Description
Imperial PVC-U Pressure Pipe – Class C, D & E
📄 Size GuideOur Imperial PVC-U Pressure Pipe is manufactured from durable, rigid unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (PVC-U) and is designed for use in pressurised water distribution, industrial pipework, irrigation systems and fluid transfer applications.
Available in a range of imperial pipe sizes from 1/2" to 4", our grey PVC pressure pipe is supplied in Class C, Class D and Class E, depending on the pipe diameter. Each pressure class offers a different maximum working pressure, making it important to select the correct pipe for your application.
Imperial PVC-U pressure pipe is lightweight, corrosion-resistant and easy to install using compatible imperial PVC solvent weld fittings. Solvent cement creates a permanent joint between the pipe and fitting when correctly prepared and installed.
Key Features & Benefits
- Material: Rigid PVC-U (Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride)
- Pipe Type: Imperial PVC Pressure Pipe
- Available Sizes: 1/2" to 4"
- Pressure Classes: Class C, D and E
- Maximum Working Pressure: Up to 15 bar, depending on size and class
- Corrosion Resistant: Suitable for water and compatible fluids
- Smooth Internal Bore: Helps minimise friction losses and maintain flow efficiency
- Lightweight: Easy to transport, cut and install
- Jointing Method: Solvent weld using compatible imperial PVC fittings
- Applications: Irrigation, water distribution, industrial pipework and pumping systems
Imperial PVC Pressure Pipe – Dimensions & Pressure Ratings
The table below shows the nominal imperial pipe size, pressure class, working pressure, outside diameter, inside diameter, wall thickness and approximate weight per metre.
| Pipe Size |
Pipe Class |
Pressure (Bar) |
Outside Diameter (mm) |
Inside Diameter (mm) |
Wall Thickness (mm) |
Weight (kg/m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2" | E | 15 | 21.4 | 18.0 | 1.7 | 0.17 |
| 3/4" | E | 15 | 26.7 | 22.9 | 1.9 | 0.24 |
| 1" | E | 15 | 33.6 | 29.2 | 2.2 | 0.35 |
| 1 1/4" | D | 15 | 42.2 | 37.8 | 2.2 | 0.45 |
| 1 1/2" | D | 12 | 48.3 | 43.3 | 2.5 | 0.71 |
| 2" | D | 12 | 60.3 | 54.1 | 3.1 | 0.90 |
| 2 1/2" | C | 10 | 75.0 | 67.8 | 3.6 | 1.27 |
| 3" | C | 10 | 88.9 | 81.9 | 3.5 | 1.93 |
| 4" | C | 9 | 114.3 | 105.3 | 4.5 | 3.24 |
Note: Dimensions and weights are nominal. Pressure ratings are subject to operating temperature and installation conditions. Cut pipe lengths are supplied with a tolerance of +/- 2 cm.
How to Measure Imperial PVC Pipe
Imperial PVC pipe sizes are nominal sizes and do not represent the actual outside diameter of the pipe. For example, a 2" imperial PVC pressure pipe has an outside diameter of approximately 60.3 mm, not 50.8 mm.
To identify your pipe size, measure the outside diameter (OD) using a tape measure or vernier callipers and compare the measurement against the table above.
Imperial PVC pipe and metric PVC pipe are manufactured to different outside diameters. For example, 2" imperial pipe measures 60.3 mm OD, while 63 mm metric PVC pipe measures 63 mm OD. These sizes are not directly interchangeable without a suitable adaptor.
Typical Applications
- Agricultural irrigation and water distribution systems
- Industrial water supply and fluid transfer
- Pumping stations and pump discharge pipework
- Water treatment and filtration installations
- Swimming pool and aquatic systems, where suitable
- Commercial and industrial process pipework
- General pressurised water distribution systems
Not Sure What Size PVC Pipe You Have?
Imperial and metric PVC pipe sizes can be confusing. Our T-mex Express Tech Hub explains how to measure PVC pipe, identify imperial and metric sizes, and select the correct fittings for your installation.
Read Our PVC Pipe Size Guide →Installation & Important Information
Imperial PVC-U pressure pipe should be installed using compatible imperial PVC pressure fittings and a suitable PVC solvent cement. Always ensure pipe ends are clean, correctly prepared and fully inserted into the fitting.
PVC-U pressure ratings decrease as operating temperatures increase. Always check the manufacturer's pressure and temperature specifications before installation.
Important: Do not attempt to solvent weld imperial PVC pipe directly into metric PVC fittings unless a purpose-designed transition fitting is used.
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