Do You Need a Lugging Machine for AIRpipe?
Many customers ask whether a hydraulic lugging machine is required to install AIRpipe compressed air piping. The answer depends on the pipe size and connection style.
No lugging machine is required for 3/4", 1", 1-1/2", or 2" AIRpipe.
AIRpipe sizes from DN20 through DN50 use a grab ring clamping style connection. A hydraulic lugging machine is only required for DN63 and larger, which begins at approximately 2-1/2" pipe.
AIRpipe Lugging Machine Requirement by Pipe Size
Use the chart below to confirm whether your AIRpipe system requires a hydraulic lugging machine. Smaller AIRpipe sizes use grab ring connectors, while larger AIRpipe sizes use lugged ring clamping connections.
DN stands for Nominal Diameter and represents the approximate pipe size in millimeters. For example: DN20 ≈ 20mm or 3/4", DN25 ≈ 25mm or 1.
| Nominal Pipe Size | DN Size | Connection Technology | Lugging Machine Required? | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/4" | DN20 | Grab Ring Clamping Style Connection | No | Small drops, garage systems, point-of-use runs |
| 1" | DN25 | Grab Ring Clamping Style Connection | No | Small shops, garages, branch lines |
| 1-1/2" | DN40 | Grab Ring Clamping Style Connection | No | Medium shops and distribution lines |
| 2" | DN50 | Grab Ring Clamping Style Connection | No | Larger shop headers and main lines |
| 2-1/2" | DN63 | Lugged Ring Clamping Style Connection | Yes | Industrial headers and larger compressed air systems |
| 3" | DN80 | Lugged Ring Clamping Style Connection | Yes | Industrial compressed air distribution |
| 4" | DN100 | Lugged Ring Clamping Style Connection | Yes | Large facility air systems |
Quick Answer: Does 1" AIRpipe Need a Lugging Machine?
Most Asked Question
No. 1" AIRpipe does not require a hydraulic lugging machine.
1" AIRpipe corresponds to approximately DN25. DN25 is part of the DN20-DN50 grab ring connector range, which installs without hydraulic lugging equipment.
The lugging machine requirement begins at DN63, which is approximately 2-1/2" AIRpipe.
Grab Ring vs. Lugged Ring AIRpipe Connections
Grab Ring Connection
No hydraulic lugging machine required.
Lugged Ring Connection
Hydraulic lugging machine required.
What Tools Are Needed for Smaller AIRpipe Sizes?
For AIRpipe sizes from 3/4" through 2", the required installation tools are different from the tools needed for larger lugged systems.
For 3/4" to 2" AIRpipe
- Pipe cutter
- Deburring and chamfering tool
- Marker or insertion depth gauge
- Appropriate AIRpipe connectors and clamps
- Quick drop drilling tools when installing drops
For 2-1/2" and Larger AIRpipe
- Hydraulic lugging machine
- Pipe cutter
- Deburring and chamfering tools
- Lugged ring clamping connectors
- Proper torque tools and installation accessories
Why This Matters Before Ordering AIRpipe
Knowing the connection style before ordering helps customers plan the installation correctly. A customer installing 1" AIRpipe in a garage or small shop does not need to buy, rent, or schedule a hydraulic lugging machine. A customer installing 2-1/2" or larger AIRpipe should plan for the lugging process as part of the installation.
Bottom line:
If your AIRpipe system is 3/4", 1", 1-1/2", or 2", you do not need a lugging machine. If your AIRpipe system is 2-1/2" or larger, a hydraulic lugging machine is required.
AIRpipe Lugging Machine FAQ
Does 1" AIRpipe require a lugging machine?
No. 1" AIRpipe is approximately DN25 and uses a grab ring clamping style connection. A hydraulic lugging machine is not required for 1" AIRpipe.
What is the largest AIRpipe size that does not require a lugging machine?
The largest AIRpipe size that does not require a hydraulic lugging machine is 2" AIRpipe, also known as DN50. AIRpipe sizes from DN20 through DN50 use grab ring connections.
Can AIRpipe be installed without a hydraulic lugging machine?
Yes. AIRpipe sizes from 3/4" through 2" can be installed without a hydraulic lugging machine. AIRpipe sizes 2-1/2" and larger require a hydraulic lugging machine because they use lugged ring connections.
Why do larger AIRpipe sizes require lugged connections?
Larger AIRpipe sizes use lugged ring clamping connections to help secure the pipe within the clamping assembly. Lugged connections begin at DN63, which is approximately 2-1/2" AIRpipe.
What is the difference between grab ring and lugged ring AIRpipe connections?
Grab ring connections are used on smaller AIRpipe sizes from DN20 through DN50 and do not require a lugging machine. Lugged ring connections are used on larger AIRpipe sizes from DN63 through DN200 and require lugs to be formed on the pipe during installation.
What does DN mean in AIRpipe sizing?
DN stands for Nominal Diameter and represents the approximate pipe size in millimeters. For example, DN50 means approximately 50 mm nominal diameter, which corresponds to approximately 2" AIRpipe.
Does AIRpipe require welding, threading, or gluing?
No. AIRpipe is designed as a modular aluminum compressed air piping system. It does not require welding, threading, or gluing like some traditional piping systems.