Refrigerant Access Fittings — Schraeder & Core

Refrigerant access fittings — also known as Schraeder fittings, charging ports, or service access caps — provide a sealable port through which technicians connect manifold gauges, charge refrigerant, evacuate the system, and add oil during HVACR service work. The fitting body is C36000 brass with internal threads to accept a replaceable Schraeder core (brass body, brass or stainless valve stem, EPDM or HNBR rubber seat depending on refrigerant). The core is removable for replacement when seat wear or refrigerant compatibility issues require it — extending the service life of the system without replacing the fitting body. Standard sizes include 1/4" SAE male flare (the universal North American refrigerant access standard), M8x1 (common in European automotive A/C), M12x1.5 (legacy Japanese and European), and 1/4" NPT for industrial pressure-measurement applications. Working pressure is 700 PSI, well above any standard HVACR refrigerant operating envelope. Each access fitting ships with the matching core installed and a brass dust cap with rubber seal — required by EPA Section 608 regulations to maintain refrigerant containment between service intervals. We offer sweat-end versions for direct copper-tube installation, NPT versions for installation into manifold blocks or pressure transducer ports, and weld-on versions for installation directly into compressor shells. Compatibility extends across the refrigerant transition from R-22 through R-410A, R-32, R-454B, R-134a, R-1234yf (automotive), and the upcoming A2L refrigerant family. Production complies with SAE J513 and EN 13799 standards.