This specification covers a coextruded cross linked polyethylene composite pressure pipe with welded aluminum tube reinforcement between the inner and outer layers. The inner and outer cross linked polyethylene layers are bonded to the aluminum tube by a melt adhesive. Included is a system of nomenclature for the cross linked polyethylene-aluminum cross linked polyethylene (PEX-AL-PEX) pipes, the requirements and test methods for materials, the dimensions of the component layers and finished pipe, adhesion tests, and the burst and sustained pressure performance. Also given are the requirements and methods of marking. The pipe covered by this specification is intended for use in potable water distribution systems for residential and commercial applications, water service, underground irrigation systems, and radiant panel heating systems, baseboard, snow- and ice-melt systems, and gases that are compatible with the composite pipe and fittings. It covers only composite pipes incorporating a welded aluminum tube. The PEX-AL-PEX pipes are classified by the outside diameter. The pipe shall be free of visible cracks, holes, foreign inclusions, blisters, and other known injurious defects. The pipe shall be as uniform as practicable in color, opacity, density, and other physical properties.

1.1 This specification covers a coextruded crosslinked polyethylene composite pressure pipe with a welded aluminum tube reinforcement between the inner and outer layers. The inner and outer crosslinked polyethylene layers are bonded to the aluminum tube by a melt adhesive. Included is a system of nomenclature for the crosslinked polyethylene-aluminum-crosslinked polyethylene (PEX-AL-PEX) pipes, the requirements and test methods for materials, the dimensions of the component layers and finished pipe, adhesion tests, and the burst and sustained pressure performance. Also given are the requirements and methods of marking. The pipe covered by this specification is intended for use in potable water distribution systems for residential and commercial applications, water service, underground irrigation systems, and radiant panel heating systems, baseboard, snow- and ice-melt systems, and gases that are compatible with the composite pipe and fittings.

1.2 This specification covers only composite pipes incorporating a welded aluminum tube. Pipes consisting of metallic layers not welded together are outside the scope of this specification.

1.3 Specifications for connectors for use with pipe meeting the requirements of this specification are given in Annex A1.

1.4 This specification excludes polyethylene-aluminum-polyethylene pipes (see Specification F 1282).

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.6 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 9, of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.