BS ISO 4427-2:2019

What is ISO 4427-2 - PE pipes about? 

The ISO 4427 series of standards are a set of system standards that specify the requirements for a piping system and its components when made from PE. 

ISO 4427-2 is the second part of in multi-series that is applicable to the plastics piping systems for water supply and for drainage and sewerage under pressure. It details best practices for ensuring safe, reliable, and high-performance plastic piping systems. 

ISO 4427-2 specifies the general aspects of PE compounds for the manufacture of pressure pipes and fittings (mains and service pipes) for buried or above-ground applications, intended for the conveyance of: 

• Water for human consumption 
• Raw water prior to treatment 
• Drainage and sewerage under pressure 
• Vacuum sewer systems 
• Water for other purposes 

ISO 4427-2 specifies three types of pipes: 

• PE pipes (outside diameter dn), including any identification stripes 
• PE pipes with co-extruded layers on either or both the outside and/or inside of the pipe (total outside diameter dn) where all layers have the same MRS rating 
• PE pipes (outside diameter dn) having a peelable and contiguous thermoplastics additional layer on the outside of the pipe (“coated pipe”) 

In conjunction with the other parts of the ISO 4427 series, ISO 4427-2 is applicable to PE pipes, their joints and to joints with components made of PE and other materials, intended to be used under the following conditions: 

• A maximum allowable operating pressure (PFA) up to and including 25 bar1) 
• An operating temperature of 20 °C as the reference temperature 

Note: The intended uses include sea outfalls, laid in water, and pipes suspended below bridges. 

Note: Pipes complying with ISO 4427-2 are not intended for the transport of water intended for human consumption in contaminated soils unless special consideration has been taken. 

Note: For other operating temperatures, guidance is given in ISO 4427-1:2019, Annex A. 

Who is ISO 4427-2-PE pipes for? 

ISO 4427-2 on PE pipes in piping systems is relevant to: 

• Manufacturers and suppliers of PE  
• Manufacturers and suppliers of PE pipes 
• Construction industry  
• Contractors  
• Civil engineers  
• Specifiers and installers  
• Local bodies  

Why should you use ISO 4427-2 – PE pipes? 

PE is a flexible, lightweight and corrosion-resistant piping product. These benefits make it an ideal piping material for a broad variety of applications such as potable water service or distribution lines, natural gas distribution, lawn sprinklers, sewers, waste disposal, and drainage lines.   

ISO 4427-2 specifies requirements on material and compound, along with geometrical, mechanical, and physical properties of PE pipes. Requirements, test parameters and standard references for the respective test methods are also provided. As a result, you can ensure characteristics such as tensile strength, resistance to slow crack growth, and resistance to weathering, amongst others, are exhibited by the PE pipes. 

By selecting the right materials for PE pipes in compliance with ISO 4427-2, you can ensure that product failure is avoided and overall structural integrity of the external water conveyance systems is maintained.  

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS ISO 4427-2:2019 supersedes BS ISO 4427-2:2007+A1:2014, which is withdrawn. BS ISO 4427-2:2019 includes some technical changes with respect to BS ISO 4427-2:2007+A1:2014. These include: 

• Update of the normative references 
• Technical consistency with ISO 4437-2