ASTM F3536-22

Standard Specification for PE and PP Mechanical Fittings for use on NPS 3 or Smaller Cold-water Service Polyethylene (PE) or Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Pipe or Tubing

SCOPE
1.1 This specification describes requirements and test methods for the qualification of PE and PP plastic bodied mechanical fittings intended to join cold water service pipe and tubing of NPS 3 or less. This includes plastic mechanical fittings intended for use on pipe and tubing covered by the following standards: D3035, D2737, D2239, F876, D2239, F2769, AWWA C901, and AWWA C904. Also, included in this specification are requirements for materials and qualification testing.  
1.2 Plastic mechanical fittings for hot and cold-water systems inside buildings as well as for district heating applications are not covered by this specification.  
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jan-2022
• ICS: 23.040.45 - Plastics fittings
• Technical Committee: F17 - Plastic Piping Systems
• Drafting Committee: F17.10 - Fittings

Relations

• Refers: ASTM F714-24 - Standard Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe (DR-PR) Based on Outside Diameter
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM F876-24 - Standard Specification for Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM F2769-24 - Standard Specification for Polyethylene of Raised Temperature (PE-RT) Plastic Hot and Cold-Water Tubing and Distribution Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM F876-23a - Standard Specification for Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM F412-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM F412-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM D1599-18 - Standard Test Method for Resistance to Short-Time Hydraulic Pressure of Plastic Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2018
• Refers: ASTM D2513-18 - Standard Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pressure Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2018
• Refers: ASTM D1600-18 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM F412-17a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM F412-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2017
• Refers: ASTM D2513-16a - Standard Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pressure Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2016
• Refers: ASTM D2513-16 - Standard Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pressure Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2016
• Refers: ASTM F412-16a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2016
• Refers: ASTM F2769-16 - Standard Specification for Polyethylene of Raised Temperature (PE-RT) Plastic Hot and Cold-Water Tubing and Distribution Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2016

Overview

ASTM F3536-22 is a standard specification established by ASTM International for polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) mechanical fittings designed to join cold-water service pipe and tubing of Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) 3 or smaller. This specification defines the requirements and test methods for the qualification of plastic mechanical fittings intended for use with pipes and tubing covered by several major standards, including ASTM D3035, D2737, D2239, F876, F2769, AWWA C901, and C904. The focus is on PE and PP fittings used in cold-water distribution systems, specifically excluding hot water, internal building, or district heating applications.

The standard also addresses requirements for the materials, manufacturing practices, physical properties, pressure testing, product marking, and quality assurance necessary to ensure compatibility and performance of these fittings in potable and non-potable water systems.

Key Topics

• Material Requirements

  • Mechanical fittings must be manufactured from virgin or controlled reworked PE or PP resins as specified in ASTM and ISO standards.
  • Restrictions on recycled and reworked materials ensure integrity and performance.
  • Elastomeric sealing elements must comply with ASTM F477.

• Performance Testing

  • Fittings must undergo sustained pressure and hydrostatic burst pressure testing according to ASTM D1598 and D1599.
  • Qualification testing ensures fittings maintain leak-tightness and integrity under specified pressures and environments.
  • Tensile strength tests ensure joints resist mechanical forces and maintain performance.

• Product Marking and Traceability

  • Fittings must be permanently marked with manufacturer information, sizing, material codes, ASTM F3536 designation, and pressure class.
  • Markings must support product traceability and, for potable water fittings, certification seals indicating compliance with NSF/ANSI standards.

• Dimensional and Workmanship Requirements

  • Fittings are required to have precise dimensions and smooth, defect-free surfaces.
  • Manufactured products must be homogeneous, free of cracks, inclusions, or other detrimental flaws.

Applications

ASTM F3536-22 is relevant for stakeholders involved in the design, manufacture, installation, and inspection of cold-water PE and PP piping systems up to NPS 3. Typical applications include:

• Municipal and residential water service lines: Connecting and repairing PE or PEX water service pipes in potable and non-potable distribution.
• Agricultural and landscape irrigation systems: Use of reliable mechanical fittings for polyethylene or crosslinked polyethylene pipes.
• Small-scale industrial cold-water delivery: Fittings suitable for process water distribution using NPS 3 or smaller PE pipes.
• Repair and maintenance: Specifying compliant mechanical fittings for in-ground or above-ground cold-water pipe repair or extension.

The standard ensures mechanical fittings are tested for pressure performance, structural reliability, and safety, supporting consistent water system integrity and public health.

Related Standards

ASTM F3536-22 references several important standards for pipes, fittings, and material testing, including:

• ASTM D3035: Specification for PE plastic pipe based on controlled outside diameter.
• ASTM D2737: Specification for PE plastic tubing.
• ASTM F876: Specification for crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) tubing.
• AWWA C901: Specification for PE pressure pipe and tubing for water service.
• AWWA C904: Specification for crosslinked PE (PEX) pressure tubing for water service.
• ASTM F477: Specification for elastomeric seals (gaskets) for joining plastic pipe.
• NSF/ANSI 14 and NSF/ANSI 61: Standards for plastic piping system components and health effects for drinking water applications.
• ISO 17885: Specifications for mechanical fittings for pressure piping systems.

These referenced standards, when used alongside ASTM F3536-22, ensure that PE and PP mechanical fittings meet comprehensive international requirements for material, performance, and safety in water piping systems.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:F3536 −22 An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
PE and PP Mechanical Fittings for use on NPS 3 or Smaller
Cold-water Service Polyethylene (PE) or Crosslinked
Polyethylene (PEX) Pipe or Tubing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3536; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D1598 Test Method for Time-to-Failure of Plastic Pipe
Under Constant Internal Pressure
1.1 This specification describes requirements and test meth-
D1599 Test Method for Resistance to Short-Time Hydraulic
ods for the qualification of PE and PP plastic bodied mechani-
Pressure of Plastic Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings
cal fittings intended to join cold water service pipe and tubing
D1600 Terminology forAbbreviatedTerms Relating to Plas-
of NPS 3 or less. This includes plastic mechanical fittings
tics
intended for use on pipe and tubing covered by the following
D2239 Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe
standards: D3035, D2737, D2239, F876, D2239, F2769,
(SIDR-PR) Based on Controlled Inside Diameter
AWWA C901, and AWWA C904. Also, included in this
D2513 Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pressure
specification are requirements for materials and qualification
Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings
testing.
D2737 Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Tubing
1.2 Plastic mechanical fittings for hot and cold-water sys-
D3035 SpecificationforPolyethylene(PE)PlasticPipe(DR-
temsinsidebuildingsaswellasfordistrictheatingapplications
PR) Based on Controlled Outside Diameter
are not covered by this specification.
F412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded F477 Specification for Elastomeric Seals (Gaskets) for Join-
ing Plastic Pipe
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only F714 Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe (DR-
PR) Based on Outside Diameter
and are not considered standard.
F876 SpecificationforCrosslinkedPolyethylene(PEX)Tub-
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
ing
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
F1498 Specification for Taper Pipe Threads 60° for Thermo-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
plastic Pipe and Fittings
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
F2769 Specification for Polyethylene of RaisedTemperature
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
(PE-RT) Plastic Hot and Cold-Water Tubing and Distri-
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
bution Systems
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
2.2 AWWA Standards:
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
AWWAStandard C901 Polyethylene (PE) Pressure Pipe and
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Tubing, ⁄4 in. (19 mm) through 3 in. (76 mm), for Water
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Service
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
AWWA Standard C904 Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX)
PressureTubing, ⁄2 in. (13 mm) through 3 in. (76 mm) for
2. Referenced Documents
Water Service
2.1 ASTM Standards:
AWWA C800 Underground Service Line and Fittings
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
2.3 Federal Standard: A
FED-STD 123G Marking for Shipment (Civil Agencies)
Military Standard 129P Military Marking for Shipment and
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F17 on Plastic
Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.10 on Fittings.
Storage
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2022. Published February 2022. DOI: 10.1520/
F3536–22
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available fromAmerican Water WorksAssociation (AWWA), 6666 W. Quincy
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Ave., Denver, CO 80235, http://www.awwa.org.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from DLA Document Services, Building 4/D, 700 Robbins Ave.,
the ASTM website. Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, http://quicksearch.dla.mil.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3536−22
2.4 NSF Standards: 4.3.1 Polypropylene compounds shall contain a minimum
NSF/ANSI Standard 14 for Plastic Piping Components and of 0.2 % carbon black or equivalent HALS (hindered amine
Related Materials light stabilizer).
NSF/ANSI Standard 61 for Drinking Water System Compo-
4.4 The manufacturer shall determine the pressure class, the
nents – Health Effects
fitting category classification, material designation, installation
2.5 PPI Documents:
and operating temperature limits, as applicable, of the me-
PPI TR-4 Listing of Hydrostatic Design Basis (HDB), Hy-
chanical fitting. To verify the pressure class, the manufacturer
drostatic Design Stress (HDS), Strength Design Basis
has to perform Performance Tests detailed in 6.2.
(SDB), Pressure Design Basis (PDB) and Minimum re-
4.5 The fittings should be manufactured from virgin mate-
quired Strength (MRS) Ratings for Thermoplastic Piping
rial and can allow a proportion of reworked material. Re-
Materials or Pipe.
worked material shall not be introduced at a ratio exceeding
2.6 ISO Standards:
10 %. Reworked plastic shall be clean rework material of the
ISO 7686 Plastics pipes and fittings — Determination of
same commercial designation, generated from the manufactur-
opacity
er’s own fitting production, and shall not be used unless the
ISO 3458 Plastics piping systems — Mechanical joints
fitting produced meets all the requirements of this specifica-
between fittings and pressure pipes — Test method for
tion. Recycled materials shall not be used.
leak-tightness under internal pressure
4.6 Products intended for contact with potable water shall
ISO 17885 Mechanical fittings for pressure piping systems
be evaluated, tested and certified for conformance with ANSI/
— Specifications
NSF Standard No. 61 or the health effects portion of NSF
Standard No. 14 by an accredited certifying organization.
3. Terminology
4.7 Thephysicalpropertiesofeachmaterialusedtoproduce
3.1 Definitions of terms used in this specification are in
the fitting shall be available from the fitting manufacturer upon
accordance with Terminology F412 unless otherwise specified.
request.
Abbreviations are in accordance with Terminology D1600
unless otherwise specified
4.8 Elastomeric sealing elements in fittings shall be made
3.1.1 The term “pipe” used herein refers to both “pipe” and
from a material complying with the high-head application
“tubing” unless specifically stated otherwise.
requirements of Specification F477.
3.1.2 The term “fitting” refers to a mechanical connecting
4.9 Any lubricants or greases used in the production of
device as described in 3.2.1.
fittings shall have no deleterious effect on the performance of
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
the fitting or piping system it is installed into. If the fitting is
3.2.1 mechanical fitting, n—fitting for making a mechanical
intended for potable water service any use of lubricants or
joint to provide for pressure integrity, leak tightness, and
greases shall be in conformance with 4.6.
depending on category (as specified in Specification D2513
section 6.10) for resistance to tensile loads, as defined in this
5. Physical Properties
specification.
5.1 Thread joints shall conform to F1498.The material used
3.2.2 pressure class, n—numerical designation, which is a
to form threads must be strong enough to avoid stripping when
convenient rounded number for reference purposes, for plastic
installed correctly and withstands all long and short term
pipe systems conveying water, it corresponds to the maximum
performance requirements for the fitting qualification
continuous operating pressure which can be sustained with
water at 73 °F, based on the maximum design factor.
6. Qualification Requirements
3.2.3 NPS—Nominal Pipe Size
6.1 General—The requirements defined herein are intended
to verify the integrity of the fitting design and are not
4. Materials and Manufacture
considered to be a production quality assurance requirement.
4.1 The fitting bodies shall be manufactured from Polyeth-
6.1.1 Each pipe type and, nominal size, of fitting shall be
ylene [PE] or Polypropylene [PP] material.
tested. It is not the intent of this specification to require testing
of all fitting configurations, that is, tees, elbows, etc., but each
4.2 The material requirements in the case of PE fittings are
mechanical joint design in each size. For OD controlled pipe,
described in Specification D2513, Section 4.
testing of assemblies containing the thickest wall pipe that the
4.3 The material requirements in the case of PP fittings are
fitting is designed to be used with qualifies the use of that
described in ISO 17885, Section 8.2.
fitting with pipe of lesser wall thickness, unless otherwise
specified. For ID controlled pipe every wall thickness shall be
5 tested.
Available from NSF International, P.O. Box 130140, 789 N. Dixboro Rd.,Ann
6.1.2 Mechanical fitting qualifications shall be performed
Arbor, MI 48105, http://www.nsf.org.
Available from Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI), 105 Decker Court, Suite 825,
on assembled joints using the fitting manufacturer’s joining
Irving, TX 75062, http://www.plasticpipe.org.
procedure. All applicable mechanical fittings offered by the
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
manufacturer shall be capable of meeting the requirements of
Central Secretariat, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva,
Switzerland, https://www.iso.org. this standard when connecting pipe and tubing covered in
F3536−22
standards outlined in 1.1. To verify the structural integrity of 7.2 Sustained Pressure Test:
the fitting body, representative samples shall be subjected to
7.2.1 Test six specimens (assembled joints in accordance
the requirements of 6.2.
7.1.3) in accordance with Test Method D1598 using the lowest
DR pipe permitted p
...