BS EN 1401-1:2019 - TC

What is BS EN 1401‑1 - Specifications for PVC-U for plastic piping systems about?   

BS EN 1401‑1 is the first part of the multi-series that details best practices for ensuring the quality of the PVC-U plastic piping system. 

BS EN 1401‑1 specifies the requirements for solid wall pipes with smooth internal and external surfaces, extruded from the same formulation throughout the wall, fittings, and the system of PVC-U piping systems in the field of non-pressure underground drainage and sewerage: 

• Buried in the ground outside the building structure (application area code "U"), and 
• Both are buried in the ground, within the building structure, and outside the building (application area code "UD") 

BS EN 1401‑1 is applicable to PVC-U pipes and fittings, their joints, and to joints with components of other plastics and non-plastics materials intended for buried piping systems for non-pressure underground drainage and sewerage.  

Note: Multilayer pipes with different formulations throughout the wall and foamed core pipes are covered by EN 13476-2. 

Note: Pipes, fittings and other components conforming to any of the plastics product standards listed in Annex C can be used with pipes and fittings conforming to this document, provided they conform to the requirements for joint dimensions given in Clause 7 and to the requirements of Table 16. 

Who is BS EN 1401‑1 - Specifications for PVC-U for plastic piping systems for?  

BS EN 1401‑1 on PVC-U for plastic piping systems is useful for:  

• Manufacturers and suppliers of PVC-U 
• Manufacturers and suppliers of PVC-U pipes and fittings 
• Construction industry 
• Contractors 
• Civil engineers 
• Specifiers and installers 
• Local bodies 

Why should you use BS EN 1401‑1 - Specifications for PVC-U for plastic piping systems? 

PVC-U is the most widely used PVC type for pipes and fittings in drinking water, soil and waste transportation, sewage and subsurface drainage, and industrial uses. 

Relevant type-testing is based on characteristics of pipes such as PVC content, density, resistance to internal pressure, geometrical characteristics, impact resistance, and degree of gelation, amongst others. As type-testing is carried out whenever there is a change in design or formulation or production method, (other than routine in-process adjustments), or whenever there is an extension of the product range, you will be able to accurately assess the extent of material change that takes place. 

BS EN 1401‑1 specifies the requirements regarding material, appearance, colour, geometrical characteristics including dimensions and thickness, and mechanical and physical characteristics. Moreover, the fitness for purpose characteristics, their requirements, and reference standard of test methods for conformity have also been provided in BS EN 1401-1 

Overall, with BS EN 1401‑1 you will be able to improve the 'level of sustainability and the 'environmental impact' of PVC piping systems, whilst improving the recommendations and safe use of recycled material.  Additionally, you can maintain the structural integrity of the overall piping systems by minimizing the risk of product failure.  

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS EN 1401‑1:2019 supersedes BS EN 1401‑1:2009, which is withdrawn. Compared to the previous version, the main changes are listed below: 

• Clarification of product covered (Clause 1) 
• Introduction of a new pipe series SN 16 (SDR 27,6) (7.2.5 and 7.4.1.2 
• Deletion of the former clause on the dimension of "o-ring type joints" 
• Complete review of non-virgin (recyclates) material use (Clause 5 and Annex A) 
• Addition of a footnote e) to Table 14 for DSC to lower the minimum B-onset temperature to 180 °C for formulation with CaZn stabilizers