What manufacturers intend carbon steel for
Our range includes three solutions for carbon steel pipes. Each has its application clearly described in the manufacturer’s catalogue:
| Besco Gutpress Carbon Steel | Tectite Carbon | Tectite Pro with steel pipe | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joint | press, M profile | push-fit, non-demountable | push-fit, demountable |
| Diameters | 12–108 mm | 15–54 mm | 15–54 mm |
| Application per catalogue | heating, compressed air | unvented closed heating and cooling circuits | closed circuits only |
| Specifications | 16 bar, −10…110 °C | 20 bar up to 30 °C, 16 bar at 65 °C, 10 bar at 114 °C | as Tectite Pro with copper, in a closed circuit |
| Pipes | carbon steel | carbon steel, including plastic-coated | galvanised carbon steel, copper, PEX, PB |
The common denominator: closed systems, i.e. heating and cooling installations in which the same water circulates, plus compressed air in the Besco line.
Where not to use carbon steel
- Drinking water, domestic hot and cold water. None of these catalogues provides for carbon steel in drinking water. Here, Besco Gutpress Copper, Tectite Classic and Sprint with a PZH certificate, or stainless steel Tectite 316 will do the job.
- Open systems. Tectite Carbon is specified exclusively for unvented closed circuits, and Tectite Pro with steel pipe only for closed circuits. In an open system fresh oxygen continually enters the water, and carbon steel corrodes in oxygenated water.
- Gas. Besco does not describe carbon steel press for gas. For gas installations we have separate copper lines (GPG and the 7000 series) with DVGW and INiG approvals. More in the guide Press fittings for gas.
Carbon steel is not stainless steel
The names are similar, but these are two different materials. Tectite 316 is made of stainless steel and, according to the manufacturer, is designed for drinking water installations and the food and pharmaceutical industries. In the Besco press system, stainless steel means the INOX 316L line (water, heating, industry; DVGW and WRAS approvals) and INOX 304 (heating). Carbon steel fittings join steel pipes in heating and cooling. They are not interchangeable and must not be connected to pipes of a type other than the manufacturer specifies.
What this means for wholesalers
- Ask about the medium. When taking an order for carbon steel fittings, it is worth asking whether they are for heating, cooling or domestic water. One question saves a complaint.
- Label the shelf. Steel and copper press fittings look different, but steel fittings from different systems are easy to mix up. A clear label “carbon steel, closed circuits” helps at the counter.
- M profile. The Besco steel line is in the M profile, so the customer needs M jaws. See the guide V or M profile?
How to order
You will find all Besco steel fittings in the product finder, e.g. coupling 2270, 90° elbow i/a 2001 or PN 16 flange 2510. We quote Tectite Carbon and Pro on request.
Data source: Besco 2026 and Tectite 2026 catalogues. As of 2026.