This specification details the physical and performance requirements, and the corresponding test methods, for the evaluation of crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) pipes that are outside diameter controlled, made in nominal pipe dimension ratios, and pressure rated for water at different temperatures. Crosslinked PEX pipes covered here shall be made from polyethylene compounds that have been crosslinked by peroxides, Azo compounds, or silane compounds in extrusion, or by electron beam after extrusion, and are primarily defined by means of three criteria, namely, nominal density, degree of crosslinking, and long-term strength tests. Sampled pipe specimens shall be tested for conformance with workmanship, dimension (out-of-roundness, outside diameter, and wall thickness), density, hydrostatic burst pressure, hydrostatic sustained pressure strength, excessive temperature-pressure capacity, environmental stress cracking, stabilizer functionality, bent-pipe hydrostatic sustained pressure strength, oxidative stability in potable chlorinated water, and degree of crosslinking requirements.

1.1 This specification covers metric-sized crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) pipe that is outside diameter controlled, made in nominal pipe dimension ratios, and pressure rated for water at three temperatures (see Appendix X1). Included are requirements and test methods for material, workmanship, dimensions, burst pressure, hydrostatic sustained pressure, excessive temperature-pressure, environmental stress cracking, stabilizer functionality, bent-pipe hydrostatic pressure, oxidative stability in potable chlorinated water, and degree of crosslinking. Requirements for pipe markings are also given. The pipe covered by this specification is intended for buried pressure piping applications (such as, industrial and general-purpose pipelines, potable water pipelines, fire – extinguishing pipelines). This specification also includes carbon black requirements for PEX pipe used for aboveground pressure piping applications.

1.2 The text of this specification references notes, footnotes, and appendixes, which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the specification.

1.3 Except for dimensions, the values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. For dimensions, the values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses for nominal sizes are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

Note 1—Metric sized (SI units) pipe should only be joined with corresponding metric sized fittings. Inch sized fittings should not be used for metric sized pipe.

1.4 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.