This entry was posted on January 5, 2017 by Mark Ligon.
Schedule 40 vs Schedule 80 PVC
If you've been shopping around for PVC you may have heard the term “schedule”. Despite its deceiving title, schedule doesn't have anything to do with time. A PVC pipe’s schedule has to do with the thickness of its walls. Maybe you've seen that schedule 80 pipe is slightly more costly than schedule 40.
Though the outside diameter of a schedule 80 pipe and a schedule 40 pipe are the same, 80 pipe has thicker walls. This standard of measuring pipe came from a need to have a universal system for referring to PVC. Since different wall thicknesses are beneficial in different situations, the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) came up with the schedule 40 and 80 system for classifying the two common types.
The main differences between Schedule 40 (Sch 40) and Schedule 80 (Sch 80) are:
- • Water Pressure Rating
- • Sizing & Diameter (Wall Thickness)
- • Color
- • Application & Use
Purchase the Right Piping
CIS offers schedule 40 and schedule 80 PVC piping as well as fittings and other accessories at extremely competitive prices.
Get A Competitive Quote on Sch 40 / Sch 80 Pipe or Fittings Today!
Dimensions and Pressure Ratings
Below are some downloadable reference sheets that give you more information about the different dimensions and pressure ratings for Schedule 40 PVC and Schedule 80 PVC:
Schedule 40 PVC Pipe Dimensions (White)
Schedule 80 PVC Pipe Dimensions (White)
Water Pressure for Sch 40 vs Sch 80
Both schedule 40 and 80 PVC are used widely around the world. Each one has its benefits in different applications. Schedule 40 pipe has thinner walls, so it is best for applications involving relatively low water pressure.
Schedule 80 pipe has thicker walls and is able to withstand higher PSI (pounds per square inch). This makes it ideal for industrial and chemical applications. To give you an idea of the size difference, 1” schedule 40 PVC pipe has a .133” minimum wall and 450 PSI, while schedule 80 has a .179” minimum wall and 630 PSI.
Sizing & Diameter
As mentioned earlier, both schedule 80 and schedule 40 PVC pipe have the exact same outside diameter. This is possible because schedule 80’s extra wall thickness is on the inside of the pipe. This means schedule 80 pipe will have a slightly more restricted flow – even though it may be the same pipe diameter as an equivalent schedule 40 pipe. This means schedule 40 and 80 pipe do fit together and can be used together if necessary.
The only thing to be careful of is that the lower pressure handling schedule 40 parts meet the pressure requirements of your application. Your pipe line is only as strong as your weakest part or joint, so even one schedule 40 part used in a higher pressure schedule 80 line can cause severe damage.
Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 Color
Generally, schedule 40 pipe is white in color, while schedule 80 is often gray to distinguish it from 40. PVC is available in many colors though, so be sure to check labels when purchasing.
Which Schedule PVC do I Need?
So what schedule PVC do you need? If you plan to take on a home repair or irrigation project, schedule 40 PVC is probably the way to go. Even schedule 40 PVC is capable of handling impressive pressure, and it is likely more than adequate for any home application.
You’ll also save yourself a little money sticking with schedule 40, especially if you plan on using large diameter parts. If your job will be industrial or chemical in nature, you probably want to use schedule 80. These are applications that will likely cause higher pressure and stress on the material, so thicker walls are imperative.
CIS specializes in the following types of Schedule 40 & Schedule 80 products: sch 40 piping, sch 80 piping, sch 40 fittings, sch 80 fittings and more. You can also view our entire line of pvc fittings and pvc piping.
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FAQs
This means schedule 40 and 80 pipe do fit together and can be used together if necessary. The only thing to be careful of is that the lower pressure handling schedule 40 parts meet the pressure requirements of your application.
Do I need Schedule 40 or 80 PVC? ›
Schedule 40 PVC pipe works best for low water pressure applications. By contrast, Schedule 80 PVC is usually gray in color and has thicker walls; therefore, it can handle higher water pressures. Schedule 80 PVC is well suited for industrial and chemical applications.
Is schedule 80 stronger than 40? ›
Wall Thickness – Schedule 80 pipes have a thicker wall than Schedule 40 pipes for the same NPS. The increased wall thickness makes Schedule 80 pipes more robust and able to handle higher pressure and heavier loads.
What is schedule 80 PVC pipe used for? ›
What is schedule 80 PVC used for? Because schedule 80 PVC is a thicker pipe, it is usually is used for applications that are commercial or industrial in nature. These more demanding applications generally require piping that will stand up to high pressures and harsh environments.
Can you connect Schedule 40 to Schedule 80 PVC? ›
Thicker is always better - Myth
Schedule 40 pressure fittings are used in applications such as potable water, irrigation, golf course construction, and pool & spa. Even though it is possible to combine schedule 80 and schedule 40 PVC together it is not recommended.
Do trade size 1 schedule 40 and schedule 80 PVC use the same fittings? ›
Trade size 1 Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 PVC use the same fittings (couplings and connectors). Note: PVC "connectors" are properly identified as male or female adapters. A 4-foot long piece of FMC (flexible metal conduit) will be installed to connect a motor that is going to vibrate.
Can Schedule 40 PVC be used for sewer? ›
The second type is Schedule 40 which is actually more common and can be used for drains, waste lines or vents OR for pressurized cold water supply lines.
Can you use Schedule 40 PVC for domestic water? ›
PVC pipes are the most well-known plastic pipe, but it has some major drawbacks. If that pipe transports water as hot as 140 *F, it can warp and break down. You should avoid using PVC pipes for your main drinking water.
How long will Schedule 80 PVC last? ›
Because PVC is immune to corrosion, a minimum service life of at least 100 years can be expected. This figure is supported by a number of independent studies, as well as the experience of many long-term users of PVC piping systems.
What is schedule 40 PVC used for? ›
This type of pipe is made up of two layers of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). One layer has a higher pressure rating than the other, which helps make the pipe more highly durable. Schedule 40 PVC pipes are typically used for water supply lines, sewer lines, and drains.
PVC pipe that is used for plumbing is usually white while electrical conduit PVC is usually gray. These are the standard colors, but you can find PVC that has had chemical additives added during the manufacturing process to create different colored pipes.
How much pressure can schedule 80 PVC handle? ›
Spears® recommends that only Schedule 80 or heavier wall thickness pipe should be threaded. EX: 2" PVC SCHEDULE 80 @ 120°F = 400 psi x 0.40 = 160 psi max.
Does Schedule 80 PVC need special glue? ›
For Schedule 80 PVC pipe and fittings, you should always use the heavy body cement due to the increased wall thickness. For CPVC pipe and fittings, heavy body primer is always required.
When should Schedule 80 pipe be used? ›
High temperature environments: Schedule 80 PVC conduit can withstand higher temperatures than Schedule 40 PVC conduit, making it a better choice for installations in areas where temperatures may be high.
Where is schedule 80 PVC required? ›
Most areas consider conduit sections that are less than 18" down in the ground and less than 7 or 8 feet above ground to be "subject to damage" if not enclosed in other construction. So the sweep up, and the vertical section along the wall or post should be schedule 80.
Are all PVC conduit fittings suitable for connection to both Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 PVC conduit? ›
Where subject to physical damage, Schedule 80 PVC conduit, Schedule 80 PVC elbows, and listed fittings for PVC conduit shall be used. Informational Note: All listed PVC conduit fittings are suitable for connection to both Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 PVC conduit.
When to use schedule 40 vs 80 electrical conduit? ›
Schedule 40 PVC conduit is permitted for exposed locations where not subject to physical damage. Schedule 80 PVC conduit is identified for use in areas subject to physical damage.
Can you mix Schedule 40 and DWV PVC? ›
Usually both types of pipes are slip fitting, but some PVC DWV pipes and fittings schedule 40 pipes and fittings are made with threading and to the same size as each other. Because of this they'll fit together, but it's not recommended. Using them together in the same piping system can lead to major problems.
Schedule 40 PVC Pipe Dimensions (White)