TN018_Cross-Linked-Polyethylene-PE-X-pipe-in-hot-water-applications-Guidance-for-determining-conformance-to-ASNZS-3500-May-2022

TN018 2.
0 – May 2022
Cross Linked Polyethylene (PE-X) pipe in hot water applications –

Guidance for determining conformance to AS/NZS 3500
The National Construction Code Volume 3 (Plumbing Code of Australia - PCA) is published by the
Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) and provides the minimum safety, health, amenity and
sustainability objectives for plumbing and drainage in Australia. The ABCB also publishes a schedule
of specifications for the mandatory WaterMark Certification Scheme for plumbing and drainage
products. The Standard series AS/NZS 3500 Plumbing and Drainage in turn provides a set of practices
that are deemed to satisfy the PCA objectives. In order to comply with the deemed to satisfy
requirements under the PCA, it is essential that products are certified under the WaterMark scheme
where required and the installation is carried out in accordance with the relevant section of AS/NZS
3500.
Simply having a WaterMarked product is only part of the process – the product must also meet the
specific application requirements as defined by AS/NZS 3500.
In most cases it is obvious which product standard, and which associated products can be used for
any given application. For example, products complying with the Drain Waste and Vent Standard
(AS/NZS 1260) for PVC pipe would not be suitable for a pressure pipe application. There are however
other applications where the requirements defined in AS/NZS 3500 mean only some products covered
by a product standard can be used in that specific application.
Such a case exists with hot water.
AS 2492 covers cross linked polyethylene pipe (PE-X). PE-X pipe can be used for both hot and cold-
water applications. AS/NZS 3500.4 Plumbing and drainage Heated water services specifies
requirements for pipes used in hot water covered in Section 2 Materials and Products. Specifically,
these are for pipes ≤DN100 and this section states they shall have a maximum allowable operating
pressure of at least 1.0 MPa at 60°C. As a result of these additional requirements nominated in
AS/NZS 3500 it is possible to have PE-X pipe that is WaterMarked as compliant with AS 2492 Cross-linked
polyethylene (PE-X) pipes for pressure applications that is suitable for cold water applications but not
comply with the additional requirements for hot water applications – hence care must be exercised
when determining if a PE-X pipe complies with the hot water requirements of AS/NZS 3500 part 4.
AS 2492 Appendix B provides guidance on the allowable working pressures of PE-X-80 pipes (the most
commonly used PE-X pipe material) over a range of water temperatures. This guidance is based on
information drawn from ISO 15875 Plastics piping systems for hot and cold water installations –
TN018 | Page 1 of 2
Crosslinked polyethylene (PE-X) in order to facilitate selection of the appropriate pipe for the
application. Table B1 lists the 5-common pipe SDR values with corresponding allowable working
pressures at 20°C, 60°C and 70°C. Table B1 states that only pipes with SDR values of 7.4 and 9 have
allowable working pressures above the specified level of 1.0 MPa at 60°C.
As pressure rating or PN classification is more commonly used in the plumbing industry the SDR values
can be readily translated into PN values by using Table 3.2 in AS 2492. According to Table 3.2 pipe
made from PE-X-80 compound with an SDR of 9 has a nominal pressure rating of PN 16 (at 20°C).
Similarly, a PE-X-80 pipe with an SDR of 7.4 is PN 20.
The interpretation of the combined requirements of AS/NZS 3500 part 4 along with AS 2492 is that for
hot water applications PE-X-80 pipe must have a rating of PN 16 or PN 20 to comply. Lower pressure
classes might satisfy the requirements for cold water, but not hot water as nominated in AS/NZS 3500
part 4.
That is, based on the guidance provided in Appendix B of AS 2492 PE-X-80 pipes with PN ratings of
12.5 or less do not comply with the requirements of AS/NZS 3500.4 for use in hot water applications.
An alternate interpretation would require formal analysis of long-term pressure tests on the PE-X pipe
product, carried out in accordance with ISO 9080. This would determine the material MRS to which
an appropriate factor of safety would need to be applied.
PIPA wishes to acknowledge and thank all our Technical Committee members and Industry
Consultants for their contribution, expertise, and assistance in the development of this technical
document.
DISCLAIMER - In formulating this document PIPA has relied upon the advice of its members and, where appropriate, independent
testing. Notwithstanding, users of the document are advised to seek their own independent advice and, where appropriate, to
conduct their own testing and assessment of matters contained in the document and to not rely solely on the document in relation
to any matter that may risk loss or damage. PIPA gives no warranty concerning the correctness or accuracy of the information,
opinions and recommendations contained in the document. Users of the document are advised that their reliance on any matter
contained in the document is at their own risk.
TTN018 | Page 2 of 2

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TN018 2.

Cross Linked Polyethylene (PE-X) pipe in hot water applications –

Such a case exists with hot water.

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