Chile Forum

I don't have time to read the thread properly right now, but Chile uses the BSP (British) pipe thread standard in imperial sizes for plumbing fittings.

In practice the 1/2" and 3/4" British BSP and American NPT fittings are compatible, with a decent amount of teflon to ensure they seal well. They're not identical in theory, but have the same threads per inch and will mate securely. For other sizes you are out of luck and need to use bushings or something to convert to one of these sizes in order to mate the 2 systems.

I believe you can also solder a US NPT fitting directly to a Chilean copper tube, as the sizes are the same (have done this for a 3/4" fitting).

My source of information is basically building a sprinkler system with some American parts, since they don't use silly gringo stuff like backflow preventers here.

James.

admin wrote:Most immediately of concern is residential fire sprinkler heads with 1/2 or 3/4 inch NTP threading. Now, I could buy a cpvc connector or whatever and ship them also, but being Chile and all, I always want to have a plan B if something does not fit at the last moment.

Nah, that should work directly with a Chilean fitting. You can also just buy a 50 peso PVC terminal in Sodimac and try it out.

admin wrote:I am sort of inclined to buy just one, take it to sodimac, and see what fits with it.

Yeah, done that. Once I tried my threaded T with all the garden taps on the shelf until I found one that would fit tightly with just the right rotation. How do plumbers get taps fitted securely always pointing downwards anyway?? Apparently my neighbours don't know either as theirs points sideways!

If you do need US fittings, you can get them fairly easily from http://plumbingstore.com if you have a US address (at least a couple of years ago when I used them). They are overpriced but convenient if your options are limited.

James.

Actually... one of my FAVORITE things about Punta Arenas (PA) is the water. Tastes better straight from the tap than anything I have ever had in the USA. Santiago on the other hand.. yuck !!