This specification covers the requirements and corresponding test methods for outside diameter controlled, black metric-sized and IPS-sized crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) pipe, fittings and joints, made in pipe dimension ratios ranging from 6 to 17, and pressure rated for gas distribution. Included are requirements and test methods for material, workmanship, dimensions, burst pressure, hydrostatic sustained pressure, stabilizer functionality, bent-pipe hydrostatic pressure, degree of crosslinking, chemical resistance, and squeeze-off. Requirements for pipe and fittings markings are also provided, along with quality assurance. The pipe, fittings and joints covered by this specification are intended for buried gas distribution pressure piping applications. Several tables list the PEX pipe material designation codes; metric-sized outside diameters and tolerances for PEX pipe; inch-sized outside diameters and tolerances for PEX pipe; metric-sized wall thickness and tolerances for PEX plastic pipe; inch-sized wall thickness and tolerances for PEX plastic pipe; and pipe category.

1.1 This specification covers outside diameter controlled, black metric-sized and IPS-sized crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) pipe, fittings and joints, made in pipe dimension ratios ranging from 6 to 17, and pressure rated for gas distribution. Included are requirements and test methods for material, workmanship, dimensions, burst pressure, hydrostatic sustained pressure, stabilizer functionality, bent-pipe hydrostatic pressure, degree of crosslinking, chemical resistance, and squeeze-off. Requirements for pipe and fittings markings are also given. The pipe, fittings and joints covered by this specification are intended for buried gas distribution 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 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

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.