PVC pressure rating

[Snick480]

I've seen this topic discussed quite a bit in these forums, but I need to throw this question out again to the experts. I bought some PVC pipe for a pneumatic project, and being completely new at this, I was ignorant to the different pressure ratings before I bought it. The pipe that I bought is labeled NSF-PW and NSF-DWV. Am I good to go using this pipe or should I stay away from it? Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

[mattyzip77]

if you are just making a simple combustion I would say that you would be fine. If your making a pneumatic, than your not fine, unless you are using very low pressure, like 75 p s i and under!! If you can get the pw fittings, then get them, but if you cant, its at your OWN RISK and be careful. I have taken dwv fittings up to 110 p s i with no problem, but thats me, and I am no pro at this, just a noob like you!!!

[Technician1002]

DWV stands for Drain Waste Vent. NSF is the certifying agency. National Sanitation Foundation. PW stands for Potable Water.

http://www.nsf.org/

PVC is never rated for compressed air, even pipe with a pressure rating on it. The pressure rating is for liquids only. This is due to the failure mode.
http://www.spudfiles.com/forums/pvc-is- ... 21334.html

[Snick480]

Thank you both for the responses. Another beginner question. How then can I tell if the PVC that I buy is "pressure rated" as I've seen referenced in other posts. I was under the impression that the PW and DWV had something to do with it.

[Gun Freak]

If it has the pressure rating on it (xxx psi) then you're fine.
Matty... Don't say it if you don't know what you're talking about...

[mattyzip77]

gun freak everything I SAID I said from experience, I think I gave him good advise. The difference between pw and dwv is socket size/depth and the thickness of the fitting. pw are pressure rated and dwv are not. I was just asking the same question a week ago and actually did alot of research on it. Unlike a piston valve, lol, I know abot fittings and ratings!!

And like gunfreak said, the pipe will say if its rated in the lettering on it. I know for a fact that CHARLOTTE pipe is rated!!!!

[MrCrowley]

I've seen this topic discussed quite a bit in these forums, but I need to throw this question out again to the experts. I bought some PVC pipe for a pneumatic project, and being completely new at this, I was ignorant to the different pressure ratings before I bought it. The pipe that I bought is labeled NSF-PW and NSF-DWV. Am I good to go using this pipe or should I stay away from it? Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

Does it say NSF-PW and NSF-DWV on the same piece of pipe? Any pipe labelled with NSF-PW should be fine at 100PSI (assuming diameter 4" or under, temperature 60-90*F). Make sure to use both PVC glue and primer.

Edit: Not all pipe will have a pressure rating, neither will fittings.

This may also help:
http://www.spudfiles.com/spud_wiki/inde ... sure_rated

[Gun Freak]

Yeah I've used Charlotte pipe with both PW and DWV printed on it but it also had a pressure rating of 330 psi (1.5" sch 40).

[jimmy101]

All pressure rated pipe is also spec'd as being DWV. Think about it. The dimensions are the same (Sch40), if it works in PW (portable water = pressurized water) it will also work for non-pressure (DWV) applications.

So, any pipe that says NSF-PW will probably also say DWV on it. The presence of "DWV" tells you nothing, only the NSF-PW, and preferable an actual pressure rating in PSI, means anything.

[Snick480]

Thanks again to everyone for your help with this!