Crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) tubing systems for pressure applications

1.1 General

This Standard specifies requirements for crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) tubing systems that comprise tubing and fittings.

Tubing covered by this Standard is made in SDR 9.

Systems are pressure rated at three temperatures: 1105 kPa at 23 °C, 690 kPa at 82 °C, and 550 kPa at 93 °C, with a maximum working pressure of 690 kPa at 82 °C. Systems are intended for use in potable water distribution systems or other applications, including municipal water service lines, reclaimed water distribution, radiant panel heating and cooling systems, hydronic baseboard heating systems, snow and ice melting heating systems, building services piping, compressed air distribution, and ground source geothermal systems, provided that the PEX tubing systems covered herein comply with the applicable code requirements. Residential and commercial systems are included.

Note: The requirements and test methods specified in this Standard can involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This Standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. Users of this Standard are responsible for establishing appropriate safety and health practices and determining the applicability of regulatory limitations before using this Standard.

1.2 Requirements

This Standard specifies requirements for

a) materials;

b) quality of work;

c) tubing;

d) metal components of fittings;

e) fittings;

f) interior liners;

g) dimensions;

h) hydrostatic capability;

i) marking for tubing and fittings; and

j) marking for flexible pre-insulated tubing.

1.3 Terminology

In this Standard, shall is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Standard; should is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and may is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard.

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.