Our Quick Connect® line sets are one of the most important components of our DIY® Ductless Mini-Split Systems, because they’re what makes the system do-it-yourself. Without these line sets, you would need to hire an HVAC technician to route, connect, braze, and charge the line set, which makes getting a new HVAC system much more expensive than just the initial purchase. Throughout our initial development and continued use of these DIY® Quick Connect line sets, these line sets have proven to be extremely reliable. They have even earned a patent for their significance, ease of use, and importance in the MRCOOL® DIY® Ductless Mini-Split’s installation.
Because our Quick Connect® pre-charged line set connections are unique within the industry, 360º Product Testing performed a series of quality assurance tests to evaluate and ensure their resistance to leaks. 360º Product Testing has worked with corporations and organizations like the Department of Homeland Security, LG, PepsiCo, and the U.S. Air Force, Army, and Navy, meaning they are a highly-trusted resource for product testing. Through this product testing session, we can be sure that we are consistently providing products of the highest quality to ensure your best comfort experience.
In October 2022, we sent 360º Product Testing eight coupler assemblies in total, and testing began soon after.
Before any connections were even made, 360º had data to record. As they were fitting the Quick Connect® couplers together, 360º noticed that the design of the fittings, in which each connecting part has a spring-loaded valve to seal the fitting once connected, allowed space for corrections and alignment to avoid cross-threading before the connections were attached to each other. 360º Product Testing describes the fitting process as “an easy connection unlikely to be improperly done.”
Once the fittings were connected, 360º Product Testing moved on to the purpose of the testing session: to determine our pre-charged line set’s leak free functionality. To do this, the now-connected fitting assemblies were hydrostatically pressure tested at a minimum of 400 PSI for a period of at least eight hours. In order to get the best readings and minimize temperature swings that may alter pressure, the tests were performed in an environmental chamber. At this pressure, which is similar to normal operating pressure, the couplers did not leak.
One final challenge the couplers overcame was a pull test to measure the strength of the connection. One of the couplers was randomly selected to endure a pull test, which involved putting the coupler in a test stand outfitted with a force gauge. One end of the coupler was attached to the test stand, while the other was attached to the force gauge, and tension was applied to see if it held. Tension was then increased to just over 500 pounds of force, and the coupler passed with flying colors.
We’re grateful to 360º Product Testing for the opportunity to have our line set connections tested by such a trusted company, and we’re extremely excited to report that their findings prove that our pre-charged line sets are as reliable and easy-to-use as advertised.
If you’d like to test the MRCOOL® DIY® Ductless Mini-Split and its DIY® Quick Connect® Pre-Charged Line Sets for yourself, visit our locations page to find a MRCOOL® retailer near you.
For reliable innovation and successful savings, choose MRCOOL®.