How to Guide
6
Plastics Technical Manual
• WhileABS,PVCandCPVCareverydifferentmaterials,
they share numerous advantages common to plastic piping
systems. Advantages include ease of installation, corrosion
resistance, low friction loss, initial cost, and longevity.
Easy Installation
• ABS, PVC and CPVC systems are light in weight
(approximately one-half the weight of aluminum and
one-sixth the weight of steel) reducing transportation,
handling, and installation cost. They have smooth,
seamlessinteriorwalls.Nospecialtoolsarerequiredfor
cutting. These materials can be installed using the solvent
cement joining technique.
Strength
• ABS,PVCandCPVCproductsarehighlyresilient,tough
and durable with high tensile and high impact strength.
Freedom from Toxicity, Odors, Tastes
• PVCandCPVCpipingsystemsdesignedfordomesticwater
applicationsarelistedtoconformtoNSFInternational
Standard61.ThisHealthEffectsstandardensuresthe
safety of products coming into contact with drinking
water.
Corrosion Free External and Internal
• With many other pipe materials, slight corrosion may
occur. The corroded particles can contaminate the piped
fluid, complicating further processing, or causing bad taste,
odors, or discoloration. This is particularly undesirable
whenthepipeduidisfordomesticconsumption.With
PVC and CPVC, there are no corrosive by-products,
therefore, no contamination of the piped fluid.
Immunity to Galvanic or Electrolytic Attack
• ABS,PVCandCPVCareinherentlyimmunetogalvanic
or electrolytic action. They can be used underground,
underwater, in the presence of metals, and can be
connected to metals.
Fire Resistance
• PVC and CPVC piping systems are self extinguishing
andwillnotsupportcombustion.TheASTME84test
protocol is used to determine the flame and smoke rating
for various materials.
• PVCwillnotpasstheASTME-8425/50amespread
/smokedevelopedtestandisnotacceptableforusein
plenum areas.
• Consult Charlotte Pipe for additional information on
CPVC in plenum applications.
• For plenum applications, follow prevailing code
requirements.
Low Friction Loss
• The smooth interior surfaces of ABS, PVC and CPVC
assure low friction loss and high flow rate. Additionally,
since ABS, PVC and CPVC pipe resist rusting, pitting,
scaling and corrosion, the high flow rate can be maintained
for the life of the piping system.
Low Thermal Conductivity
• PVC and CPVC pipe have a much lower thermal
conductivity factor than metal pipe. Therefore, fluids
being piped maintain a more constant temperature. In
many cases, pipe insulation is not required.
Cost Effective
• ABS,PVCandCPVCproductsareextremelylightweight,
convenient to handle, relatively flexible, and easy to
install. These features lead to lower installed cost than
other piping systems.
Virtually Maintenance Free
• OnceanABS,PVCorCPVCsystemisproperlyselected,
designed, and installed, it is virtually maintenance free.
Therefore, years of trouble-free service can be expected
when using Charlotte Pipe and Foundry ABS, PVC and
CPVC systems.
Major Advantages of ABS,
PVC and CPVC Pipe
GENERAL INFORMATION
Testing with or use of compressed air or gas in PVC / ABS
/ CPVC pipe or fittings can result in explosive failures and
cause severe injury or death.
• NEVER test with or transport/store
compressed air or gas in PVC / ABS / CPVC
pipe or fittings.
• NEVER test PVC / ABS / CPVC pipe or
fittings with compressed air or gas, or air
over water boosters.
• ONLY use PVC / ABS / CPVC pipe for water
or approved chemicals.
• Refer to warnings in PPFA User Bulletin
4-80 and ASTM D 1785.
Tothebestofourknowledgetheinformationcontainedinthispublicationisaccurate.However,CharlottePipeandFoundrydoesnot
assume any liability whatsoever for the accuracy or completeness of such information. Final determination of the suitability of any
information or product for the use to be contemplated is the sole responsibility of the user. The manner of that use and whether there is
any infringement of patents is also the sole responsibility of the user.