ASTM A53 Pipe: Types, Grades and Specifications
ASTM A53 pipe is carbon steel pipe made to the ASTM A53/A53M specification for black and hot-dipped zinc-coated, welded and seamless steel pipe in NPS 1/8 to NPS 26. It is intended for mechanical and pressure applications and is acceptable for ordinary uses in steam, water, gas, and air lines.
Use this page to compare the three types (F, E, and S) and two grades (A and B), then go to the product page for sizes and availability.
ASTM A53 Pipe Types: F, E and S
ASTM A53 covers three manufacturing types. Each type can be certified to Grade A or Grade B.
| Type | Manufacturing method | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Type F | Furnace-butt-welded (continuous weld, CW) | Primarily plumbing |
| Type E | Electric-resistance-welded (ERW) | Commercial and industrial |
| Type S | Seamless | Commercial and light industrial, plus heavy industrial service where high temperatures and pressures are present |
Type F is not intended for flanging. For chemistry, mechanical properties, and test pressures on continuous weld pipe, see our ASTM A53 Grade B Type F FAQ (PDF).
ASTM A53 Pipe Grades: Grade A vs. Grade B
Grade B has higher mechanical requirements than Grade A and meets or exceeds all of its properties. Our item descriptions abbreviate the grades as A53A and A53B.
| Requirement | Grade A (A53A) | Grade B (A53B) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum yield strength | 30,000 psi | 35,000 psi |
| Minimum tensile strength | 48,000 psi | 60,000 psi |
| Carbon, max (Types E and S) | 0.25% | 0.30% |
| Manganese, max (Types E and S) | 0.95% | 1.20% |
Grade A is typically sold to the plumbing trades and is the preferred grade when close coiling or cold bending is required. Grade B is specified for higher-pressure water, oil, and gas.
ASTM A53 Seamless Pipe vs. ASTM A106
ASTM A53 Type S is seamless pipe for general mechanical and pressure use. ASTM A106 is a separate seamless carbon steel specification written for high-temperature service. If your project specification calls for high-temperature service, order A106. Our globally sourced seamless steel pipe is offered to both.
Black and Galvanized A53 Pipe
ASTM A53 covers both black pipe and hot-dipped galvanized pipe. Hot-dipped galvanized A53 has an average zinc coating of at least 1.8 oz per square foot of surface, inside and outside.
Sizes, Weights and Tolerances
ASTM A53 dimensions follow ASME B36.10. Look up outside diameter and wall thickness in our pipe size chart, or estimate weight with the pipe weight calculator.
Wall thickness is nominal. The minimum wall at any point may run up to 12.5% under nominal, and weight per foot may vary by up to 10%. Refer to the mill test report for actual figures.
Carbon Steel Pipe from United Pipe & Steel
United Pipe & Steel supplies lengths of carbon steel pipe only, with no fittings, and MTRs are available on all steel pipe. Choose a product to see sizes, schedules, and finishes:
- Domestic welded steel pipe: Type F (continuous weld) and Type E (ERW), Grade B
- Globally sourced welded steel pipe: Type E (ERW), Grades A and B
- Globally sourced seamless steel pipe: Type S, also offered to ASTM A106
Need a specific type or grade? Call 800-777-7473 and we will confirm availability.
Related Steel Pipe Resources
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