ISO 4427-2:2019

Overview

ISO 4427-2:2019 is the International Standard that specifies requirements for polyethylene (PE) pipes used in water supply and pressure drainage/sewerage systems. It applies to buried or above-ground PE pipes intended for conveying:

• Water for human consumption
• Raw water prior to treatment
• Drainage and sewerage under pressure, including vacuum sewer systems
• Water for other purposes (including sea outfalls, pipes laid in water or suspended under bridges)

The standard covers three pipe types: plain PE pipes, co‑extruded layered PE pipes (all layers having the same MRS rating), and peelable-coated PE pipes. It is part of the ISO 4427 series and is used together with ISO 4427‑1 and other parts.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and use conditions: Designed for maximum allowable operating pressure (PFA) up to and including 25 bar, with a reference temperature of 20 °C. Guidance for other temperatures is in ISO 4427‑1.
• Materials: Pipes shall be made from virgin PE or the manufacturer’s own reprocessed material from the same compound; external recycled materials are not permitted. Identification compounds and co-extrusion materials must be PE-based and fusion-compatible.
• Geometrical & mechanical characteristics: Specifications for outside diameter, wall thickness tolerances, ovality, coiled pipe lengths, conditioning and mechanical testing (including resistance to internal pressure).
• Physical & chemical properties: Tests and limits for effects on water quality, resistance to chemicals (see referenced ISO chemical test methods), oxidation induction time and other physical tests.
• Colours and marking: Colour coding (e.g., blue for potable water; black or black with brown stripes for drainage/sewerage) and minimum marking requirements are defined.
• Testing and annexes: Includes test parameters, plus annexes for co-extruded and peelable-layer pipes and a relationship between PN, MRS, S and SDR.

Practical applications

ISO 4427-2:2019 is used to specify and verify PE piping systems for municipal and industrial water distribution, pressure sewer mains, vacuum sewer systems, sea outfalls and other pressurized water conveyance installations. It ensures consistent performance, compatibility of materials, and traceability of products.

Who uses this standard

• PE pipe manufacturers and compound producers
• Design and civil/utility engineers specifying water and sewer systems
• Procurement officers and infrastructure owners (utilities, municipalities)
• Inspection, testing and conformity-assessment bodies
• Contractors and installers

Related standards

• ISO 4427-1:2019 (General requirements for PE pipes and fittings)
• ISO 21004 (alternative solutions for contaminated soils)
• Other referenced ISO test standards (e.g., ISO 1167, ISO 4433 series)

Keywords: ISO 4427-2:2019, polyethylene pipes, PE pipes, water supply, drainage and sewerage under pressure, PE piping standard, potable water piping.