Determining the pressure rating for PVC plastic pipe is a relatively straightforward process because pipe is a cylinder with a uniform wall thickness. However, establishing a pressure rating for PVC fittings is a more complex process, chiefly because there are many sizes, patterns and variations among manufacturers involved.
 
A new ASTM International standard, F 2261, Test Method for Pressure Rating Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe Fittings, Schedule 40 and 80 Socket-Type, now provides a means for determining pressure ratings for PVC schedule 40 and 80 socket-type fittings by evaluating fitting failure test data derived by testing water-filled assemblies of pipe and fittings. The new standard was developed by Subcommittee F17.40 on Test Methods, which is under the jurisdiction of Committee F17 on Plastic Piping Systems.
 
Test Method F 2261 can be used to establish pressure ratings for PVC pipe fittings covered in D 2466, Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe Fittings, Schedule 40, and D 2467, Specification for Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe Fittings, Schedule 80.
 
“Any manufacturer who makes many fittings over a range of sizes could use F 2261 by working with a listing agency to establish a pressure rating for all schedule 40 or schedule 80 fittings,” says Robert Wilging, psi (MPa) Consulting Services. “A manufacturer’s decision to do so would be dependent on his assessment of need for this in the marketplace.”

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 further technical information, contact Robert C. Wilging, psi (MPA) Consulting Services, Avon Lake, Ohio (phone: 440/933-4394; rcwpsi@centurytel.net). Committee F17 meets Nov. 13-16, during the November Committee Week in Atlanta, Ga. For membership or meeting information, contact Robert Morgan, manager, Technical Committee Operations, ASTM International (phone: 610/832-9732; rmorgan@astm.org).

Release #7473