Brands We Stock: National & LBC

Ajal Arabia stocks grooved pipe fittings from National (India) and LBC (China) — covering the standard grooved component families: rigid and flexible couplings, elbows, tees, reducers, caps, and related fittings for grooved piping systems.

Both ranges are value-engineered alternatives for projects where the specification permits approved-equivalent products. If your specification names a brand with no “or equal” clause, get the substitution approved in writing before ordering.

Listings & Interchangeability

• UL/FM listings: fire protection specifications require listed grooved components. When your project demands UL Listed or FM Approved fittings, ask us for the listing certificates and verify the listing marks cover your sizes before ordering — match the marks to the specification, not the other way round.
• Interchangeability: grooved pipe ends are formed to AWWA C606 dimensions, so housings from different manufacturers generally fit the same grooved pipe. Treat each joint as a system: use the coupling manufacturer’s gasket and torque specification, and on fire protection work, use listed components exactly as the listing describes.
• Submittals: we supply catalog cuts and listing documentation with every grooved fitting enquiry — organized per component type and size, ready for consultant review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are National and LBC grooved fittings compatible with Victaulic systems?

The pipe groove follows AWWA C606, so housings from different manufacturers generally fit the same grooved pipe. For new systems, keep one brand per system and follow that manufacturer’s gasket and torque requirements. On existing systems, match the brand already installed to avoid compatibility questions at inspection.

Can I use these grooved fittings for fire protection?

Fire protection systems require listed components. Ask us for the UL/FM listing certificates for the sizes you need and verify the listing marks against your specification before ordering — we supply the documentation with every enquiry.

What gasket grade should I order with grooved couplings?

EPDM for water and HVAC services, nitrile for petroleum services — matched to the fluid and temperature. Always use the coupling manufacturer’s gasket with its housing, and follow the manufacturer’s torque specification at assembly.