PEX Manufacturing Standards
National Sanitation Foundation
American Society for Testing and Standards
PEX and all of its accessories are policed by both the American Society for Testing and Standards and the National Sanitation Foundation. These agencies ensure that the PEX that you purchase is both safe and compatible with all of its fittings and tools. The standards also define production quality controls so that you know that your PEX will be able to stand up to the toughest water conditions. Usually the consumer must find out what codes are applicable to their specific project.
Applicable Standards
- ASTM F 876: Specification for PEX Tubing
- ASTM F 877: Specification for PEX Plastic Hot and Cold Water Distribution Systems
- ASTM F 1807: Specification for Metal Insert Fittings Employing a Copper Crimp Ring. These fittings are intended to be used in 100 psi cold and hot water systems up to 180*F. Requirements for materials, dimensions, and markings used on the fittings are also included in this specification.
- ASTM F 1960: Specification for Cold Expansion Fittings with PEX Reinforced Rings. The same standards apply to these fittings as F 1807.
- ASTM F 2159: Standards Specification for Plastic Insert Fittings Employing a Copper Crimp Ring. These standards establish requirements for sulfone plastic insert fittings and copper crimp rings for PEX tubing. All other standards are the same as F 1807.
- ASTM F 2080: Standards Specification for Cold-Expansion Fittings with Metal Compression-Sleeves. These fittings and metal compression sleeves are intended to be used in residential and commercial, hot and cold, potable water distribution systems. All other standards are the same as F 1807.
- ASTM F 2098: Standards Specification for Stainless Steel Clamps for Securing PEX Tubing to Metal Insert Fittings. These clamps are meant as an alternative to the copper crimp rings and use the same specifications as F 1807.
- ASTM F 2434: Standard Specifications for Metal Insert Fittings Employing a Copper Crimp Ring for PEX Tubing and PEX-Al-PEX Tubing. All standards are the same as F 1807.
- CSA B 137.5: Canadian Standards for PEX Tubing Systems for Pressure Applications
ASTM F876 – 10 Standard Specification for Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing
