At Hy-Lok, we manufacture high-quality fittings and valves for flow control systems, including JIC/SAE J514 fittings for hydraulic equipment. These fittings are essential for the operation of fluid systems, as they provide a durable, leak-proof, high-pressure seal.
However, if these fittings are installed incorrectly, this can cause significant damage to your equipment and potentially create a safety hazard. Below, we’ll discuss some common mishaps to look out for when installing JIC fittings. Keep reading to learn where to find high-quality hydraulic components from Hy-Lok!
What Are JIC Fittings?
JIC (Joint Industry Council) fittings are hydraulic fittings standardized by the Society of Automotive Engineers under SAE J514. These fittings use a metal-to-metal sealant and are common in medium to high-pressure hydraulic systems. These fittings are known for their strength, durability, reliability, and long-term performance between fitting replacements.
JIC fittings are common in high-pressure systems across many industries, including aerospace, military, and oil and gas, where system performance is critical to operator safety and project success.
Why Proper Installation Matters
Guarantee system performance: The fittings you install can make or break the performance of your hydraulic system. If you install JIC fittings improperly, use the wrong size, use incompatible materials with the fluids or gases being processed, or make other errors, this can compromise the reliability of your equipment.
Prolong system lifespan: Properly installed fittings from high-quality manufacturers like Hy-Lok significantly reduce the possibility of leaks, cracks, pressure build-up, and other issues that can otherwise degrade your equipment.
Maintain safety: Incorrect fitting installation can cause more than damage to your equipment or process: it can also pose a safety risk to your workers. Chemical leaks, internal combustion, and system explosions can all occur as a result of improper fitting installation, which can be a hazard to those operating the equipment or working in the area.
What to Avoid When Installing JIC Fittings
Experienced technicians will know the ins and outs of installing JIC fittings in your worksite’s systems, but it’s always important to be aware of potential pitfalls that can occur when an install hasn’t been properly executed.
Here are a few things to remember when installing Hy-Lok’s JIC fittings:
- When tightening, the female and male ends must not rotate. This can cause permanent deformation, cracking, and other potential issues.
- Use the correct flare angle. JIC fittings feature a 37° flared male cone, which connects to a female seat.
- Don’t forget to deburr the tube end
- Make sure the fitting is properly aligned during tightening, and don’t overtorque. This can damage the JIC threads, which can lead to leaks.
- Order the correct size and material. Review your equipment manual before ordering a set of JIC fittings to ensure the sizing and materials are compatible.
Get Quality JIC Fittings from Hy-Lok Canada
JIC fittings are reliable sealants for hydraulic systems, and with the right installation and quality materials from Hy-Lok, you can count on your equipment to perform optimally.
If you need a new set of JIC fittings for your hydraulic system, contact Hy-Lok Canada. For over 40 years, we have been a leading provider of flow control components, relied on by worksites across industries. Visit our Products page to learn more about our SAE-compliant JIC fittings.