Appendix I Installation Standard for PEX Tubing Systems for Hot- And Cold-Water Distribution

1. SDR 9 CTS PEX tubing complying with ASTM F876 and pressure-rated in accordance with PPI TR-3; and
2. PEX fitting systems complying with
   1. ASTM F877, for mechanical compression fittings and metal or plastic insert fittings with stainless steel press sleeves;
   2. ASTM F1807 or ASTM F2159, for metal or plastic insert fittings with copper crimp rings;
   3. ASTM F1960, for cold expansion fittings with PEX reinforced rings; or
   4. ASTM F2080, for cold expansion fittings with metal compression sleeves.

1. "shall" is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy to comply with the Standard;
2. "should" is used to express a recommendation, but not a requirement;
3. "may" is used to express an option or something permissible within the scope of the Standard; and
4. "can" is used to express a possibility or a capability.

This Standard refers to the following publications, and where such reference is made, it shall be to the current edition of those publications, including all amendments published thereto.

The following abbreviations apply in this Standard:

1. pigmented throughout (i.e., with color);
2. non-pigmented (e.g., translucent or natural); or
3. coated with a pigmented layer.

1. the standard designation(s) of the fittings to which the tube can be joined to is included in the markings;
2. it bears a certification mark from an accredited certification organization; and
3. pressure and temperature ratings meet or exceed that of the intended end-use.

1. are made of brass, stainless steel, or sulfone;
2. consist of an insert and a PEX reinforcing ring; and
3. are available in NTS-³/₈ to NTS-3.

1. are made of brass, stainless steel, or sulfone;
2. consist of an insert and a copper crimp ring or a stainless steel press ring
3. are available in NTS-³/₈ to NTS-2.

1. are made of brass; and
2. consist of
   1. a nut, a compression ring, and an insert; or
   2. an O-ring brass insert with a compression sleeve
3. are available in NTS-¹/₄ to NTS-3.

1. At the time of unloading, the markings of all tubing, fittings, and accessories shall be verified to ensure that all items have been manufactured in accordance with the applicable product Standard and appropriately certified.
2. An overall examination of the shipment shall be made. If the shipment is intact, ordinary inspection while unloading shall be sufficient to ensure that the items have arrived in good condition.
3. If the load has shifted, has broken packaging, or shows evidence of rough treatment, each item shall be carefully inspected for damage.
4. The total quantities of each shipment (e.g., tubing, gaskets, fittings, and accessories) shall be checked against shipping records.
5. Any damaged or missing items shall be noted on the delivery slip. The carrier shall be notified immediately and a claim made in accordance with its instructions.
6. No damaged material shall be disposed of. The carrier shall recommend the procedure to follow.
7. Shortages and damaged materials are normally not reshipped without request. If replacement material is needed, it shall be reordered from the manufacturer, the distributor, or a manufacturer's representative.

1. loops;
2. offsets;
3. arms with rigid anchor points; and
4. supporting the tubing with continuous runs of CTS support channels with
   1. rigid anchor points installed every 20 m (65 ft); and
   2. proper strapping (e.g., 27 kg (60 lb) straps or equivalent) spaced 1 m (3 ft) and rated for the maximum temperature and UV exposure of the PEX tubing application.

1. a riser clamp at the top of every other floor; and
2. mid-story guides to maintain the alignment of the vertical tubing.

Note:

LB  =  C  ×  √(D  ×  ΔL)

where

FIGURE 1
EXPANSION ARMS

Note:

LB shall be calculated as specified in Figure 2 and divided in to three sections, as follows :

L B = L1 + (2 × L2)

where

L1 = LB + 5; and

L2 = L1 × 2.

FIGURE 2
EXPANSION LOOPS

1. be supported at each floor or as specified by the water-distribution system designer to allow for expansion and contraction; and
2. have mid-story guides.

1. NTS-1 and smaller shall be supported every 0.8 m (32 in), unless continuously supported by metallic CTS or V channels that
   1. are supported at intervals not exceeding 1.8 m (6 ft);
   2. have a maximum cantilever, measured from the support to the end of the CTS support channel, of 0.5 m (1.5 ft); and
2. NTS-1¹/₄ and larger shall be supported every 1.2 m (4 ft), unless continuously supported by metallic CTS or V channels that
   1. are supported at intervals not exceeding 2.4 m (8 ft); and
   2. have a maximum cantilever, measured from the support to the end of the CTS support channel, of 0.5 m (1.5 ft).

1. used to restrict PEX tubing movement;
2. made of materials that provide rigidity to the support system and utilize pipe clamps designed for plastic tubing capable of restraining the tubing; and
3. installed in accordance with Figures 1 or 2, as applicable (i.e., anchor distances and size of arms and offsets).

1. made at least 500 mm (18 in) from PEX tubing in the same water line; and
2. performed prior to completing the PEX joints.

Directional fittings (e.g., 90° and 45° elbows) should only be installed where necessary.

Note: The flexible nature of PEX tubing allows for sweeping bends resulting in less fittings and joints.

The tubing manufacturer's pressure-loss data should be referenced when using Appendix A of IAPMO/ANSI UPC 1. In absence of such data, Figures 3 and 4 shall be used.

FIGURE 3
PRESSURE LOSS OF PEX TUBING AT 16 °C (60°F)

FIGURE 4
PRESSURE LOSS OF PEX TUBING AT 49 °C (120°F)

1. 3.0 m/s (10 ft/s) for cold-water distribution systems; and
2. 2.4 m/s (8 ft/s) for hot-water distribution systems.

TABLE 1
CALCULATION OF FLUSH TANK AND FLUSH VALVE FIXTURE UNITS

1. be balanced to maintain adequate system temperatures; and
2. have flow velocities that do not exceed 0.6 m/s (2 ft/s) (see Table 2); and
3. use only PEX tubing designated for hot, chlorinated water recirculation systems and rated for the maximum percentage of time during which the system is intended to be operated at elevated temperatures, in accordance with ASTM F876.

TABLE 2
TUBING SIZES, FLOWS, AND FRICTION LOSSES FOR HOT-WATER RECIRCULATION SYSTEMS

1. expressly allowed in the written instructions of the manufacturers of all plastic pipe and fittings installed at the time the PEX piping system is being tested; and
2. compressed air or other gas testing is not prohibited by the authority having jurisdiction.