ASTM F877-24

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: F877 − 23 F877 − 24 An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Hot- and Cold-Water
Distribution Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F877; 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 requirements, test methods, and marking requirements for system components when tested with
nominal SDR9 crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) tubing as a system. Systems are intended for 100 psi (0.69 MPa) water service up
to and including a maximum working temperature of 180 °F (82 °C). Requirements and test methods are included for materials,
workmanship, dimensions and tolerances, burst pressure, hydrostatic sustained pressure, excessive temperature and pressure,
corrosion resistance, and thermocycling tests. The components covered by this specification are intended for use in, but not limited
to, residential and commercial hot and cold potable water distribution systems or other applications such as reclaimed water, fire
protection, municipal water service lines, building supply lines, 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.
1.2 The text of this specification references notes, footnotes, and appendixes which provide explanatory material. These notes and
footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the specification.
1.3 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.
NOTE 1—Suggested hydrostatic design stresses and hydrostatic pressure ratings for tubing and fittings are listed in Appendix X1. Design, assembly, and
installation considerations are discussed in Appendix X2. An optional performance qualification and an in-plant quality control program are recommended
in Appendix X3. For additional information on the use of PEX tubing for high-temperature non-potable applications and for chlorinated potable water,
see PPI Technical Notes 52 and 53, respectively.
1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Section 7, of this specification: 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.
1.5 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 specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F17 on Plastic Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.61 on Water.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2023Feb. 1, 2024. Published February 2023February 2024. Originally approved in 1984. Last previous approved 20222023 as
F877 – 22.F877 – 23. DOI: 10.1520/F0877-23.10.1520/F0877-24.
*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
F877 − 24
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
D1598 Test Method for Time-to-Failure of Plastic Pipe Under Constant Internal Pressure
D1599 Test Method for Resistance to Short-Time Hydraulic Pressure of Plastic Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics (Withdrawn 2024)
D2749 Symbols for Dimensions of Plastic Pipe Fittings
D2837 Test Method for Obtaining Hydrostatic Design Basis for Thermoplastic Pipe Materials or Pressure Design Basis for
Thermoplastic Pipe Products
F412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
F876 Specification for Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing
F1807 Specification for Metal Insert Fittings Utilizing a Copper Crimp Ring, or Alternate Stainless Steel Clamps, for SDR9
Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing and SDR9 Polyethylene of Raised Temperature (PE-RT) Tubing
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
F2080 Specification for Cold-Expansion Fittings with Metal Compression-Sleeves for Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Pipe and
SDR9 Polyethylene of Raised Temperature (PE-RT) Pipe
F2098 Specification for Stainless Steel Clamps for Securing SDR9 Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing and SDR9
Polyethylene of Raised Temperature (PE-RT) to Metal Insert and Plastic Insert Fittings
F2159 Specification for Plastic Insert Fittings Utilizing a Copper Crimp Ring, or Alternate Stainless Steel Clamps for SDR9
Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing and SDR9 Polyethylene of Raised Temperature (PE-RT) Tubing
F2434 Specification for Metal Insert Fittings Utilizing a Copper Crimp Ring for SDR9 Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing
and SDR9 Cross-linked Polyethylene/Aluminum/Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX-AL-PEX) Tubing
F2735 Specification for Plastic Insert Fittings For SDR9 Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) and Polyethylene of Raised
Temperature (PE-RT) Tubing
F2854 Specification for Push-Fit Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Mechanical Fittings for Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX)
Tubing
F3347 Specification for Metal 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
F3348 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
2.2 ASSE Standard:
ASSE 1061 Performance Requirements for Push-Fit Fittings
2.3 ANSI Standards:
B 36.10 Welded and Seamless Wrought Steel Pipe
2.4 AWWA Standard:
Manual M-11, Steel Pipe Design and Installation
2.5 Federal Standard:
Fed Std. No. 123 Marking for Shipment (Civil Agencies)
2.6 Military Standard:
MIL-STD-129 Marking for Shipment and Storage
2.7 NSF Standard:
NSF/ANSI Standard No. 14 for Plastic Piping Components and Related Materials
NSF/ANSI Standard No. 61 for Drinking Water System Components-Health Effects
2.8 Plastic Pipe Institute Technical Notes:
Technical Note-52 Guide to High-Temperature Applications of Non-Potable PEX Pipe and Tubing Systems
Technical Note-53 Guide to Chlorine Resistance Ratings of PEX Pipes and Tubing for Potable Water Applications
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.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Available from ASSE International, 18927 Hickory Creek Dr, Suite 220, Mokena, IL 60448, http://www.asse-plumbing.org
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Available from American Water Works Association (AWWA), 6666 W. Quincy Ave., Denver, CO 80235, http://www.awwa.org.
Available from DLA Document Services, Building 4/D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, http://quicksearch.dla.mil.
Available from NSF International, P.O. Box 130140, 789 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48113-0140, http://www.nsf.org.
Available from Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI), 105 Decker Court, Suite 825, Irving, TX 75062, http://www.plasticpipe.org.
F877 − 24
3. Terminology
3.1 The terminology used in this specification is in accordance with Terminology F412, Terminology D1600, and Symbols D2749,
unless otherwise specified. The abbreviation for crosslinked polyethylene is PEX. Plastic tubing denotes a particular diameter
schedule of plastic pipe in which outside diameter of the tubing is equal to the nominal size plus ⁄8 in. Plastic pipe outside diameter
schedule conforms to ANSI B 36.10.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 crosslinked polyethylene plastics—a polyethylene material that has undergone a change in molecular structure through
processing whereby a majority of the polymer chains are chemically linked.
3.2.2 fitting—a piping component used to join or terminate sections of PEX tubing or to provide changes of direction or branching
in a piping system. This includes appurtenances such as couplings, elbows, tees, or plugs used to connect tubing or as an accessory
to tubing.
3.2.3 standard dimension ratio (SDR)—the ratio of outside diameter to wall thickness. For PEX tubing, it is calculated by dividing
the average outside diameter of the tubing in inches or in millimeters by the minimum wall thickness in inches or millimeters. If
the wall thickness calculated by this formula is less than 0.070 in. (1.78 mm) it shall be arbitrarily increased to 0.070 in. except
for nominal tubing sizes ⁄16 and smaller, as specified in Table 3. The SDR values shall be rounded to the nearest 0.5.
3.2.4 manifold—an appurtenance that has at least one inlet and multiple outlets with integral fittings, valves, or both.
3.2.5 system components—fittings, valves with integral fittings, and manifolds which connect directly to PEX tubing made in
accordance with Specification F876.
3.2.6 system component assembly—system component connected directly to PEX tubing made in accordance with Specification
F876.
4. Materials
4.1 General—PEX systems shall use crosslinked polyethylene tubing as described in Specification F876.
4.2 Fitting and manifold materials shall meet the applicable requirements as described in Specifications F1807, F1960, F2080,
F2098, F2159, F2434, F2735, F2854, F3347 or F3348, or Standard ASSE 1061.
4.3 Certification—PEX tubing and system components, used for the distribution of potable water, shall be products approved for
that service by the regulatory bodies having such jurisdiction. These products shall be tested for that service by a nationally
recognized testing laboratory that is accredited for this specification and shall bear the certification mark of the testing agency.
5. Classification
5.1 Fittings—This specification classifies fittings, including system components, intended for use in systems with PEX tubing, by
a maximum continuous use temperature that shall be 180 °F (82 °C) and by nominal tubing sizes (NTS) from ⁄8 through 6 on the
basis of resistance to burst pressure, hydrostatic sustained pressure, excessive temperature pressure capability, and by
thermocycling. Fittings shall be compatible with tubing made to the requirements of Specification F876.
6. Requirements
6.1 General—Compliance with this specification requires that fittings contained in Specifications F1807, F1960, F2080, F2098,
F2159, F2434, F2735, F2854, F3347 and F3348 and system components must meet all requirements of this section. Compliance
with this specification requires that fittings contained in Standard ASSE 1061 must meet all requirements of this section with the
exception of 6.3.
6.2 Workmanship—Fittings shall be homogeneous throughout, uniform in appearance and free of cracks, holes, blisters, voids,
foreign inclusions, or other defects that are visible to the naked eye and may affect fitting integrity. All sealing surfaces shall be
smooth and free of foreign material.
F877 − 24
6.3 Dimensions and Tolerances:
6.3.1 The dimensions and tolerances of fittings shall meet the specific requirements contained in Specifications F1807, F1960,
F2080, F2098, F2159, F2434, F2735, F3347 and F3348 or other recognized specification.
6.4 Corrosion Resistance—Fittings intended for potable water applications shall comply with dezincification resistance and stress
corrosion cracking resistance requirements of NSF/ANSI Standard 14.
6.5 Hydrostatic Burst:
6.5.1 System component assemblies assembled using the manufacturer’s instructions shall meet the minimum hydrostatic burst
requirements shown in Table 1 when tested in accordance with 7.7.
6.5.2 System components with integral shut-offs (valves) shall be tested with all ports in the full-open or unrestricted position.
6.5.2.1 If the system component assembly has more than one connection size, the test pressure selected from Table 1 shall be based
upon the largest nominal PEX connection.
6.6 Hydrostatic Sustained Pressure Strength
6.6.1 System component assemblies shall meet the minimum hydrostatic sustained pressure strength requirements shown in Table
2 when tested in accordance with 7.5. Test duration shall be 1000 h.
6.6.1.1 System components with integral shut-off (valves) shall be tested with all ports in the full-open or unrestricted position.
6.7 Thermocycling:
6.7.1 System components, assembled using the manufacturer’s instructions, shall not leak after completion of 1000 cycles between
the temperatures of 60 °F (16 °C) and 180 °F (82 °C) when tested in accordance with 7.6.
6.7.1.1 System components with integral shut-offs (valves) shall be tested with all ports in the full open or unrestricted position.
6.8 Excessive Temperature/Pressure Capability—System component assemblies shall not fail as defined in Test Method D1598 in
less than 30 days (720 h) when tested in accordance with 7.8.
NOTE 2—The rationale for test requirement 6.8 is so that in the event of a domestic hot-water system malfunction, PEX tubing and system components
shall have adequate strength to accommodate short-term conditions, 48 h, of 210 °F (99 °C), 150 psi (1034 kPa) until repairs can be made.
6.8.1 System components with integral shut-offs (valves) shall be tested with all ports in the full open or unrestricted position.
TABLE 1 Burst Pressure Requirements for
SDR9 PEX System Component Assemblies
Nominal Minimum Burst Pressures at
Tubing Different Temperatures
Size
A A
psi at (MPa) at psi at (MPa) at
73 °F 180 °F
(23 °C) (82 °C)
⁄8 870 (6.00) 390 (2.69)
⁄4 752 (5.19) 336 (2.32)
⁄8 620 (4.27) 275 (1.90)
⁄2 480 (3.31) 215 (1.48)
⁄8 and 475 (3.27) 210 (1.45)
larger
A
The fiber stress for SDR9 PEX tubing used to derive this test pressure is:
at 73 °F (23 °C) 1900 psi (13.10 MPa).
at 180 °F (82 °C) 850 psi (5.86 MPa).
F877 − 24
TABLE 2 Minimum Hydrostatic Sustained Pressure
A
Requirements for SDR9 PEX System Component Assemblies
Nominal Tubing Size Pressure Required for Test,
A
psi (MPa)
180 °F (82 °C)
⁄8 355 (2.45)
⁄4 305 (2.10)
⁄8 250 (1.72)
⁄2 195 (1.34)
⁄8 and larger 190 (1.31)
A
The fiber stress for SDR9 PEX tubing used to derive this test pressure is: 770 psi
(5.31 MPa) at 180 °F (82 °C).
NOTE 3—Tests applicable to assemblies and bends (6.5, 6.6, 6.7, and 6.8) are intended to be performance qualification tests and not tests required of each
fitting.
7. Test Methods
7.1 General—Sections 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, and 7.8 shall use separate sets of assemblies for each test.
7.2 Conditioning—The test specimens should be conditioned at 73 6 4 °F (23 6 2 °C) and 50 6 10 % relative humidity for not
less than 40 h prior to test in accordance with Practice D618, for those tests where conditioning is required.
7.3 Test Conditions—Conduct the tests in the standard laboratory atmosphere of 73 6 4 °F (23 6 2 °C) and 50 6 5 % relative
humidity, unless otherwise specified in the test methods or in this specification.
7.4 Sampling—A sufficient quantity of tubing and system components, as agreed upon by the purchaser and the seller, shall be
selected and tested to determine conformance with this specification. In the case of no prior agreement, random samples selected
by the testing laboratory shall be de
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