An American National Standard

Designation: F 877 – 05

Standard Specification for

Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Plastic Hot- and Cold-Water
Distribution Systems1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 877; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This specification covers requirements, test methods, 2.1 ASTM Standards: 2
and methods of marking for crosslinked polyethylene plastic D 618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
hot- and cold-water distribution systems components made in D 1598 Test Method for Time-to-Failure of Plastic Pipe
one standard dimension ratio and intended for 100 psi (0.69 Under Constant Internal Pressure
MPa) water service up to and including a maximum working D 1599 Test Method for Short-Time Hydraulic Failure Pres-
temperature of 180°F (82°C). Components are comprised of sure of Plastic Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings
tubing and fittings. Requirements and test methods are in- D 1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to
cluded for materials, workmanship, dimensions and tolerances, Plastics
burst pressure, sustained pressure, excessive temperature and D 1898 Practice for Sampling of Plastics 3
pressure, temperature cycling tests, and bend strength. Also D 2749 Symbols for Dimensions of Plastic Pipe Fittings
included are tests related to system malfunctions. The compo- D 2837 Test Method for Obtaining Hydrostatic Design
nents covered by this specification are intended for use in Basis for Thermoplastic Pipe Materials or Pressure Design
residential and commercial, hot and cold, potable water distri- Basis for Thermoplastic Pipe Products
bution systems as well as sealed central heating, including D 3140 Practice for Flaring Polyolefin Pipe and Tubing3
under-floor heating systems. F 412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
1.2 The text of this specification references notes, footnotes, F 876 Specification for Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX)
and appendixes which provide explanatory material. These Tubing
notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall F 1960 Specification for Cold Expansion Fittings with PEX
not be considered as requirements of the specification. Reinforcing Rings for Use with Cross-linked Polyethlene
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded (PEX) Tubing
as the standard. The values stated in parentheses are provided F 1961 Specification for Metal Mechanical Cold Flare
for information only. Compression Fittings with Disc Spring for Cross-linked
NOTE 1—Suggested hydrostatic design stresses and hydrostatic pres-
Polyethlene (PEX) Tubing
sure ratings for tubing and fittings are listed in Appendix X1. Design, F 1807 Specification for Metal Insert Fittings Utilizing a
assembly, and installation considerations are discussed in Appendix X2. Copper Crimp Ring for SDR9 Cross-linked Polyethylene
An optional performance qualification and an in-plant quality control (PEX) Tubing
program are recommended in Appendix X3. F 1865 Specification for Mechanical Cold Expansion Fit-
1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the tings with Compression Sleeve for Cross-linked (PEX)
test method portion, Section 7, of this specification: This Tubing
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, 2.2 ANSI Standards:
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user B 36.10 Welded and Seamless Wrought Steel Pipe4
of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health Z 17.1 Preferred Numbers4
practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limita-
tions prior to use. 2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F17 on Plastic the ASTM website.
3
Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.61 on Water. Withdrawn.
4
Current edition approved Mar. 1, 2005. Published March 2005. Originally Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
approved in 1984. Last previous approved 2002 as F 877 – 02a. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 F 877 – 05
2.3 AWWA Standard: 4.2 Basic Materials Description—Crosslinked polyethylene
Manual M-11, Steel Pipe Design and Installation5 tubing meeting the requirements of this specification are
2.4 Federal Standard: primarily defined by two criteria namely, basic short-term
Fed Std. No. 123 Marking for Shipment (Civil Agencies)6 properties and long-term hydrostatic strength, 4.2.1 and 4.2.2
2.5 Military Standard: respectively.
MIL-STD-129 Marking for Shipment and Storage6 4.2.1 Basic Short-Term Properties—This specification cov-
2.6 NSF Standard: ers tubing materials meeting the requirements of Specification
Standard No. 14 for Plastic Piping Components and Related F 876.
Materials7 4.2.2 Long-Term Hydrostatic Pressure Strength—This
specification covers PEX tubing which is further defined on the
3. Terminology basis of long-term hydrostatic strength tests (Appendix X1).
3.1 The terminology used in this specification is in accor- 4.3 Certification—PEX tubing and fittings, used for the
dance with Terminology F 412, Terminology D 1600, and distribution of potable water, shall be products approved for
Symbols D 2749, unless otherwise specified. The abbreviation that service by the regulatory bodies having such jurisdiction.
for crosslinked polyethylene is PEX. Plastic tubing denotes a These products shall be tested for that service by a nationally
particular diameter schedule of plastic pipe in which outside recognized and accredited testing laboratory and shall bear the
diameter of the tubing is equal to the nominal size plus 1⁄8 in. certification mark of the testing agency.
Plastic pipe outside diameter schedule conforms to ANSI
NOTE 2—Further information regarding testing and approval can be
B 36.10. obtained from the National Sanitation Foundation or other accredited
3.2 crosslinked polyethylene plastics—plastics prepared by laboratory.
crosslinking (curing) polyethylene compounds.
3.3 relation between standard dimension ratio, stress, and 5. Classification
internal pressure—the following expressions, commonly 5.1 Tubing—This specification classifies PEX tubing by a
known as the ISO equation, is used to relate standard dimen- single standard dimension ratio that shall be SDR 9, and by a
sion ratio, stress, and internal pressure for tubing: maximum continuous use temperature that shall be 180°F
2S/P 5 R 2 1 (82°C), and by nominal tubing diameters from 1⁄8 in. through 2
in.
or 5.2 Fittings—This specification classifies fittings, intended
2S/P 5 ~D o/t! 2 1 for use in systems with PEX tubing, by a maximum continuous
use temperature that shall be 180°F (82°C) and by nominal
sizes from 1⁄8 in. through 2 in. on the basis of resistance to burst
where: pressure, hydrostatic sustained pressure, excessive temperature
S = stress in circumferential or hoop direction, psi (MPa), and pressure, and to failure by thermocycling.
P = internal pressure, psi (MPa),
t = minimum wall thickness, in., 6. Requirements
R = standard dimension ratio, SDR, and
Do = average outside diameter, in. 6.1 Workmanship—The tubing shall be homogeneous
3.4 standard dimension ratio (SDR)—a selected series of throughout and free of visible cracks, holes, foreign inclusions,
numbers in which the average outside diameter to minimum or other defects. The pipe shall be as uniform as commercially
wall thickness dimension ratios are constant for all sizes of practicable in color, opacity, density, and other physical prop-
tubing in each standard dimension ratio, and which are the erties.
ANSI Z 17.1 Preferred Number Series R 10 modified by +1. If 6.2 Dimensions and Tolerances:
the wall thickness calculated by SDR for PEX tubing is less 6.2.1 Compliance with this specification requires that fit-
than 0.070 in. (1.78 mm), it shall be arbitrarily increased to tings contained in Specifications F 1807, F 1865, F 1960,and
0.070 in. except for sizes 1⁄4 in. and smaller. F 1961 must meet the Performance and Test Method require-
3.5 standard material designation code—the crosslinked ments of F 877.
polyethylene tubing material designation code shall consist of 6.2.1.1 Tubing—The PEX tubing shall meet the require-
the abbreviation PEX. ments of Specification F 876. The tolerances for outside
diameters are also given in Table 1.
4. Materials 6.2.1.2 Out-of-Roundness—The maximum out-of-
4.1 General—This specification covers PEX tubing materi- roundness requirements, shown in Table 1 for tubing, apply to
als as described in Specification F 876. the average measured diameter after rounding with a rounding
tool recommended by the manufacturer.
6.2.2 Wall Thickness—Table 2 provides for wall thickness
5
Available from the American Water Works Association, 6666 W. Quincey Ave., tolerances. Calculated SDR 9 tubing wall thickness that fall
Denver, CO 80235.
6
below 0.070 in. (1.78 mm) shall be arbitrarily increased to that
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4 Section D, 700
value except for sizes 1⁄4 in. and smaller.
Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS.
7
Available from the National Sanitation Foundation, P.O. Box 1468, Ann Arbor, 6.2.3 Fittings (Basic Dimensions)—Fittings shall be com-
MI 48106. patible with tubing made to the requirements of Table 1 and

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 F 877 – 05
TABLE 1 Outside Diameters and Tolerances for PEX Tubing
Nominal Tubing Size Average Outside Diameter Tolerances for Average Diameter Out of RoundnessA
in. mm in. mm in. mm in. mm
⁄
18 3 0.250 6.35 60.003 60.08 0.008 0.20
1⁄ 4 7 0.375 9.52 60.003 60.08 0.008 0.20
5⁄16 8 0.430 10.92 60.003 60.08 0.008 0.20
3⁄ 8 10 0.500 12.70 60.003 60.08 0.012 0.32
1⁄ 2 13 0.625 15.88 60.004 60.10 0.016 0.40
5⁄ 8 16 0.750 19.05 60.004 60.10 0.016 0.40
3⁄ 4 19 0.875 22.22 60.004 60.10 0.016 0.40
1 25 1.125 28.58 60.005 60.12 0.020 0.48
1 1⁄ 4 32 1.375 34.92 60.005 60.12 0.020 0.48
1 1⁄ 2 38 1.625 41.28 60.006 60.16 0.024 0.60
2 51 2.125 53.98 60.006 60.16 0.030 0.76
2 1⁄ 2 64 2.625 66.68 60.007 60.18 0.038 0.95
3 76 3.125 79.38 60.008 60.20 0.045 1.14
3 1⁄ 2 89 3.625 92.08 60.008 60.20 0.046 1.16
4 102 4.125 104.78 60.009 60.23 0.052 1.32
4 1⁄ 2 114 4.625 117.48 60.009 60.23 0.059 1.49
5 127 5.125 130.18 60.010 60.25 0.065 1.65
6 152 6.125 155.58 60.011 60.28 0.072 1.83
A
The out-of-roundness specification applies only to tubing prior to coiling.

TABLE 2 Wall Thickness and Tolerances for PEX SDR 9 Plastic TABLE 3 Minimum Hydrostatic Burst Strength Requirements for
Tubing PEX Tubing and Fittings
Nominal Tubing Minimum Wall Thickness Tolerance Nominal Tubing Size Minimum Burst Pressures at
Different Temperatures
in. mm in. mm in. mm
in. mm psiA at (MPa) at psiA at (MPa) at
18⁄ 3 0.047A 1.19A +0.007 +0.18
73.4°F (23°C) 180°F (82.2°C)
14⁄ 7 0.062A 1.57A +0.010 +0.25
5⁄16 8 0.064 1.63 +0.010 +0.25 ⁄ 18 3 870 (6.00) 390 (2.69)
3 ⁄8 10 0.070A 1.78A +0.010 +0.25 ⁄ 14 7 752 (5.19) 336 (2.32)
1 ⁄2 13 0.070A 1.78A +0.010 +0.25 3⁄ 8 10 620 (4.27) 275 (1.90)
5 ⁄8 16 0.083 2.12 +0.010 +0.25 1⁄ 2 13 480 (3.31) 215 (1.48)
3 ⁄4 19 0.097 2.47 +0.010 +0.25 5⁄8 and 16 and larger 475 (3.27) 210 (1.45)
1 25 0.125 3.18 +0.013 +0.33 larger
1 1⁄4 32 0.153 3.88 +0.015 +0.38 A
The fiber stress used to derive this test pressure is:
1 1⁄2 38 0.181 4.59 +0.019 +0.48
at 73.4°F (23.0°C) 1900 psi (13.10 MPa).
2 51 0.236 6.00 +0.024 +0.61
at 180°F (82.2°C) 850 psi (5.86 MPa).
2 1⁄2 64 0.292 7.41 +0.030 +0.76
3 76 0.347 8.82 +0.033 +0.84
3 1⁄2 89 0.403 10.23 +0.035 +0.89 TABLE 4 Minimum Hydrostatic Sustained Pressure
4 102 0.458 11.64 +0.040 +1.02 Requirements for PEX SDR 9 Tubing and Fitting AssembliesA,B
4 1⁄2 114 0.514 13.05 +0.045 +1.14
5 127 0.569 14.46 +0.050 +1.27 Nominal Tubing Size Pressure Required for Test,
6 152 0.681 17.29 +0.060 +1.52 psi (MPa)A
A
For tubing sizes of 1⁄2 in. and below, wall thickness minimums are not in. mm 180°F (82.2°C)
functions of SDR. 18⁄ 3 355 (2.45)
1 ⁄4 7 305 (2.10)
3 ⁄8 10 250 (1.72)
1 ⁄2 13 195 (1.34)
Table 2. Fittings shall be made from materials that are 5⁄8 and larger 16 and larger 190 (1.31)
generally regarded as corrosion resistant. A
The fiber stress used to derive this test pressure is: 770 psi (5.31 MPa) at
6.3 Hydrostatic Burst: 180°F (82.2°C).
B
6.3.1 Tubing and fittings (tested as assemblies) shall meet Test duration is 1000 h.
the minimum hydrostatic burst requirements shown in Table 3
when tested in accordance with 7.6.
6.3.2 Fittings assembled using the manufacturer’s instruc- 6.6.1 General—PEX tubing, up to and including 1in. nomi-
tions shall meet the minimum hydrostatic burst requirement nal diameter, can be installed bent by using either of two
shown in Table 3 when tested in accordance with 7.6. techniques described in X2.3.5 and X2.3.6 provided that 6.6.2
6.4 Hydrostatic Sustained Pressure Strength—Tubing and and 6.6.3 requirements are met.
fittings (tested as assemblies) shall meet the minimum hydro-
static sustained pressure strength requirements shown in Table NOTE 3—PEX tubing, larger than 1 in. nominal diameter, is typically
installed as main distribution lines and is installed in staight runs. Fittings
4 when tested in accordance with 7.4.
are used when a change in direction of 90° or greater and a bend radius of
6.5 Thermocycling—Fittings, assembled using the manu- 6 times the outside diameter is needed. The test procedures in 6.6.2 and
facturer’s instructions, shall not leak after completion of 1000 6.6.3 are intended to evaluate PEX tubing installed in tight bend
cycles between the temperatures of 60°F (16°C) and 180°F applications in accordance with the procedures in X2.3.5 and X2.3.6. This
(82°C) when tested in accordance with 7.5. application applies to tubing up to and including 1 in. nominal diameter
6.6 Bent Tube Hydrostatic Sustained Pressure Strength: only.

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 F 877 – 05
6.6.2 Hot-bent tubing, with a radius of 2.5 times the outside expansion and creep for PEX tubing and fittings intended for
diameter and consisting of a continuous bend length inducing continuous use up to and including 180°F (82°C).
not less than 90° angle, shall meet the minimum hydrostatic 7.5.2 Apparatus—A nitrogen or air source capable of main-
sustained pressure strength requirements shown in Table 4 taining a nominal internal pressure of 100 6 10 psi (0.69 6
when tested in accordance with 7.4. The bend length and bend 0.069 MPa) on the specimens is required. The immersion
angle is kept throughout the testing period by rigid supports system shall consist of two water reservoirs controlled at 60 6
immediately outside the bend. 4°F (166 2°C) and 180 6 4°F (82 6 2°C). The specimen shall
6.6.3 Cold-bent tubing, with a radius of 6 times the outside be cycled from one reservoir to the other or the hot and cold
diameter and consisting of a continuous bend length inducing water shall be alternately cycled over the test specimens
not less than 90° angle, shall meet the minimum hydrostatic automatically and returned to the proper reservoirs.
sustained pressure strength requirements shown in Table 4
when tested in accordance with 7.4. The bend length and bend NOTE 5—Automatic cycling may be accomplished by pumping from
angle is kept throughout the testing period by rigid secures each reservoir, through a delivery system having timer-actuated valves, to
a specimen water trough having synchronized, timer-actuated return
immediately outside the bend.
drains. Any automatic apparatus shall provide for complete immersion of
6.7 Excessive Temperature—Pressure Capability: the test specimen in the trough.
6.7.1 General—In the event of a water heating system
malfunction, PEX tubing shall have adequate strength to 7.5.3 Sampling and Specimen Preparation— Select at least
accommodate short-term conditions, 48 h of 210°F (99°C), 150 six joints from randomly selected specimens. Assemble the
psi (1034 kPa) until repairs can be made. joints with suitable lengths of tubing, at least five pipe
6.7.2 Excessive Temperature Hydrostatic Sustained diameters between joints, meeting the requirements of this
Pressure—Tubing and fittings, when tested as assemblies, shall specification and attach to a common manifold. Assemble
not fail as defined in Test Method D 1598 in less than 30 days strictly in accordance with the instructions of the fitting
(720 h) when tested in accordance with 7.7. manufacturer. Close the specimen assembly with any suitable
end closures that allow “free-end” mounting and will not leak
NOTE 4—Test applicable to assemblies and bends (6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, and under the thermocycling conditions, and connect the specimen
6.7) are intended to be performance qualification tests and not tests
required of each fitting.
assembly to the pressure source.
7.5.4 Procedure—Pressurize the specimen assembly with
7. Test Methods nitrogen or air to 100 6 10 psi (0.69 6 0.069 MPa) . Immerse
7.1 Conditioning—The test specimens should be condi- in 60 6 4°F (16 6 2°C) water to determine if there are any
tioned at 70 to 77°F (23 6 2°C) and 50 6 5 % relative initial leaks. All leaks shall be eliminated before the thermocy-
humidity for not less than 40 h prior to test in accordance with cling test is started. Thermally cycle the specimen assembly
Practice D 618, for those tests where conditioning is required. either manually or automatically and under an internal pressure
7.2 Test Conditions—Conduct the tests in the standard of 100 6 10 psi (0.696 0.069 MPa), alternately between 60 6
laboratory atmosphere of 70 to 77°F (23 6 2°C) and 50 6 5 % 4°F (16 6 2°C) and 180 6 4°F (82 6 2°C) by means of
relative humidity, unless otherwise specified in the test meth- immersion in water using the following test cycle:
ods or in this specification. Water immersion at 180°F (82°C) 2 min (min)
Air immersion at ambient 2 min (max)
7.3 Sampling—A sufficient quantity of tubing or fittings, as Water immersion at 60°F (16°C) 2 min (min)
agreed upon by the purchaser and the seller, shall be selected Air immersion at ambient 2 min (max)
and tested to determine conformance with this specification
Upon the completion of 1000 thermal cycles, immerse the
(see Practice D 1898). In the case of no prior agreement,
specimen assembly again in 60 6 4°F (16 6 2°C) water and
random samples selected by the testing laboratory shall be
check for any sign of gas leakage. Any evidence of leakage at
deemed adequate.
the fitting or separation of the fitting from the tubing constitutes
7.4 Hydrostatic Sustained Pressure— Determine in accor-
a failure.
dance with Test Method D 1598, except for the following:
7.4.1 Test at least six joints, from randomly selected speci- 7.5.5 Interpretation of Results—Failure of any one of six
mens assembled per the manufacturer’s instructions with at joints tested shall constitute failure of this test.
least 5-pipe diameters between joints. 7.6 Hydrostatic Burst Strength—Determine the minimum
7.4.2 Test temperature shall be 180 6 4°F (82 6 2°C). hydrostatic strength for tubing and fitting assemblies at both
7.4.3 The external test environment shall be air or water. 73°F (23°C) and 180°F (82°C) in accordance with Test Method
7.4.4 Fill the specimens with water at a temperature of at D 1599, except as herein specified.
least 120°F (50°C). 7.6.1 Assembly—Assemble the tubing and fittings using the
7.5 Thermocycling: manufacturer’s recommended procedure.
7.5.1 Summary of Test Method—This test method describes 7.6.2 Procedure—Test at least six joints from randomly
a pass-fail test for thermally cycling PEX tubing and fittings selected specimens assembled per the manufacturer’s instruc-
assemblies over a critical temperature range for a selected tions with at least 5-pipe diameters between joints. After
number of cycles while subjected to a nominal internal assembly, in accordance with 7.6.1, attach end closures, fill the
pressure. This test method provides a measure of resistance to specimen assembly with water, and condition in water at the
failure due to the combined effects of differential thermal test temperature for 2 h min (or in air for 4 h min). In the case

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 F 877 – 05
of testing at 180°F (82°C), the sample should be filled with than those included in National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)
water of at least 120°F (50°C) temperature prior to condition- Standard 14. The seal or mark of the laboratory making the
ing. evaluation shall be included on the tubing.
7.6.2.1 Increase the internal pressure at a constant rate so as
to reach the maximum burst requirement in 60 to 70 s. Leakage 10. Marking
or separation at any of the fittings tested, at less than the 10.1 Quality of Marking—The marking shall be applied to
minimum hydrostatic burst requirements for either temperature the tubing in such a manner that it remains legible (easily read)
specified in Table 3, shall constitute failure in this test. after installation and inspection.
7.7 Excessive Temperature and Pressure Capability of Tub- 10.2 Content of Marking:
ing and Fittings: 10.2.1 Manufacturer’s name or trademark.
7.7.1 Hydrostatic Sustained Pressure— Determine in accor- 10.2.2 Certification mark or seal of the laboratory making
dance with Test Method D 1598, except for the following the evaluation for this purpose.
requirements: 10.2.3 This designation, F 877.
7.7.1.1 Test at least six joints from randomly selected 10.2.4 Material designation in accordance with 3.5 (PEX).
specimens assembled per the manufacturer’s instructions with 10.2.5 Pressure rating (see Appendix X1) at 180°F (82°C).
at least 5-pipe diameters between joints.
10.2.6 Nominal size.
7.7.1.2 Condition tubing and fittings as assemblies in accor-
10.2.7 Standard dimension ratio (SDR 9).
dance with 7.1.
10.2.8 Standard designation(s) of the fitting system(s) for
7.7.1.3 Test temperature shall be 210 6 4°F (99 6 2°C).
which the tubing is recommended for use by the tubing
7.7.1.4 The external test environment shall be air.
manufacturer.
7.7.1.5 Fill the specimens with water and condition for 2 h
10.2.9 A code number identifying the compound and the
at a temperature of 210 6 4°F (99 6 2°C) and a pressure of 30
date of manufacture. When specified in the purchase order or
6 3 psi (207 6 21 kPa).
contract, a report of the test results shall be furnished.
7.7.1.6 Pressurize test specimens to the required pressure
10.3 Tubing— Markings, 10.2.1 through 10.2.9, shall be
and maintain for 30 days (720 h). The pressure for PEX SDR
required on tubing at intervals of not more than 5 ft (1.5 m).
9 tubing shall be 150 psi (1034 kPa). The fiber stress used to
Marking shall be applied without indentation in some perma-
derive this test pressure is 595 psi (4.1 MPa).
nent manner so as to remain legible under normal handling and
8. Retest and Rejection installation practice. Tubing that is difficult to mark without
8.1 If the results of any test(s) do not meet the requirements indenting shall be so marked provided (1) the marking does not
of this specification, the tests(s) shall be conducted again only reduce the wall thickness to less than the minimum value for
by agreement between the purchaser and seller. Under such the tubing, or (2) it is demonstrated that these marks have no
agreement, minimum requirements shall not be lowered, effect on the long-term strength of the tubing, or both.
changed, or modified, nor shall specification limits be changed. 10.4 Fittings—Marking on fittings shall include manufac-
If upon retest, failure occurs, the quantity of product repre- turer’s name or trademark, or some other indentifying mark
sented by the test(s) does not meet the requirements of this and when size permits, PEX or the ASTM number of the
specification. standard to which the fittings are manufactured.

9. Certification 11. Quality Assurance

9.1 PEX tubing intended for use in the transport of potable 11.1 When the product is marked with this designation, F
water shall be evaluated and certified as safe for this purpose 877, the manufacturer affirms that the product was manufac-
by a testing agency acceptable to the local health authority. The tured, inspected sampled and tested in accordance with this
evaluation shall be in accordance with the requirements for specification and has been found to meet the requirements of
chemical extraction, taste, and odor, that are no less restrictive this specification.

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 F 877 – 05
SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

GOVERNMENT/MILITARY PROCUREMENT

These requirements apply only to federal/military procurement, not domestic sales or transfers.

S1. Responsibility for Inspection—Unless otherwise speci- S2.1 Packaging—Unless otherwise specified in the con-
fied in the contract or purchase order, the producer is respon- tract, the materials shall be packaged in accordance with the
sible for the performance of all inspection and test require- supplier’s standard practice in a manner ensuring arrival at
ments specified herein. The producer may use his own or any destination in satisfactory condition and which will be accept-
other suitable facilities for the performance of the inspection able to the carrier at lowest rates. Containers and packing shall
and test requirements specified herein, unless the purchaser comply with Uniform Freight Classification rules or National
disapproves. The purchaser shall have the right to perform any Motor Freight Classification rules.
of the inspections and tests set forth in this specification where
S2.2 Marking—Marking for shipment shall be in accor-
such inspections are deemed necessary to ensure that material
dance with Fed. Std. No. 123 for civil agencies and MIL-STD-
conforms to prescribed requirements.
129 for military agencies.
NOTE S1.1—In U. S. Federal contracts, the contractor is responsible for
inspection. NOTE S2.1—The inclusion of U.S. Government procurement require-
S2. Packaging and Marking for U.S. Government Procure- ments should not be construed as an indication that the U.S. Government
uses or endorses the products described in this specification.
ment:

APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. HYDROSTATIC DESIGN STRESS

X1.1 Hydrostatic design stresses recommended by the design stress of fittings have yet to be developed due to the
Plastic Pipe Institute are used to pressure rate PEX plastic complicating effects of fitting geometry. Instead, fittings and
tubing. These design stresses are based on the 100 000-h assembled systems carry an implied pressure rating equivalent
hydrostatic strength of the tubing obtained in accordance with to that of the corresponding tubing on the basis of actual
Test Method D 2837. Additional information regarding the equivalent hydrostatic performance of assembled systems for
method of test and other criteria used in developing these periods exceeding 10 000 h. The sustained pressure require-
hydrostatic design stresses may be obtained from the Plastics ments of 6.4 for fittings tested as assembled systems are based
Pipe Institute Division of the Society of the Plastics Industry, on stress rupture data for tubing.
355 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10017. See Table X1.1.
X1.3 The hydrostatic design stresses are not suitable for
X1.2 Independent methods for determining the hydrostatic materials that show a negative departure from a straight line
plot of log versus stress versus log time to failure. All of the
TABLE X1.1 Hydrostatic Design Stresses and Pressure Ratings data available to date on PEX tubing materials and fitting
for PEX SDR 9 Hot Water Distribution Systems assemblies, tested in accordance with Test Method D 2837,
Rated Hydrostatic Pressure Rating meet this requirement. Experience of the industry indicates that
Temperature Design Stress for Water PEX hot- and cold-water distribution systems made from
°F °C psi (MPa) psi (MPa) components meeting the requirements of this specification give
73.4 23 630 (4.34) 160 (1.10)
180 82.2 400 (2.76) 100 (0.69) satisfactory service under normal conditions at these
temperature-pressure ratings.

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 F 877 – 05

X2. DESIGN, ASSEMBLY, AND INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

X2.1 Design provide a seal on the outer surface of PEX tubing. The actual
X2.1.1 Thermal Expansion—The linear expansion rate for sealing is affected by the following methods:
PEX is approximately 1.1 in./10°F temperature change for (A) Elastomeric cone with threaded nut.
each 100 ft of tubing, or 28 mm/5.6°C temperature change for (B) Ferrule with a threaded nut.
each 30 m of tubing. When installing long runs of tubing, allow The above compression-type fittings should be assembled in
1⁄8 to 3⁄16 in. longitudinal clearance per ft (10 to 14 mm/m) of accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
run to accommodate thermal expansion. Tubing should not be X2.2.1.3 Cold Flaring—Utilize a cold flaring tool, wherein
anchored rigidly to a support but allowed freedom of move- the tubing outside diameter is expanded mechanically. The
ment to expand and contract. expanded or flared end is then secured between a fitting. Flare
X2.1.2 Water Heaters—Components covered by this speci- configuration may vary depending on the particular tool
fication may not be suitable for use with the instantaneous type employed. The flared surface generally serves as the sealing
(coil or immersion) water heater. They are suitable for use with area between the tubing and fitting. See also Practice D 3140.
storage type water heaters with connections made in an X2.2.2 The manufacturer should be consulted regarding
approved manner. authorized fittings for use with PEX tubing.
X2.1.3 Sweating—Even though the thermal conductivity of
X2.3 Installation
PEX is several orders of magnitude lower than that of metal,
sweating or condensation at a slow rate may occur under X2.3.1 Storage and Handling—PEX tubing and fittings
certain temperature and humidity conditions. should be stored under cover to avoid unnecessary dirt accu-
X2.1.4 Water Hammer and Surge—A PEX hot-water system mulation and long-term exposure to sunlight. Tubing can be
will withstand repeated pressure surges, well in excess of its stored in coils of number size and length recommended by the
rated pressure, but water hammer arrestors may be advisable manufacturer. Care should be used in handling to ensure that
when solenoid valves or other quick-closing devices are used unnecessary abuse, such as abrasion on concrete or crushing, is
in the system. In designing for such situations, it is advisable to avoided.
consult the tubing or fitting manufacturer for recommended X2.3.2 Pressure Testing—A pressure test with water at 100
surge pressure limits. Water hammer and surge pressure psi (0.69 MPa) on the system excluding the hot water heater is
calculations are reviewed in Chapter 7, AWWA Manual M-11, advisable to test for fitting leakage.
Steel Pipe Design and Installation. X2.3.3 Repairs—If a leak is discovered, that portion of the
X2.1.5 Horizontal Support Spacing—The maximum recom- system should be drained and the actual part should be cut out.
mended spacing between horizontal supports is 32 in. (800 The tubing should be thoroughly dried and mechanical fit-
mm) for all sizes in this specification. Crosslinked polyethyl- ting(s) and if necessary, short length(s) of tubing should be
ene tubing should not be rigidly secured to a stud or joist but installed.
should be secured with smooth plastic strap hangers, which X2.3.4 Soldering in the Area—Soldered metal fittings
permit ease of movement during expansion/contraction cycles. should not be made closer than 18 in. (460 mm) to an installed
plastic-to-metal adapter in the same water line.
X2.1.6 When PEX tubing are to be used in sealed central
X2.3.5 Hot Bending of Tubing—For hot bending use a
heating systems, the fact that all plastics allow for a certain
hot-air-gun with a so-called diffuser nozzle, not an open flame.
amount of oxygen diffusion should be taken into consideration.
The hot air temperature meeting the tubing surface must not
exceed 338°F (170°C) and the heating up time must not exceed
X2.2 Assembly
5 min. The tubing shall be heated until the material at the
X2.2.1 Compression-Type Fittings—Assemble in accor- bending point becomes translucent, approximately 265°F
dance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Compression-type (130°C). Bend and fix the tubing in the bent position, using
fittings are likely to include inserts and ferrules, or O-rings conventional tube bending tools with side support. Cool in
which form an essential part of the fittings assembly and should water or air before removal of bending tool. Fix the tubing by
not be omitted. supports on both sides of the bend at installation. The mini-
X2.2.1.1 Insert Fittings—A number of techniques have mum hot bending radius for PEX SDR 9 tubing is 2.5 times
been developed where a fitting is firmly secured to PEX tubing. outside diameter. Outside diameter is equal to nominal diam-
The fitting is placed inside the tube and a tool is employed to eter plus 1⁄8 in. (see 3.1).
crimp a metallic lock ring around the tubing outside diameter X2.3.6 Cold Bending of Tubing—PEX SDR 9 tubing shall
adjacent to the fitting. This provides a mechanical lock with the be bent at room temperature without the use of bending tools
tubing being wedged securely between the ring and the insert down to a minimum bending radius of 6 times outside
fitting. diameter. Outside diameter is equal to nominal diameter plus 1⁄8
X2.2.1.2 Mechanical Fittings—A number of fitting systems in. (see 3.1). Normal precaution is taken to avoid buckling or
have been developed that can be described as mechanical flattening. Fix the tubing by supports on both sides of the bend
compression-type joining. They are comprised of fittings that at installation.

7
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Reproduction authorized per License Agreement with Craig A Preston (BrassCraft Manufacturing Company); Thu Apr 27 16:41:02 EDT 2006
 F 877 – 05

X3. OPTIONAL PERFORMANCE QUALIFICATION AND IN-PLANT QUALITY-CONTROL PROGRAM FOR PEX HOT-
WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM COMPONENTS

X3.1 Scope TABLE X3.1 Suggested Quality-Control Program

X3.1.1 The following program covers performance qualifi- Compo- Property Frequency Require-
nent ment
cation and in-plant quality control for component design and
Tubing Workmanship continuously 6.1A,B
manufacture respectively to provide reasonable assurance that Dimensions hourly 6.2A,B
PEX hot-water distribution system components supplied under Density weekly 5.3A
this specification shall consistently meet its requirements. Burst pressure daily 5.5A
Sustained pressure 3 months 5.4A
Environmental stress cracking yearly 5.6A
X3.2 Performance Qualifications Degree of crosslinking 3 days 5.7A
X3.2.1 Performance qualification tests shall be run initially Stabilizer migration yearly 5.8A
resistance
on each component design, size, and formulation in accordance Bent tube yearly 6.6B
with the requirements of this specification. The test results Fitting Dimensions hourly 6.2B
shall be independently certified and shall be made available to Burst pressure daily 6.3B
the purchaser on request. A
Specification F 876 for crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) tubing.
B
This specification, F 877.
X3.3 In-Plant Quality Control
X3.3.1 Material—The tubing material shall be PEX as any test, production should be sampled back to the previous
defined in Section 4 of this specification. The manufacturer acceptable test result and tested to determine which compo-
shall so certify. nents produced in the interim do not meet the requirement.
X3.3.2 Quality-Control Testing—Tubing and fitting quality- Components that do not meet the requirements of this specifi-
control tests shall be run for each extrusion line or mold cavity cation shall be rejected. See Table X3.2.
in accordance with the requirements of this specification at a X3.3.3 Marking—A code number shall be included on the
frequency agreed upon between the purchaser and the manu- tubing that can be used to identify the manufacturer and the
facturer. The program outlined in Table X3.1 is recommended. date of manufacture. Fittings shall be marked to identify the
The test results shall be recorded and filed for inspection on manufacturer and shall be coded or placed in dated containers
request. Should a component fail to meet the specification in to show the date of manufacture.

TABLE X3.2 Type Test Program

Component Property Requirement
Tubing Hydrostatic design basis ASTM D 2837
for each temperature
Potable water NSF 14
Fittings Sustained pressure 6.4A,B
Thermocycling 6.5A,B
Potable water NSF 14
A
Specification F 876 for crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) tubing.
B
This specification, F 877.

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Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved);
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