ISO 15874-2:2013

Overview

ISO 15874-2:2013 specifies requirements for polypropylene (PP) pipes used in building hot and cold water installations (domestic water and heating systems). It defines material, geometrical, mechanical and performance criteria, test parameters, and conformity methods for PP pipe types - including PP-H, PP-B, PP-R and PP-RCT - and applies to pipes with or without barrier layers. This part works together with other parts of ISO 15874 (Parts 1, 3, 5 and 7) to cover complete PP piping systems.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and application classes: Covers a range of service conditions, design pressures and pipe dimension classes applicable to domestic and heating systems.
• Material requirements: Pipe materials must meet the provisions in ISO 15874-1 and be evaluated for long-term hydrostatic strength (σ-values).
• Long-term strength & reference curves: Requires demonstration of σ-values via tests (ISO 9080, ISO 1167) plotted against ISO reference curves for expected strength over 10 °C–95 °C. Test temperatures include 20 °C, 60–70 °C and 95 °C, and time intervals from 10 h to >8 760 h.
• Geometrical & dimensional criteria: Dimensions measured per ISO 3126; maximum calculated S-values (S_calc,max) for each PP type and application class are provided (see tables for PP-H, PP-B, PP-R, PP-RCT). Annex A explains derivation of S.
• Mechanical, physical & chemical tests: References include ISO 1167 (internal pressure), ISO 9080 (long-term hydrostatic strength), ISO 7686 (opacity), ISO 2505 (longitudinal reversion), and impact testing (ISO 9854 series).
• Appearance and marking: Surface quality, opacity limits (opaque ≤ 0.2% transmitted light), and minimum marking requirements are specified to ensure traceability and conformity.

Practical applications

• Selection and specification of PP piping for potable water and heating systems in residential and commercial buildings.
• Design checks for operating pressure and temperature classes, pipe dimensioning, and material fitness under long-term service conditions.
• Manufacturing quality control and product certification - providing test methods and acceptance criteria for compliance.
• Use by testing laboratories to validate long-term hydrostatic strength and by installers/engineers for compliant system design.

Who should use this standard

• Pipe manufacturers and compounders (PP-H, PP-B, PP-R, PP-RCT)
• Product certifiers and testing laboratories
• Consulting and design engineers specifying domestic and heating water systems
• Installers, contractors and building inspectors ensuring code-compliant installations

Related standards

• ISO 15874-1 (General), ISO 15874-3 (Fittings), ISO 15874-5 (Fitness for purpose), ISO 15874-7 (Conformity guidance)
• Other plastics piping system standards: ISO 15875 (PE-X), ISO 15876 (PB), ISO 15877 (PVC‑C), ISO 22391 (PE-RT)

Keywords: ISO 15874-2:2013, polypropylene pipes, PP-RCT, hot and cold water installations, long-term hydrostatic strength, σ-values, pipe dimension classes, test methods.