What are plumbing irons made of?

16th March 2020

	What are plumbing irons made of?
			Shop for Plumbing Irons
			Plumbing iron clamping heads
			The clamping heads of plumbing irons are made out of copper, which is nickel-plated for durability.


			Copper Copper is used to make the heads, as it can withstand high temperatures and is an excellent conductor of heat (it allows heat to pass freely through it).

			Nickel plating Nickel plating provides the copper heads with corrosion resistance. Its hard shiny finish gives protection and helps heat to conduct through the heads onto the pipe.

			Plumbing iron heating element shafts
			Heating elements work by converting electricity into heat. The elements are made of nichrome (an alloy of nickel and chromium) which provides resistance to the electrical flow producing heat.

			Chromium Chromium is used in nickel plating because of its high resistance to corrosion and tarnish (it keeps its shiny appearance). Chromium has an extremely high melting point, making it highly suitable for a nickel plating alloy.

			Nickel Nickel is an excellent element for alloying (mixing of metal elements together e.g. chromium in nickel plating). Nickel is ideal for plating because of its natural hardness and high melting point, along with its corrosion resistance.

			Plumbing iron body and handle
			The main body and handles of the plumbing iron are made from polycarbonate.

			Polycarbonate The main body of the plumbing irons is made from polycarbonate. The common name given to polycarbonate is plastic. Polycarbonate is used for electrical items because it has a high resistance to heat and is flame-retardant. Polycarbonate also provides a strong, hard coating to the delicate internal workings of the tool and can withstand everyday knocks, bangs, drops and wear and tear.

			Plumbing iron power cable
			The power cable for plumbing irons is three core PVC (poly vinyl chloride – a type of plastic coating). This is standard domestic cabling, typically 1.4m (55″) in length, fitted with a 13 amp fuse (domestic plug).

			Three core cable Three core cable is standard electrical cabling made up of three insulated wires: neutral – blue, earth – green / yellow and live – brown. These insulated wires are wrapped in PVC (poly vinyl chloride), a soft, flexible plastic covering, to protect them from damage.