Which brand of PEX is best?
May 11, 2017 · PEX B. Technically referred to as a silane process, but is more often called steam or moisture cross-linking. Unlike the PEX-A process, it's done after the HDPE is extruded into tube. Passing the finished product through steam in the presence of a silane catalyst encourages the polymers to form cross-links. PEX C. Cross-linking here is initiated by subjecting HDPE tube to …
Which PEX pipe is the best?
Again, the main distinction lies in the manufacturing method, which is what assigns an A, B or C to PEX. PEX A is made using the Peroxide, or Engel, method. PEX B is formed using Silane, or Moisture Cure, method. This is the most common PEX pipe type out there. PEX C is created using the Electronic Irradiation, or Cold, method of cross-linking.
Is Sharkbite the same as PEX?
Mar 23, 2021 · PEX-B must be at least 65% crosslinked to meet burst pressure requirements. PEX-C must be at least 65% crosslinked to meet burst pressure requirements. Flexibility is Better in PEX A. The most important advantage of the PEX-A is its great flexibility, which allows it to be bent and cold-bent with great simplicity and without the need for special tools.
Which is better Zurn PEx or wirsbo PEX?
Sep 28, 2021 · PEX C: These materials are not as common as PEX A and PEX B. The cross-linking process involves subjecting the HDPE material to an electron beam or gamma radiation. In addition to their unique characteristics, PEX A, PEX B, and PEX C have some shared properties. For example: They exhibit enough flexibility for use in plumbing components.
Which is better PEX A or PEX C?
Stiffer than PEX-A Highest burst pressure Lower cross-linking ratio than PEX A Lowest price versus PEX A & PEX C Noticeable coil memory Lowest dimensional tolerances Kinks can only be repaired with joiners. PEX C PROS CONS More environmentally friendly to manufacture.
What is better PEX A or PEX B?
Bottom line, PEX A is more resistant to burst pressure than PEX B. PEX A's expansive material can handle up to 500 PSI, which makes it reliable in extremely cold temperatures. Since PEX B is a more rigid material, it will not hold up as well in similar situations.Sep 11, 2020
Can you use PEX C fittings on PEX B?
While you can use ASTM F1960 expansion fittings with PEX-b or PEX-c pipe, strength tests have shown the strongest connection is between PEX-a pipe and expansion fittings, due to the thermal and elastic memory of the PEX-a pipe.Mar 7, 2019
What is Type C PEX used for?
While PEX-C may be suitable for hydronic and radiant heating use, it offers little practical advantage over the other (2) types.
Is PEX C expandable?
0:353:45What is PEX C? + Notes on the PEX C LAWSUIT - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it's also known as cold cross-linking. And since it's made with a different process. This bondMoreAnd it's also known as cold cross-linking. And since it's made with a different process. This bond that's created with Peck C is weaker than pecks a and B.
Is Zurn PEX A or B?
Zurn Pex, Inc. chooses the Silane (PEX-b) method to manufacture its tubing. While high degrees of cross-linking can be achieved using this method, it is unnecessary because the density of the base resin for Zurn PEX is higher compared to PEX-a and PEX-c methods.
Are PEX A and PEX B fittings the same?
Flexibility - PEX-A is the most flexible, allowing for it to be fastened by cold expansion, which allows the end to be fluted prior to inserting the fitting. PEX B is not expandable and you should never expand the end of a PEX-B pipe. Kink-Resistance - PEX-A has the greatest resistance, PEX-B the lowest.
Is Viega PEX type A or B?
The Viega PEX system uses the PEX-b tubing (although you could also use another brands PEX-a) and a pressed ring securing the PEX to the fittings. Some advantages with the pressing system is that the fitting are now available with press rings already built-in.Aug 13, 2010
Can you use Uponor fittings on PEX B pipe?
They work with all Viega PEX tubing (including FostaPEX), as well as all other brands and types (A, B, C). Watts and Uponor press fittings are designed for use only with PEX-AL-PEX tubing (any brand).
Which type of PEX connection is best?
PEX-A, which has the most flexible tubing and best freeze- and kink resistance, is ideal for use with kitchen and bath fixtures. PEX-B is slightly less flexible and less freeze-resistant.Mar 9, 2021
Is SharkBite PEX type A or B?
PEX-BSharkBite non oxygen barrier pipe is manufacture as PEX-B and SharkBite oxygen barrier pipe is manufactured as PEX-C.
Does SharkBite work on PEX A and B?
SharkBite push-to-connect fittings are compatible with a variety of pipe types including PEX, copper, CPVC, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE.Jun 19, 2019
How PEX Pipes are Similar
As many of you know, PEX stands for cross-linked polyethylene. The letter that follows simply signifies the type of manufacturing method used to cross link the polyethylene, not the grade of PEX.
So What are the Differences between PEX types?
The truth is, not a whole lot. Again, the main distinction lies in the manufacturing method, which is what assigns an A, B or C to PEX.
About SharkBite PEX Pipe
There's no hard-and-fast rule for which PEX pipe — A, B or C — you should use. Given all the similarities and easily identifiable differences, your selection will be based more on your relationship and experience with a particular PEX tubing, your budget and the pipe’s availability in your area.
What are the different types of PEX?
You must remember that there are three common types of PEX: PEX-A, PEX-B, and PEX-C. These letters, which are used to identify types of PEX, can be misleading. There is an erroneous belief that the letters refer to the material’s quality grade so that PEX-A is better than PEX-B, which is superior to PEX-C. This is not true.
How is PEX C produced?
PEX-C is produced through the electron beam process in a “cold” crosslinking method (below the melting point). It offers a less uniform and less crosslinking degree than the Engel method, especially in tube diameters greater than 2.5 cm.
What is the ASTM F876 standard for PEX?
The ASTM F876 Standards. PEX must meet ASTM F876 standards for pressure and temperature rates. Of course, this does not mean that all these types of PEX have identical requirements as per ASTM F876 standard, PEX-A must be up to 70% crosslinked to meet burst pressure requirements. PEX-B must be at least 65% crosslinked to meet burst pressure ...
What is the advantage of PEX A?
The most important advantage of the PEX-A is its great flexibility, which allows it to be bent and cold-bent with great simplicity and without the need for special tools. The flexibility allows you to make bends as its bending radius is better than PEX B and C types.
How is PEX A made?
PEX-A is produced by the Engel (peroxide) method. This method performs a “heated” crosslinking above the melting point. However, the process is slightly longer than the other two methods as the polymer has to be held at elevated temperature and pressure for a long time during the extrusion.
What is the minimum crosslinked pressure required for a PEX-B?
PEX-A must be up to 70% crosslinked to meet burst pressure requirements. PEX-B must be at least 65% crosslinked to meet burst pressure requirements. PEX-C must be at least 65% crosslinked to meet burst pressure requirements.
What is the lack of flexibility in water?
The lack of flexibility means more connections and fittings, which is costly, and more skill is involved in its installation. These connections and fitting s are prone to water leakage. The reduction of water pressure also results in external pollutants entering the water source.
PEX Valve Connection Types
PEX valves can have a variety of connection types. Each has unique instructions on how the valve must be connected to the tubing or piping.
PEX Valves at RED-WHITE VALVE CORP
Want to learn more about PEX valves? The valve experts at RED-WHITE VALVE CORP. are here to help! As a premier supplier of high-quality valves for the plumbing, commercial, industrial, and HVAC markets, including PEX valves, we can answer and address any questions or concerns you may have about the components.
Why is PEX A thicker than PEX B?
The wall thickness of PEX-A systems is normally greater than PEX B because it has a lower burst strength and hence requires the greater thickness to cope with the same operating pressures . As a result of the thicker wall of PEX-A pipe, it will generally have a lower SDR and hence a lower flow rate.
What is PEX tubing?
The cross-linked polyethylene tubing (PEX) that provides an excellent option for plumbing, radiant and hydronic systems in both residential and commercial plumbing applications is widely used in America, Europe as well as Australia.
What is crosslinking HDPE?
Crosslinking causes the HDPE to become stronger and resistant to cold temperature cracking or brittleness on impact while retaining its flexibility. The three methods of crosslinking HDPE are: PEX-A : Peroxide (Engels) method.
Is PEX-B pipe more flexible than PEX-A?
Similar price to PEX-B, similar quality to PEX-A, but not enough to be used with full-flow fittings. The pipe is more flexible than PEX-B, although it may feel slightly more “plastic-like” than other PEX types. The more environmentally-friendly manufacturing process it may in fact become a more popular choice in the future. ...
Is PEX B flexible?
However, below this temperature, PEX-B tends to be more flexible and offer an advantage during installation in colder climates. Several industry participants claim that the PEX-a method yield more flexible tubing than the other methods.
Is PEX pipe good for chlorine testing?
Though all PEX types are vulnerable to high chlorine counts, it performs better in chlorine testing than other types. The pipe can degrade if exposed to high levels of the chemical. The kinks in the PEX-B must be cut and repaired with a fitting.
What is a PEX pipe?
Is a multi-layer pipe made of two PEX layers with a continually laser welded aluminum layer in the center. The aluminum layer is bonded to the PEX layers with a special adhesive material. This combination of special raw materials of very high molecular weight result in a special pipe having several important qualities; corrosion resistance, excellent mechanical resistance, lower expansion rate, unique chemical resistance, very low friction coefficient, no oxygen permeation, and high working pressure and temperature
What is the Engel method?
The Engel method is a hot cross-linking process, meaning the actual cross-linking takes place during the extrusion process when the base polyethylene is above its crystal melting temperature. The Engel method provides more precise control over the degree, consistency and uniformity of cross-linking. This means the tubing is evenly cross-linked, ...
Is PEX AB or C Better?
If there is a practical difference between the two, it is their relative hardness levels. “PEX-C is the softer of the two,” O’Brian continues, and for this reason “is more vulnerable to wrinkles.” On the plus side, because a different manufacturing process is used in PEX-C, it generally costs less than PEX-B.
What is the difference between PEX Type A and PEX Type B?
Flexibility – PEX-A is the most flexible, allowing it to be cured by cold expansion, allowing the end to be corrugated before fitting the fitting. PEX B is not expandable and you should never expand the end of a PEX-B pipe. Flexural Strength – PEX-A has the highest strength, PEX-B the lowest.
Can you use PEX B fittings on PEX A?
This transition consists of two parts: the PEX-A MIP adapter and the PEX-B FIP adapter. These pieces are strung together and allow you to link PEX-A to PEX-B. The PEX-A side needs an expansion ring, while the PEX-B side needs the shrink ring.
What is PEX-C?
PEX C tube is manufactured using an electron irradiation process to crosslink, known as “cold crosslinking”. Molecular crosslinking occurs after the extrusion process by exposing the tube to electron radiation.
Which is Better PEX A or B?
PEX-A is the most flexible of all PEX hose types, has little to no coil memory and allows the installer to repair kinks with a heat gun. PEX-B is a clear award winner over the other two types.
Is Zurn PEX A or B?
Zurn Pex, Inc. chooses the Silane (PEX-b) method to manufacture its tubes. The denser material produces structurally superior tubes with a lower level of cross-linking, enabling Zurn to offer PEX tubes with the highest burst pressures and tensile strength in the industry.
Which type of PEX joint is best?
PEX-A, which has the most flexible hose and the best resistance to freezing and kinking, is ideal for use with kitchen and bathroom appliances. PEX-B is slightly less flexible and less resistant to freezing.