Adding a quick disconnect (Q/D) for water to your unit is easier than you think. A few minutes, a couple of quick attachments and you have a water Q/D for that scaler or other item that needs to be connected to a water source.
Install a Quick Disconnect
We are going to install the Q/D on a Beaverstate assistant’s arm as seen below. Beaverstate (like many manufacturers) uses a color coding system for the different supply tubing. We want to attach our Q/D to the 1/4” water tubing. Beaverstate uses blue tubing for the waterline (as do most manufacturers).
PHOTO: Quick Disconnect (#13-06)
The following parts will be needed:
- 1/4” Female Quick Disconnect: (panel mount) with a 1/4” compression fitting. This Q/D mounts into a 1/2” diameter hole and attaches to 1/4” outside diameter (o.d.) supply tubing.
- 1/4” O.D. Supply Tubing (length to be determined). You will have to decide where you are mounting the Q/D, which will determine how long the tubing will need to be. The distance from the water line in your unit (assistant’s arm for example) to the Q/D dictates the needed length of the tubing. It is a good idea to purchase extra tubing and trim the excess tubing. Under most circumstances, just a foot or two should be plenty.
- Threaded Multi-Port Tubing Connector. We recommend this connector, because it comes with both a 1/4” and 1/8” barbs. It also includes sleeve clamps in case you need to “T” into anything other than 1/4” o.d. supply tubing.
- Mounting Bracket. The bracket has a 1/2” diameter hole to accommodate the panel mount Q/D. Use this bracket to mount the Q/D if you do not have room to drill a 1/2” hole in the unit.
Installing Your Quick Disconnect:
- If needed, find an appropriate spot for your mounting bracket. Oftentimes the assistant’s arm has a utility center below which includes a mounting hole to accommodate a quick disconnect. There is probably a plastic plug in the 1/2” diameter hole. Simply remove the plug and install the Q/D in the hole.
- Make sure to shut off your unit. Locate the main water line going to your unit. The line should be a 1/4” outside diameter (o.d.) tubing, usually blue in color; you will want to find a convenient and appropriate spot to cut this line. This line should be a “live” line – so be sure to splice into the line before any valves or blocks.
- Insert two ends of the large plastic barb tee on either side of the tubing you just cut.
- Attach the additional length of 1/4” supply tubing to the open barb on the tee.
- Attach the free end of the tubing you just connected to the barb tee to the compression fitting on the back end of the Q/D and that’s it! You can now start using your new quick disconnect!
Reduce Costs and Downtime by Learning Basic Equipment Installation and Maintenance!
LEAVE A REPLY