Installers of plumbing systems using PEX and PE-RT polyethylene pipe will be the primary users of a new ASTM International standard approved by Committee F17 on Plastic Piping Systems. The new standard, ASTM F2735, Specification for Plastic Insert Fittings for SDR9 Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX) and Polyethylene of Raised Temperature (PE-RT) Tubing, is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee F17.10 on Fittings.

According to Peter J. Cook, Technical Services Manager, IPEX Inc., and an F17 member, ASTM F2735 was developed to address the issue of uncrimped piping connections. "It occasionally happens that fittings are not crimped when they are connected to a pipe," says Cook. "The crimp-ring is placed on the assembly but, through an oversight, the crimp is not actually made." When this happens, Cook notes, the uncrimped joint may pass an initial pressure test, but will fail after a period of time under pressure.

ASTM F2735 provides instructions for the creation of a plastic fitting for PEX and PE-RT pipes that will result in a joint leaking during initial pressure tests unless it is properly crimped. The new standard is particularly concerned with pipe made in accordance with ASTM F876, Specification for Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing, or ASTM F2623, Specification for Polyethylene of Raised Temperature (PE-RT) SDR 9 Tubing.

ASTM International standards are available for purchase from Customer Service (phone: 610-832-9585; https://www.astm.org/contact/) or at www.astm.org.

For technical Information, contact Peter J. Cook, IPEX Inc., Ile des Soeurs, Verdun, Quebec, Canada (phone: 514-769-3445, ext. 221; petcoo@ipexinc.com). Committee F17 meets Nov. 17-20 during the November committee week in St. Louis, Mo. For meeting or membership information, contact Robert Morgan (phone: 610-832-9732; rmorgan@astm.org).

Release #8076/Oct08