How to Guide

6
Plastics Technical Manual
• WhileABS,PVCandCPVCareverydifferentmaterials,
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,
seamlessinteriorwalls.Nospecialtoolsarerequiredfor
cutting. These materials can be installed using the solvent
cement joining technique.
Strength
• ABS,PVCandCPVCproductsarehighlyresilient,tough
and durable with high tensile and high impact strength.
Freedom from Toxicity, Odors, Tastes
• PVCandCPVCpipingsystemsdesignedfordomesticwater
applicationsarelistedtoconformtoNSFInternational
Standard61.ThisHealthEffectsstandardensuresthe
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
whenthepipeduidisfordomesticconsumption.With
PVC and CPVC, there are no corrosive by-products,
therefore, no contamination of the piped fluid.
Immunity to Galvanic or Electrolytic Attack
• ABS,PVCandCPVCareinherentlyimmunetogalvanic
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
andwillnotsupportcombustion.TheASTME84test
protocol is used to determine the flame and smoke rating
for various materials.
• PVCwillnotpasstheASTME-8425/50amespread
/smokedevelopedtestandisnotacceptableforusein
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,PVCandCPVCproductsareextremelylightweight,
convenient to handle, relatively flexible, and easy to
install. These features lead to lower installed cost than
other piping systems.
Virtually Maintenance Free
• OnceanABS,PVCorCPVCsystemisproperlyselected,
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.
Tothebestofourknowledgetheinformationcontainedinthispublicationisaccurate.However,CharlottePipeandFoundrydoesnot
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.