Pipe Specifications Overview

This pipe specifications overview gives wholesale distributors a clear reference to the industry standards that apply across United Pipe & Steel’s products. Use these pipe specifications for fast, practical validation across steel pipe, copper tube, PVC pipe, conduit, and related products.

Specifications are listed for reference purposes only. ASTM, ASME, ANSI, UL, FM Approvals, API, NSF, and related standards are copyrighted by their respective organizations. For full technical requirements, refer to the applicable published standard.

Browse Pipe Specifications by Product Category

• Steel Pipe Standards
• Copper Tube Standards
• PVC and HDPE Pipe Standards
• CPVC Standards
• PVC Conduit Standards
• Metal Conduit Standards
• Strut & Threaded Rod Standards

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Steel Pipe Specifications & Standards

ASTM A53

Carbon steel pipe specification for structural use and low‑pressure water, oil, and gas applications. ASTM A53 pipe may be specified for fire protection applications when specifically UL Listed and FM Approved. Select A53 products are also dual‑certified to ASME SA‑53 for mechanical and pressure piping applications.

Compare types and grades on our ASTM A53 pipe page.

Applies to: Domestic Welded Steel Pipe, Globally Sourced Welded Steel Pipe, Globally Sourced Seamless Steel Pipe.

ASTM A795

Steel pipe specification intended for fire protection and sprinkler system installations. ASTM A795 pipe is commonly specified for systems requiring UL Listing and FM Approval.

Applies to: Domestic Welded Steel Pipe, Globally Sourced Welded Steel Pipe.

ASTM A106

Seamless carbon steel pipe specification for high‑temperature and high‑pressure service. ASTM A106 seamless pipe is commonly dual‑certified to ASME SA‑106 and used in ASME pressure piping applications.

Applies to: Globally Sourced Seamless Steel Pipe.

API 5L

Pipeline steel pipe specification for oil and natural gas transportation systems.

Applies to: Domestic Welded Steel Pipe, Globally Sourced Welded Steel Pipe, Globally Sourced Seamless Steel Pipe.

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Copper Tube Standards

ASTM B88

Seamless copper water tube specification used for potable water, plumbing, and heating systems.

Applies to: Copper Tube.

ASTM B280

Copper tube specification for air conditioning and refrigeration service with enhanced cleanliness requirements.

Applies to: Copper Tube.

ASTM B306

Standard specification for seamless copper tube for drainage, waste, and vent (DWV) systems in gravity-flow plumbing applications.

Applies to: Copper DWV Tube.

ASTM B819

Copper tube specification for medical gas and oxygen service requiring cleaning and capping.

Applies to: Copper Tube.

ASTM C534

Standard specification for flexible elastomeric cellular thermal insulation used on tubing and piping systems.

Applies to: Pre-Insulated Copper Line Sets.

ASTM E84

Standard test method for evaluating surface burning characteristics, including flame spread and smoke development ratings.

Applies to: Pre-Insulated Copper Line Sets.

ANSI / NSF 61

Performance standard evaluating material safety for products in contact with potable drinking water.

Applies to: Copper Tube, PVC Pipe, CPVC Pipe.

UL94 / FMRC

Fire performance standards evaluating flammability characteristics of insulation materials and systems used in mechanical piping applications.

Applies to: Pre-Insulated Copper Line Sets.

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PVC and HDPE Pipe Specifications & Standards

ASTM D1785

PVC pressure pipe specification covering Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 dimensions.

Applies to: PVC Pipe.

ASTM D2241

PVC pressure pipe specification manufactured to standard dimension ratios (SDR).

Applies to: SDR Pipe.

ASTM D2665

PVC pipe specification for drain, waste, and vent applications.

Applies to: PVC Pipe.

ASTM D2729

Thin‑wall PVC sewer and drain pipe specification for gravity drainage.

Applies to: Sewer & Drain Pipe.

ASTM D3034

PVC gravity sewer pipe specification used in municipal and commercial drainage systems.

Applies to: SDR Sewer Pipe.

ASTM D3350

Standard specification for classifying polyethylene materials according to physical properties and cell classification.

Applies to: Triple-Wall HDPE Drain Pipe.

ASTM F810

Standard specification for smooth-wall polyethylene pipe used in gravity-flow drainage and waste-disposal absorption field applications.

Applies to: Triple-Wall HDPE Drain Pipe.

ASTM D2321

Standard practice for underground installation of thermoplastic pipe used in gravity-flow sewer and other gravity-flow applications.

Applies to: Triple-Wall HDPE Drain Pipe installed in gravity-flow drainage systems.

ASTM F481

Standard practice for installing thermoplastic pipe and corrugated tubing in septic tank leachfields and other onsite sewage disposal absorption systems.

Applies to: Perforated Triple-Wall HDPE Drain Pipe used in leachfield applications.

ASTM F477

Standard covering elastomeric gasket joints for plastic pipe systems.

Applies to: Gasket Joint Sewer Pipe.

ASTM F679

Standard specification for large-diameter PVC gravity sewer pipe with elastomeric gasket joints, commonly used in SDR-based sewer and drain system applications, including SDR 35.

Applies to: Gasketed Sewer & SDR Pipe.

ASTM F891

Coextruded PVC pipe specification with a cellular core for non‑pressure DWV applications.

Applies to: PVC Pipe.

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CPVC Standards

ASTM F441

CPVC pipe specification for Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 pressure systems with elevated temperature ratings.

Applies to: CPVC Pipe.

ASTM D2846

CPVC CTS pipe specification for hot and cold potable water distribution.

Applies to: CPVC Pipe.

ASTM D1784

Material classification standard for PVC and CPVC compounds.

Applies to: PVC and CPVC Pipe Products.

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PVC Conduit Standards

ASTM F512

Smooth‑wall PVC conduit specification for underground electrical and communications installations.

Applies to: PVC Conduit.

UL 651

Safety standard for Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 rigid PVC conduit.

Applies to: PVC Conduit.

NEMA TC‑2

Standard for PVC conduit used above ground, encased in concrete, or direct burial.

Applies to: PVC Conduit.

NEMA TC‑6 & TC‑8

Standards covering PVC utility duct for underground installations.

Applies to: PVC Utility Duct.

NEMA TC‑10

Standard for PVC plastic communications duct.

Applies to: Communications Duct.

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Metal Conduit Standards

ANSI C80.1

Standard for electrical rigid steel conduit.

Applies to: Metal Conduit.

ANSI C80.3

Standard for electrical metallic tubing.

Applies to: Metal Conduit.

ANSI C80.5

Standard for electrical rigid aluminum conduit.

Applies to: Metal Conduit.

ANSI C80.6

Standard for intermediate metal conduit.

Applies to: Metal Conduit.

UL 6, UL 6A, UL 797, UL 1242, NFPA 70 (NEC)

Electrical safety and installation standards governing metallic conduit systems.

Applies to: Metal Conduit.

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Strut & Threaded Rod Standards

ASTM A653

Steel sheet specification for zinc‑coated and galvannealed products.

Applies to: Strut.

ASTM B633

Standard covering electrodeposited zinc coatings on iron and steel.

Applies to: Strut, Threaded Rod.

ASTM B117

Standard test method for evaluating corrosion resistance.

Applies to: Strut, Threaded Rod.

ASTM A307

Standard for carbon steel bolts, studs, and threaded rod.

Applies to: Threaded Rod.

ASTM A36

Structural steel specification for plates, bars, and shapes.

Applies to: Strut.

ASTM F1941

Standard specification for electrodeposited coatings on mechanical fasteners.

Applies to: Threaded Rod.

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Use this pipe specifications reference to identify applicable standards and move directly to the relevant United Pipe & Steel product category. Product availability, certifications, sizes, and listings may vary by manufacturer and distribution center, so confirm project-specific requirements when ordering.

Sharpen Your Competitive Edge With United Pipe & Steel

• Become more competitive and manage your risk on volatile commodity products while turning inventory more quickly.
• Break bundles and take advantage of low weight minimums while mixing and matching products, including copper tube, PVC pipes, threaded rod, strut and all other products we carry.
• Buy what you need, when you need it.
• Take advantage of routine ‘milk run’ delivery routes for service once or twice per week.