What are PVC grades?
PVC pipes are generally categorised into four: PVC-U unplasticised PVC), C-PVC (chlorinated PVC), PVC-O (molecular oriented PVC) and modified PVC.
ASTM D1785 Standard Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe, Schedules 40, 80, and 120 is manufactured to meet the needs of a broad range of industrial, commercial and residential piping systems. ASTM D1785 covers pipes made for water distribution and irrigation systems.
If you purchased your PVC pipe from a hardware store, you can use the markings on the side of the pipe to tell you what size you have. It will normally indicate the size in decimal or fraction, close to where the manufacturer's name is, such as '1.25' (for 1-1/4") or "3/4" (for 3/4"... obviously).
The Outside Diameter of the pipe is not the PVC Pipe Size.
PVC Pipe sizes are so named by measuring the inside diameter (also called the bore) of the PVC pipe and not the outside diameter. If you measure the outside diameter, it will give you a larger reading than the actual PVC Pipe Size.
Polyvinyl chloride:It is a strong and hard plastic.It is not as flexible as polythene.It is used for making insulation for electric wires,pipes,garden hoses,raincoats,seat cover etc. Bakelite:It is a very hard and tough plastic.It is a poor conductor of heat and electricity.
Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) (CAS number 9002-86-2) is a synthetic resin made from vinyl chloride and is a member of a large family of polymers broadly referred to as “vinyls.” The chemical formula for vinyl chloride is H2C=CHCl, and the formula for PVC is (H2C–CHCl)n, where n is the degree of polymerization.
NOTE:As per IS:13592-1992 TYPE A pipes are recommended for use in ventilation pipe work and rain water application and TYPE B pipes are recommended for use in soil and waste discharge system.
IS 6307: Rigid PVC Sheets.
When you are buying CPVC pipes in India, you need to choose between SDR 11 and SDR 13.5. They are not only different in thickness but vary in pressure ratings. A higher SDR means, a lesser pipe thickness with a lesser pressure rating. A lower SDR means, a higher pipe thickness with lower pressure rating.
What does Schedule 40 PVC mean?
Schedule 40 PVC is usually white in color and has thinner walls, thus can handle less pressure than it's counterpart. Schedule 40 PVC pipe works best for low water pressure applications. By contrast, Schedule 80 PVC is usually gray in color and has thicker walls; therefore, it can handle higher water pressures.
A PVC pipe's schedule has to do with the thickness of its walls. Maybe you've seen that schedule 80 pipe is slightly more costly than schedule 40. Though the outside diameter of a schedule 80 pipe and a schedule 40 pipe are the same, 80 pipe has thicker walls.

Schedule 40 pipe refers to the nominal wall thickness, not the grade. Therefore, the chemical composition of a pipe schedule is not necessarily uniform. However, schedule 40 pipe is made from low-carbon steel, usually grade A53 steel pipe.
Fitting allowance for the piping trades - YouTube
Nominal Pipe Size | O.D. | Average I.D. |
---|---|---|
1/2" | .840 | .602 |
3/4" | 1.050 | .804 |
1" | 1.315 | 1.029 |
1-1/4" | 1.660 | 1.360 |
Economical, versatile polyvinyl chloride (PVC, or vinyl) is used in a variety of applications in the building and construction, health care, electronics, automobile and other sectors, in products ranging from piping and siding, blood bags and tubing, to wire and cable insulation, windshield system components and more.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a synthetic resin made from the polymerization of vinyl chloride. PVC is a commonly used polymer that finds applications in a variety of products due to its excellent properties and low cost.
PVC (plasticised) is less rigid; has high impact strength; is easier to extrude or mould; has lower temperature resistance; is less resistant to chemicals, and usually has lower ultimate tensile strength. The variability from compound to compound in plasticised PVC is greater than that in PVC-U.
PVC pressure pipe class 12 is a high quality pressure pipe used in many irrigation applications. This pipe has a high pressure rating and can be used under mains pressure or low pressure situations.
Class of Pipe | Working pressure (PN) |
---|---|
Class 2 | 0.4 MPa (4.0 kg/cm2) |
Class 3 | 0.6 MPa (6.0 kg/cm2) |
Class 4 | 0.80 MPa (8.0 kg/cm2) |
Class 5 | 1.0 MPa (10.0 kg/cm2) |
What is class 200 PVC pipe used for?
PVC Class 200, 160 and 125 pressure pipe are used in rural water systems, agricultural and turf irrigation and as sewer force mains. Class 200, 160 and 125 pipe conform to steel pipe O.D.'s. The pressure rating of the pipe—200 psi, 160 psi or 125 psi—indicates the maximum allowable sustained pressure per ASTM D2241.
PVC Type I is a widely used material with excellent corrosion and chemical resistance. Top applications for PVC Type I include corrosive-resistant valves and fittings, chemical processing equipment, pool components, laboratory equipment, and many other components used in potentially corrosive environments.