ASTM F876-20a - 1.11.2020
 
1. Scope

1.1 This specification covers crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) tubing that incorporates an optional polymeric inner, middle or outer layer and that is outside diameter controlled, made in nominal SDR9 tubing dimension ratios except where noted, 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 and pressure, environmental stress cracking, stabilizer functionality, bent-tube hydrostatic pressure, oxidative stability in potable chlorinated water, UV resistance, and degree of crosslinking. Requirements for tubing markings are also given. The components covered by this specification are intended for use in, but not limited to, residential and commercial, hot- and cold-potable water distribution systems, reclaimed water, fire protection, municipal water service lines, radiant heating and cooling systems, hydronic distribution systems, snow and ice melting systems, geothermal ground loops, district heating, turf conditioning, compressed air distribution and building services pipe, provided that the PEX tubing covered herein complies with applicable code requirements.

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 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.

1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 7, 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 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.

 
2. Referenced Documents

D1898-68(1989)

Standard Practice for Sampling of Plastics (Withdrawn 1998)

D2122-22

Standard Test Method for Determining Dimensions of Thermoplastic Pipe and Fittings

D618-21

Standard Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing

D792-20

Standard Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Relative Density) of Plastics by Displacement

D2837-22

Standard Test Method for Obtaining Hydrostatic Design Basis for Thermoplastic Pipe Materials or Pressure Design Basis for Thermoplastic Pipe Products

D3895-19

Standard Test Method for Oxidative-Induction Time of Polyolefins by Differential Scanning Calorimetry

F412-23

Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems

F1281-24

Standard Specification for Crosslinked Polyethylene/Aluminum/Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX-AL-PEX) Pressure Pipe

D2765-16(2024)

Standard Test Methods for Determination of Gel Content and Swell Ratio of Crosslinked Ethylene Plastics

F2023-21

Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Oxidative Resistance of Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Pipe, Tubing and Systems to Hot Chlorinated Water

F2657-21

Standard Test Method for Outdoor Weathering Exposure of Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing

Standards Dimensions of Steel Pipe (IPS) Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.

MIL-STD-129

Marking for Shipment and Storage

NSF/ANSI 14

ISO 1167

Thermoplastics pipes, fittings and assemblies for the conveyance of fluids -- Determination of the resistance to internal pressure -- Part 1: General method

ISO 13760

Plastics pipes for the conveyance of fluids under pressure -- Miners rule -- Calculation method for cumulative damage

PPI TR-4

PPI Listing of Hydrostatic Design Basis (HDB), Strength Design Basis (SDB), Pressure Design Basis (PDB) and Minimum Required Strength (MRS) Ratings for Thermoplastic Piping Materials or Pipe

D1505-18

Standard Test Method for Density of Plastics by the Density-Gradient Technique

D1598-23

Standard Test Method for Time-to-Failure of Plastic Pipe Under Constant Internal Pressure

D1599-18

Standard Test Method for Resistance to Short-Time Hydraulic Pressure of Plastic Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings

D1600-18

Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics (Withdrawn 2024)