CHLORINATED POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (CPVC)
CPVC tubing comes in nominal sizes ranging from 1/2 to 2 in. copper tube size (CTS), and pipe sizes ranging from 1/2 to 24 in. (Sch 40/80) iron pipe size (IPS). CPVC tubing is SDR11 (1/2 to 2 in.) with standard hydrostatic pressure ratings of 400 psi at 73ºF (2,750 kPa at 23ºC) and 100 psi at 180ºF (690 kPa at 82ºC). Consult the specific CPVC pipe manufacturer's literature and listings for appropriate pressure ratings. CPVC tubing and pipe are sold in straight lengths.
Definition: is PVC (polyvinyl chloride) that has been chlorinated via a free radical chlorination reaction. CPVC is produced by adding chlorine to PVC in a water slurry or fluidized bed chlorination process. The chlorination reaction is initiated by ultraviolet light. The chlorinated PVC is compounded with ingredients necessary for the desired properties for further processing. The chlorine added to PVC gives CPVC higher temperature performance and improved fire and corrosion resistance.
Overview: CPVC is a high-temperature plastic pressure piping system introduced for potable plumbing in 1959. It has also been used extensively in fire sprinkler systems since 1985. This material is also used for many industrial and process piping applications. CPVC pipe is available in nominal sizes from 1/2" to 24" and is approved in all model plumbing and mechanical codes across the United States and Canada. In addition, CPVC pipe and fittings from select manufacturers are listed for light hazard fire sprinkler systems, as defined in NFPA 13, 13R and 13D standards.
CPVC Advantages
- Safety of potable water and long-term reliability
- Resistance to corrosion, tuberculation, deposits
- Chlorine and chloramine resistance
- Lightweight, easy to transport
- Available in wide range of sizes
- Noise and water hammer resistance
- No scrap value, avoiding jobsite theft
- Durability and toughness to survive jobsite installations
- No flame used for joining, solvent cement joints
- Universal compatibility of pipes/fittings
- Professional installed appearance
- Hot- and cold-water plumbing distribution, residential and commercial
- Fire protection: One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes (NFPA 13D), Low-Rise Residential Occupancies (NFPA 13R) and Light Hazard Occupancies (NFPA 13)
- Reclaimed water piping (purple pipe)
- Chilled water piping
- Hydronic piping and distribution (radiators, fan coils, etc.)
- Suitable for many industrial and process piping applications
- TN-62 - Suitability and Fitness of CPVC Piping Systems for Commercial Building Applications
- Recommendation H – Direct Connection of Plastic Piping Materials to Tankless Water Heaters
- Installation of CPVC Fittings With and Under Concrete Slabs
- Presentation: Plastic Pressure Piping Materials for Plumbing & Mechanical Applications
- Lubrizol FBC System Compatible Program
- The FBC™ System Compatible Program is a resource made available to manufacturers of ancillary products intended to be used with CPVC to help determine whether a product is chemically compatible with Lubrizol Advanced Materials' FlowGuard®, BlazeMaster®, Corzan®, and products made with TempRite Technology.
- ASTM D2846 - Standard Specification for Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Plastic Hot- and Cold-Water Distribution Systems
- ASTM F441 - Standard Specification for Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Plastic Pipe, Schedule 40 and 80
- ASTM F442 - Standard Specification for Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Plastic Pipe (SDR-PR)
- ASTM F438 - Standard Specification for Socket-Type Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Plastic Pipe Fittings, Schedule 40
- ASTM F439 - Standard Specification for Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Plastic Pipe Fittings, Schedule 80
- ASTM F493 - Standard Specification for Solvent Cements for Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Plastic Pipe and Fittings
- CSA International B137.6 - CPVC Pipe, Tubing and Fittings for Hot and Cold Water Distribution Systems