ISO 15874-1:2013

Overview - ISO 15874-1:2013 (Polypropylene PP)

ISO 15874-1:2013 is the general part of the ISO series for polypropylene (PP) piping systems used in hot and cold water installations inside buildings. It defines the scope, terminology, service classifications, material considerations (including PP‑RCT), and the general system performance and test parameter requirements. The standard applies to PP pipes, fittings, joints and to joints incorporating other plastics or non‑plastic materials, for domestic and heating systems under specified design pressures and temperatures.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and application: Systems for conveyance of water (whether or not for human consumption) and heating circuits; selection of appropriate application class and design conditions is the purchaser’s responsibility.
• Service classes and design life: Performance is specified for four application classes (design guidance for a 50‑year period); selection must match service conditions.
• Design pressures and temperatures: The standard defines permissible combinations of design pressure and design temperature; typical design pressures include 4, 6, 8 and 10 bar. For cold‑water design a reference temperature of 20 °C is used.
• Materials and additives: Requirements for PP materials (including PP‑RCT addition) and for reprocessable/own reprocessable material are stated; influence on water quality is noted and national potable‑water rules remain applicable.
• Geometry and tolerances: Definitions and tolerances for nominal size (DN/DN‑OD), outside/inside diameters, wall thickness, ovality, pipe series (S) and calculated pipe values are specified.
• Mechanical performance: Hydrostatic stress concepts and design stresses are defined (including lower predicted limit LPL and overall service coefficients C). Test parameters for referenced test methods are specified.
• Joints and compatibility: Covers joints between PP components and with components of other materials; fitness‑for‑purpose and joint characteristics are covered in companion parts.

Practical applications and users

ISO 15874-1 is used by:

• Manufacturers of PP pipes, fittings and jointing systems for product specification and production control.
• Designers and M&E engineers specifying piping for domestic hot/cold water and heating installations.
• Installers and contractors selecting appropriate component classes and ensuring conformity with design pressures/temperatures.
• Testing laboratories and conformity assessors using the standard’s test parameter definitions.
• Regulators and asset owners referencing long‑term performance and material suitability.

Related standards

• ISO 15874 series (Parts 2: Pipes; 3: Fittings; 5: Fitness for purpose; TS 7: Conformity guidance)
• Other material standards: ISO 15875 (PE‑X), ISO 15876 (PB), ISO 15877 (PVC‑C), ISO 22391 (PE‑RT)
  Note: national potable water regulations and installation codes remain applicable.