PVC Pipes: Schedule 40 VS 80

Schedule 40 VS Schedule 80: PVC Pipes – 

Pipe scheduling can be a rigorous task, that is, if you don’t know what to do. Although scheduling is an essential part of pumping, most people falter because they don’t even know what scheduling actually is. Scheduling in piping has nothing to do with the human concept of timetable or time management; rather, it’s a measurement pattern. For example, scheduling a fabrication mechanism utilized to figure out a plumbing material’s total wall thickness depending on the full size of the pipe (including width, not length).

In laymen’s terms, it means pipe schedule is a typical standard for how thick a pipes’ wall should be established upon how wide/large the pipe is in diameter.

You might have noticed, the outside diameter of both Schedule 40 and 80 pipes are the same, but 80 pipe has thicker walls; thus, schedule 80 pipes are a bit more expensive than their 40 counterparts. The Scheduling system came into the picture as a standard of measuring as there was a need to have a universal system for referring to PVC.

Since different wall thicknesses are used in different applications, the ASTM society came up with the Schedule 40 and 80 systems to categorize the two common groups.

Comparison: Schedule 40 VS Schedule 80 Pipes – 

• Thickness 
• Pressure 
• Cost 
• Colour 
• Installation 
• NPS and Outer, Inner Diameter
• Application and Use

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1. Thickness:

Pipe wall thickness is the key physical difference between Schedule 40 and Schedule 80. The higher the schedule rating, the thicker the pipes and fitting will be. As a result, schedule 40 will have thinner walls than Schedule 80 in the same specified size. That means less material equals a weaker product, which in turn can hamper its project’s compatibility if the solidarity of the pipe is in the question of the desired application.

Higher schedule pipes that are thicker will have higher structural and chemical durability and rigidity to strain, pressure, and harsh environmental conditions.

2.  Pressure:

The maximum PSI pressure rating of a pipe can be figured out by its scheduling. Pipes and firings with higher Schedule numbers are better for pressure handelling. Their higher tolerance for continuous fluid pressure is a direct outcome of their increased material thickness which is specified by pipe schedule.

Generally, for a high-pressurized liquid application schedule, 80 is a more reliable choice. However, Schedule 40 can also be utilized the application pressure ranges are well within the piping’s determined guidelines. You can refer to the table below about both Schedule 40 and 80 sizes, dimensions, and working pressure.

3. Cost:

Not surprisingly, Schedule 80 pipes are expensive compared to Schedule 40 pipes because of the additional material used to make their sidewall thicker. In addition, any included colorant (if applicable) can also zip the overall manufacturing cost.

4. Color:

Schedule 40 ad 80 pipes are often colored with different colors to give them a distinct identity. Sch 40 plumbing pipes are naturally white in color, lacking coloring additives; on the other hand, Schedule 80 pipes are colored grey. Note that it’s not mandatory to follow that color pattern and outliers to the norm also exist.

While color is a reliable way to identify which type of pipe you’re dealing with; however, remain cautious and always go through printed labels on the side of the pipes.

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5. Installation:

The installation process and parameters are the same for Schedule40/80 pipes that have been made from the same material. According to ASTM standards, outside diameters will be equal across schedules of pipes that have equal NPS. This provision allows pipes of different scheduling to be joined together using the normal fitting method for that piping material.

6. NPS and Outer, Inner Diameter:

The Normal Pipe Size (NPS) measurements for both Sch 40 and 80 piping will be the same for the same pipe size. NPS is similar to pipe Outer Diameter (OD) measurement, which will so be the same for both schedule 40 and 80 pipes. What diifers between the two is the Inner Diameter (ID) measurements. In Sch 80, the ID increases significantly because of the extra material used to make its sidewalls on the inside thicker. The reduced inner diameter of the Sch 80 pipe makes the fluid flow a bit slower.

7. Applications and Use:

If you’re planning a home repair or an irrigation project, Sch 40 is the definitive choice. Even Schedule 40 pipes are capable of handelling a good amount of pressure, making them more than adequate for home applications, and it is cheaper than Sch 80; it won’t be hard on your wallet.

However, if your application includes moving industrial chemicals, then Schedule 40 pipes aren’t the best choice. Go for Schedule 80 with thicker sidewalls, and you’ll be fine. These pipes can handle high pressure and stress.

Schedule 40 vs 80 is all about that. Piping applications are particular, and only after detailed examination and analysis are one able to determine what needs to be done. Full variables of pipe’s intended use should be considered to get the best results.

Engaging Read – What are PVC Pipe Sizes? | What are PVC Pipe Dimensions? | The Complete Guide

PVC and CPVC Properties – 

FAQs –

1. What is the standard length of a PVC pipe?

Ans. All types of PVC pipes sold are 10 feet to 20 feet long. Plain end (square-cut) or bell-end.

2. Is PVC cheaper than wood?

Ans. PVC and other composites often cost more than wood deckings as they are high-performance prodcuts. Wood deckings have their own price ranges depending on the application, but PVC is still significantly more expensive than wood.

3. Are PVC pipes UV resistant?

Ans. UV light radiations cause the outer part of the PVC pipe to show variations in color. However, the color change is meager and doesn’t leave and by long-lasting damage to the pipe. The visible color change is called UV discoloration.

Long-term and continuous exposure to sunlight can decrease the pipe’s impact strength and resistance; however, it doesn’t seem to impact pipes’ pressure resistance capabilities, malleability, and rigidity. Interestingly, furniture-grade PVC pipes are UV resistant and don’t exhibit any effect of sunlight.

4. What is the life expectancy of PVC pipes?

Ans. The life expectancy of all PVC pipes is up to 75 to 100 years.

5. Can PCVC catch fire?

Ans. PVC material is not considered flammable. PVC has an ignition temperature of 734 degrees Fahrenheit (390 degrees Celsius) to catch fire. Even if it catches fire, the sire spread will be very slow.

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The Conclusion – 

That was all I wanted to say about PVC Schedule 40 VS 80. Both have their own pros and cons and come with several benefits. However, their intended use is obviously different, and it is vital to analyze the application and all the necessary parameters to figure out the best.

Thanks for reading. Kindly share your reviews in the comment section.

Have a wonderful day 🙂