need to go to a local waste disposal site.
What is the product weight of VG1/VG2?			VG1 - The product weighs 450g, the total weight is 892g. VG2 - The product weighs 400g, the total weight is 842g.
What temperatures do the VG1 & VG2 gas burn?			VG1 can burn up to 1300 degrees. VG2 can burn up to 1100 degrees.

CO & Smoke Alarms

Carbon monoxide & smoke alarms offer essential protection against the dangers of smoke and carbon monoxide. Stay safe with a simple carbon monoxide detector patch or alarm, a combined smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, or an easy-to-use photoelectric smoke alarm.

Product Details
Why isn’t there an expiry date on the Carbon Monoxide detector patches (PH019AC)?			The date is left blank as you should put the expiry date on the units yourself once the packet is opened. This is because once opened the patches are exposed to air and other environmental conditions. Patches last for 6 months once opened.
Is the Carbon Monoxide Alarm (COA2) tamper-proof?			No, it is not classed as tamper-proof but it is a sealed unit.
How long is the life of an SA1 smoke alarm?			The unit has a 3 year sensor, the power on the unit will depend on the type of battery used.
Does the PH043A Smoke Alarm Tester emit smoke when spraying the can?			No, the product in the can atomises a solvent that simulates smoke to the sensor.
Why does the Carbon Monoxide Tester Canister feel light?			Carbon monoxide is a weightless gas, and our canisters use compressed air to emit the gas during testing, so the canister may feel light or empty when you receive it. To check the contents of the canister, perform a carbon monoxide test. Place the carbon monoxide alarm in a bag and place the tip of the straw in the bag opening or create a small hole. Ensure the area around the hole/opening is sealed tight. Spray for approximately 3 seconds - the bag should inflate upon application. Wait 90 seconds for the alarm to sound before removing the straw and bag.
Why is my Sleepsafe CAO10 alarm constantly bleeping?			This alarm has a memory function so potentially if the alarm has operated and the end user didn’t hear it or was out when it activated it will store in the memory. It will beep roughly every 50 secs if this happens. The memory is reset / cleared by pressing and holding the test button, it will beep 7 times with the last beep being longer than the others to signify it has cleared. Cleaning agents also have the potential to set it off.

Servicing Tools

The essential hand tools that no heating and plumbing engineer should be without. Servicing hand tools for a variety of jobs, from our new pipe cutters and slices to screwdrivers and quad-key tools.

Product Details
How do you use the U Flow (888000)?			Run water through the top of the flow cup, the reading is where the constant flow of water starts.
What is the tolerance for readings on the U-Flow (888000)?			The tolerance for 888000 is +/- 5%.
What is the voltage for the 664015-BG Continuity Bond?			664015-BG has a voltage of 250V.

Asset & Floor Protection

Use our range of floor protection products to keep carpets, floors and furniture safe from spills and water-damage. Choose from reusable dust sheets and work mats or disposable clear carpet protector.

General Usage
Can the self adhesive Carpet Protector be used on vinyl flooring?			No, this product can only be used on carpet. A test must be carried out on a strip of carpet before intended use.
Product Details
What is the thickness of your Surface Protector (SP1)?			The thickness is approximately 2-3mm.

Testing Equipment

Our electronic test equipment makes life easier for plumbing and heating engineers. Designed to make temperature, pressure and voltage testing more efficient, our safety test equipment can detect gas leaks, temperature and voltage quickly and easily.

Product Details
Does the testing equipment come with a calibration certificate?			No, the units do not come with a calibration certificate as they have a 12 month manufacturer's warranty, calibrations are not required until the units are 1 year old.

Fittings & Washers

Our range of plumbing washers and seals includes all essential fittings for plumbing and heating engineers. We offer a wide variety of plumbing rubber washers with nitrile and fibre alternatives, as well as imperial and metric washer kits.

Product Details
Are the sizes stated on the website and in the catalogue the exact size of the washers?			The size stated is the size of fitting the washer would fit on, not the external washer diameter. For example, a ½" inch Fibre Pillar Tap Washer measures 1 ½” outside diameter, ¾" inside diameter.

Access Panels

Access panels are vital for safety, security and compliance with building regulations. Our range of simple, low-cost, high quality solutions include wall and ceiling access panels.

General Usage
Are the access panels clinically rated?			No, we do offer fire-rated access panels, but they are not clinically rated.
What glue should be used with the access panels?			Any builders' adhesive glue can be used on the access panels.
Are the access panels air tight?			Only our fire-rated access panels (products FRPS) are air tight - our standard access panels (APS) are not.
Product Details
What colour are the access panels?			The access panels are designed to be painted and so are off-white in colour.
What size are the access panels?			The sizes stated online is the door size/size of hole that will need to be cut. The actual outer dimensions are: APS100 – 180mm x 130mm APS150 – 190mm x 270mm APS200 – 240mm x 240mm APS300 – 360mm x 360mm APS350 – 410mm x 410mm APS560 – 610mm x 600mm

Heating Appliances

Designed to be easily transported and to work quickly in cold areas, our winter range primarily includes electric fan heaters and oil filled radiators. We also offer car deicer sets, to ensure that cold weather never slows you down.

Product details
Do the 998730 (2KW Convector Heaters) come with wall brackets?			No, the convector heaters no longer come with wall brackets due to a change in regulation. Wall-mounted heaters are required to be hardwired, whereas our convector heaters are portable standing units.