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.
What is the difference between PEX B and PEX C?
PEX-B, like Viega PureFlow, is created through the silane process, which is done after the HDPE is extruded into pipe. Per the ASTM standard F876, PEX-B must be crosslinked to at least 65% to meet the standard for burst pressure. PEX-C achieves cross-linking through electron beam irradiation.
What are the different types of PEX?
The Types of PEX (PEX-A, PEX-B, PEX-C, PEX-Al-PEX) | For many plumbers, it's clear that PEX tubing wins out over copper pipe, but since there are several types of PEX navigating the marketplace can be a challenge.
What is the PEX C method?
PEX-C : Radiation (Electronic Irradiation) method. Cross-linking of the molecules is done after the process of extrusion by exposing the pipe to an electron radiation beam. The radiation emitted allows to break the existing links between molecules of the polymer and initiate cross-linking process.
What is the difference between PEX and Pex-a?
All PEX is a polyethylene material which has undergone a change in molecular structure using a chemical or physical process to chemically link the polymer chains. Crosslinking of polyethylene improves PEX properties such as temperature, strength, flexibility etc. PEX-A is created by introducing peroxide into the HDPE before it’s extruded.
Which is better PEX A or PEX C?
PEX-A is the most flexible of all PEX pipe types, it has little or no coil memory and gives installer the ability to repair kinks with a heat gun. It has been in use for over 50 years which is longer than other types and a lower bending radius in PEX-A (6 times the OD vs. 8 times the OD for PEX-B & C) is helpful.
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.
How do I know if my PEX is AB or C?
Always check the markings on the pipe, called the print-line, for corresponding fastening methods and ratings for temperature and pressure. Cross-linking creates connections between the polymer chains in the plastic. There are three ways of cross-linking HDPE, which is where the names A, B and C come from.
What is Type C PEX?
0:253:45What is PEX C? + Notes on the PEX C LAWSUIT - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'm also going to go over. This company that is incurring a huge lawsuit as of last year for aMoreI'm also going to go over. This company that is incurring a huge lawsuit as of last year for a certain type of Peck see that they sold. And there's a whole story behind that and I'll go into that
What type of PEX tubing should I use?
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.
Can I use crimp fittings on PEX A?
Crimp fittings are compatible with all types of PEX tubing, except for PEX-AL-PEX. Crimp fittings are preferred for many applications since they are widely available and are the most affordable.
Can you crimp PEX-C?
Crimp Fitting Crimp fittings can be used for Pex(A, B, C) Pipes, not for Pex-Al-Pex pipes. The crimp fittings is composed of crimp fitting, (red) Copper Crimp rings or Stainless Steel clamp. The installation of crimp fittings requires special crimp fittings tools.
Can I use blue PEX for hot water?
Color-Coded: Red PEX pipes can be used for hot water supply lines, blue PEX for cold water supply, and white for either hot or cold.
Which is better PEX crimp or clamp?
0:171:20Differences Between PEX Crimp Connections and PEX Clamp ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAlthough there are a few pros. And cons to keep in mind for each stainless steel clamp rings resistMoreAlthough there are a few pros. And cons to keep in mind for each stainless steel clamp rings resist corrosion more effectively than crimp rings.
Can PEX-C be expanded?
PEX-c pipe PEX-c can also accept expansion-style connections, but it will also not hold as securely as a PEX-a connection. And, just as with PEX-b pipe, you cannot repair kinks.
Can you use SharkBite on PEX type A?
SharkBite push-to-connect fittings listed to ASSE 1061 approved for PEX-A, PEX-B and PEX-C pipe.
Can you use clamps on PEX-A?
Using stainless steel pinch clamps, also referred to as ear clamps, are a great way to connect PEX pipe to PEX fittings. Connections made using SS Pinch Clamps with an interlocking design provide the same high integrity connection as a copper crimp ring connection.
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.
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.
What are the different types of PEX?
There are three common types of PEX: PEX-A, PEX-B and PEX-C. There is a widespread misperception that the letters refer to grades of quality and that PEX-A is better than PEX-B which is superior to PEX-C. Not true.
What is PEX material?
All PEX is a polyethylene material which has undergone a change in molecular structure using a chemical or physical process to chemically link the polymer chains. Crosslinking of polyethylene improves PEX properties such as temperature, strength, flexibility etc.
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.
Types of PEX
There are three main types of PEX: A, B, and C. These letters are only used as an identification of the manufacturing process. Considerations of the quality of their respective performance ratings are not involved in the naming.
PEX A vs PEX B: Joining Method
When comparing the two pipes side by side, PEX A and PEX B are nearly identical in size. The difference, however, is in the flow restriction.
Difference in Production Methods
The method of producing PEX-A tubing is known as Peroxide method. Another name: Engel method, from the name of the inventor Thomas Engel. In this process, creation of free radicals occurs due to the melting of HDPE polymer. When the temperatures go above the decomposition temperature of the polymer, cross-links between the molecules begin to occur.
Difference in Cross-linking Threshold
In PEX-A, the degree of cross-linking must be over 70%. On the other hand, the threshold for cross-linking in PEX-B is at over 65%.
Similarities
PEX-A has higher flexibility and any kinks are repairable using a heat gun. However, while PEX-A has more flexibility than PEX-B, it’s worth mentioning that the minimum bending radius is the same for both.
Conclusion
Of the two, PEX-A has more flexibility and possesses little or no coil memory, which means you can easily repair any existing kinks with a heat gun. The main downside is high rate of chemical leaching – as much as 50% to 200% higher than PEX-B.
