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, metric-sized and inch-sized black or yellow crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) pipe, 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, minimum operating temperature and squeeze-off. Requirements for pipe markings are also given. The pipe covered by this specification is intended for buried gas distribution and gas transmission pressure piping applications.

1.2 This specification also includes requirements for joints made between PEX pipe and polyethylene electrofusion fittings (specified in Specification F3373). Fittings to be used with PEX pipe manufactured to this specification are in Specification F2829/F2829M. Installation considerations are in X3.2.

Note 1: Inch-sized fittings should not be used for metric-sized pipe, and metric-sized fittings should not be used for inch-sized pipe.

1.3 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.

1.4 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 are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.

1.5 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.