Schedule 40 vs Schedule 80 PVC
Wall Thickness - Schedule 40 vs Schedule 80
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC or Vinyl) is a high strength thermoplastic material widely used in many applications such as: drainage, water and wastewater treatment, irrigation, agricultural, chemical handling, vent tubing, ductwork, and other applications involving corrosive fluid transfer. It is imperative that the correct wall thickness of a pipe – or pipe schedule – is used for your project and application.
Schedule 80 pipe is designed with a thicker and stronger wall than schedule 40 – which means that schedule 80 can handle higher pressures than schedule 40 pipes of comparable outside diameter. Schedule 40 PVC is usually white in color and schedule 80 is usually dark gray.
PVC Schedule 80 pipes have thicker walls than Schedule 40 pipes of the same outside diameter. As the schedule number increases, the pipe wall becomes thicker, reducing the inside diameter. Consequently, Schedule 80 pipes will have slightly more restricted flow than Schedule 40 pipes with the same outside diameter.
PVC Schedule 40
Schedule 40 pipe has thinner walls compared to Schedule 80 PVC pipe, so it is best for applications involving relatively low water pressure. It is best suited for drainage, irrigation, and other cold-water systems. Schedule 40 PVC has a maximum operating temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius). PVC Schedule 40 is usually colored white and is commonly found in local hardware stores.
- Material: Made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), known for its strength, durability, and resistance to chemicals and corrosion.
- Wall Thickness: Schedule 40 PVC pipes have a standard wall thickness, making them suitable for both pressure and non-pressure applications.
- Sizes: Available in a wide range of diameters, typically from 1/2 inch to 24 inches, with varying lengths.
- Pressure Rating: Generally, Schedule 40 PVC pipes can handle pressure ratings up to 450 PSI (pounds per square inch), depending on the size and temperature.
- Temperature Range: Can be used in temperatures up to 140°F (60°C), but performance may vary with temperature changes.
- Applications:
- Plumbing: Used for potable water systems, irrigation, and drainage.
- Electrical Conduit: Protects electrical wiring in underground or exposed applications.
- Industrial Uses: Utilized in various industrial processes for transporting chemicals and other fluids.
- Installation: Easy to cut, join, and install using solvent cement, primer, and fittings.
- Durability: Long-lasting with a lifespan of over 50 years under normal conditions.
- Cost: Generally more affordable compared to metal piping systems.
- Compliance: Meets ASTM D1785 and NSF standards for potable water use.
- Color: Typically white, but may vary depending on the manufacturer or specific application.
- UV Resistance: Limited UV resistance; may require painting or other protective measures for prolonged outdoor use.
PVC Schedule 80
PVC Schedule 80 has a thicker wall than schedule 40 of similar outside diameter. Schedule 80 is commonly used for high-pressure applications and is able to withstand higher PSI (pounds per square inch) – making it ideal for industrial and chemical applications. Since schedule 80 PVC has a thicker wall, it is heavier than comparable schedule 40 pipe and fittings. Schedule 80 pipe is usually gray to differentiate it from the white Schedule 40 PVC pipe.
- Material: Made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), offering high strength and chemical resistance.
- Wall Thickness: Thicker walls compared to Schedule 40, providing enhanced pressure ratings and durability.
- Sizes: Available in a variety of diameters, typically from 1/2 inch to 24 inches, with standard lengths.
- Pressure Rating: Higher pressure ratings than Schedule 40, generally up to 850 PSI, depending on the pipe size and temperature.
- Temperature Range: Usable in temperatures up to 140°F (60°C); pressure capacity decreases with higher temperatures.
- Applications:
- Industrial: Suitable for high-pressure applications, chemical processing, and heavy-duty applications.
- Plumbing: Used in high-pressure water systems, potable water systems, and irrigation.
- Electrical Conduit: Provides protection for electrical wiring in high-stress environments.
- Installation: Can be cut, joined, and installed using solvent cement, primer, and compatible fittings.
- Durability: Highly durable with a long lifespan, often exceeding 50 years under normal conditions.
- Cost: More expensive than Schedule 40 due to thicker walls and higher pressure ratings.
- Compliance: Meets ASTM D1785 and NSF standards for potable water use.
- Color: Typically gray, distinguishing it from the white Schedule 40 pipes.
- UV Resistance: Limited UV resistance; may require protective coatings or measures for prolonged outdoor exposure.
- Weight: Heavier than Schedule 40 due to increased wall thickness, affecting handling and installation.
Contact Us
If you’ve got any questions regarding whether to choose Schedule 40 or Schedule 80, call our toll-free number at 1-800-213-4528 and you will be connected to a live person – not a recording. You can also use the contact form below for any questions regarding which type of pipe to choose.