ASTM F3348-23a

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F3348 − 23 F3348 − 23a An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Plastic Press Insert Fittings with Factory Assembled
Stainless Steel Press Sleeve for SDR9 Cross-linked
Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing and SDR9 Polyethylene of
Raised Temperature (PE-RT) Tubing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3348; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope*
1.1 This specification covers plastic press insert fittings with factory assembled stainless steel press sleeves incorporating 3 view
3 1 3
holes and a tool locator ring. These fittings are for use with cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing in nominal sizes ⁄8, ⁄2, ⁄4,
1 1
1, 1 ⁄4, 1 ⁄2, and 2 that meet the requirements for Specification F876 or F3253 and for use with polyethylene of raised temperature
3 1 3 1 1
(PE-RT) tubing in nominal sizes ⁄8, ⁄2, ⁄4, 1, 1 ⁄4, 1 ⁄2, and 2 that meet the requirements of Specification F2769. These fittings are
intended for use in 100 psi (690 kPa) cold- and hot-water distribution systems operating at temperatures up to and including 180 °F
(82 °C). Included are the requirements for material, molded part properties, performance, workmanship, dimensions, and markings
to be used on the fittings and sleeves.
1.1.1 When used with PEX tubing in accordance with Specification F876, the fittings covered by this specification are intended
for use in, but not limited to, residential and commercial, hot- and cold-potable water distribution systems, water service lines,
building supply lines, reclaimed water, fire protection, radiant heating and cooling systems, hydronic distribution systems, snow
and ice melting systems, geothermal ground loops, district heating, turf conditioning, compressed air distribution and building
services pipe.
1.1.2 When used with PEX tubing in accordance with Specification F3253, the fittings covered by this specification are intended
for use in residential and commercial hydronic heating and cooling systems.
1.1.3 When used with PE-RT tubing in accordance with Specification F2769, the fittings covered by this specification are intended
for use in residential and commercial, hot- and cold-potable water distribution systems, and building supply lines.
1.2 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F17 on Plastic Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.10 on Fittings.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2023April 1, 2023. Published February 2023April 2023. Originally approved in 2018. Last previous edition approved in 20222023 as
F3348–22. DOI: 10.1520/F3348–23–23. DOI: 10.1520/F3348–23A
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3348 − 23a
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
A269/A269M Specification for Seamless and Welded Austenitic Stainless Steel Tubing for General Service
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
D2122 Test Method for Determining Dimensions of Thermoplastic Pipe and Fittings
D2837 Test Method for Obtaining Hydrostatic Design Basis for Thermoplastic Pipe Materials or Pressure Design Basis for
Thermoplastic Pipe Products
D6394 Classification System for and Basis for Specification for Sulfone Plastics (SP)
E92 Test Methods for Vickers Hardness and Knoop Hardness of Metallic Materials
F412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
F876 Specification for Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing
F877 Specification for Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Hot- and Cold-Water Distribution Systems
F1960 Specification for Cold Expansion Fittings with PEX Reinforcing Rings for Use with Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX)
and Polyethylene of Raised Temperature (PE-RT) Tubing
F2769 Specification for Polyethylene of Raised Temperature (PE-RT) Plastic Hot and Cold-Water Tubing and Distribution
Systems
F3253 Specification for Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing with Oxygen Barrier for Hot- and Cold-Water Hydronic
Distribution Systems
2.2 NSF/ANSI Standards:
Standard 14 Plastic Piping Components and Related Materials
Standard 61 Drinking Water System Components-Health Effects
Standard 372 Drinking Water System Components-Lead Content
2.3 ISO Standards:
ISO 9080 Plastics piping and ducting systems -- Determination of the long-term hydrostatic strength of thermoplastics materials
in pipe form by extrapolation
ISO 12162 Thermoplastics materials for pipes and fittings for pressure applications –Classification, designation and design
coefficient
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Unless otherwise specified, definitions, abbreviations and initialisms are in accordance with Terminology F412
and Terminology D1600.
3.2 Definitions:
3.2.1 plastic press insert fitting, n—A type of piping component that is pushed into the open end of the plastic tubing and attaches
by mechanically pressing and deforming an outer stainless steel sleeve over the outside diameter of the plastic tubing. The seal
is realized between the outer diameter of the insert fitting and the inner diameter of the plastic tubing. Mechanical pressing is
achieved by the use of press tool.
3.2.2 press sleeve, n—Cylindrical shaped stainless steel ring which is compressed with a pressing tool while located over the PEX
tubing securing it permanently to the underlying insert fitting.
3.2.3 press tool, n—A device by which the stainless sleeve is compressed by a forming die that is radially closed down on the press
sleeve by either hand powered or electro-mechanical pressing action.
4. Classification
4.1 This specification governs one class of fittings and stainless steel press sleeve suitable for use PEX tubing that meets either
the requirements of Specifications F876 or F3253, or with PE-RT tubing that meets the requirements of Specification F2769.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from NSF International, P.O. Box 130140, 789 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105, http://www.nsf.org.
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva,
Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.
F3348 − 23a
C
TABLE 1 Polymer Insert Dimensions and Tolerances
A E D
NTS A ± B ± C D ± E ± F H r ±
in. in. in. in. in. in. in. in. max in. in. in.
⁄8 0.340 0.004 0.201 0.012 0° - 10° 0.307 0.012 0.344 0.008 15° - 25° 0.091 0.012 0.004
⁄2 0.469 0.004 0.311 0.012 0° - 10° 0.437 0.012 0.344 0.008 15° - 25° 0.187 0.012 0.004
⁄4 0.658 0.004 0.480 0.012 0° - 10° 0.626 0.012 0.344 0.008 15° - 25° 0.187 0.012 0.004
1 0.852 0.004 0.661 0.012 0° - 10° 0.823 0.012 0.472 0.008 N/A N/A 0.051 0.004
1 ⁄4 1.034 0.004 0.807 0.012 0° - 10° 1.004 0.012 0.689 0.008 N/A N/A 0.079 0.004
1 ⁄2 1.223 0.004 0.941 0.012 0° - 10° 1.193 0.012 0.689 0.008 N/A N/A 0.079 0.004
2 1.579 0.004 1.244 0.012 0° - 10° 1.543 0.012 0.677 0.008 N/A N/A 0.079 0.004
B
NTS J ± G ± K ± L I ± T R ± X
in. in. in. in. in. in. Min, in. in. in. Min. in. in. in.
⁄8 0.110 0.008 0.087 0.008 0.378 0.016 0.512 0.043 0.008 0.047 0.008 0.004 35° - 45°
⁄2 0.110 0.008 0.087 0.008 0.378 0.016 0.512 0.043 0.008 0.059 0.008 0.004 35° - 45°
⁄4 0.110 0.008 0.087 0.008 0.378 0.016 0.512 0.043 0.008 0.067 0.008 0.004 35° - 45°
1 0.118 0.008 0.118 0.008 0.500 0.016 0.669 0.059 0.008 0.075 0.008 0.004 35° - 45°
1 ⁄4 0.126 0.008 0.165 0.008 0.720 0.016 0.906 0.083 0.008 0.091 0.008 0.004 35° - 45°
1 ⁄2 0.126 0.008 0.165 0.008 0.720 0.016 0.906 0.083 0.008 0.118 0.008 0.004 35° - 45°
2 0.126 0.008 0.165 0.008 0.720 0.016 0.906 0.083 0.008 0.142 0.008 0.004 35° - 45°
A
Rib outside diameter shall be measured individually.
B
Applies to entire fitting (not just to insert area), except for the area identified within the “H” dimension.
C
Directional fittings shall be designed with sufficient overall dimensions to allow proper use of press tool without interference with previously completed press on the same
fitting.
D
Lead chamfer area is not considered a rib.
E
ID “B” shall be maintained through the insert length “L”.
5. Materials and Manufacture
5.1 Material—Fittings shall be molded from sulfone plastic (SP) as specified in SpecificationClassification D6394. The material
shall be unreinforced polyphenylsulfone blends (group 03, Class 1, grade 2) or reworked plastic in accordance with 5.1.1.
NOTE 1—Since fittings specified by this standard will be used in hot-and-cold water plumbing systems, a material used to manufacture fittings in
accordance with this specification must demonstrate qualities consistent with that application in addition to the performance requirements of this
specification. Those qualifying characteristics include, but are not limited to, an established hydrostatic design basis (HDB) in accordance with Test
Method D2837 or ISO 9080/ ISO 12162 minimum required strength (MRS) and a demonstration of resistance to the long-term effects of those chemicals
normally found in potable water at the maximum temperature stated in this specification.
5.1.1 Rework Material—Clean rework material of the same commercial designation, generated from the manufacturer’s own
production may be used by the same manufacturer, provided the fittings meet all of the requirements of this specification.
Reworked material shall not be introduced at a ratio exceeding 25 %.
5.2 Press Sleeves—Press sleeves shall be made from Specification A269/A269M UNS S30400 or S31600 stainless steel and have
an allowable hardness of 130 6 20 HV5 according to Test Method E92.
5.3 Potable Water Requirements—Products intended for the transport of potable water shall be evaluated, tested and certified for
conformance with NSF/ANSI Standard 61 or the health effects portion of NSF/ANSI Standard 14 by an acceptable certifying
organization when required by the regulatory authority having jurisdiction.
NOTE 1—All wetted and pressure carrying polymeric materials used to manufacture the fittings should be suitable for the intended applications, that is,
hot and cold potable water plumbing systems, in addition to the performance requirements of this specification. Those qualifying characteristics include
but are not limited to an established hydrostatic design basis (HDB) in accordance with Test Method D2837 or a minimum required stress (MRS) in
accordance with ISO 9080/ ISO 12162 and a demonstration of resistance to the long-term effects of those chemicals normally found in water conveyed
in these applications (for example, disinfectants such as sodium hypochlorite used in potable water) at the maximum temperature stated in this
specification.
6. Molded Part Properties
6.1 Insert Crush—The fitting insert shall n
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