1. PVC Pipe Specifications Chart Overview
In chemical, building, municipal, and electrical engineering, PVC pipe is one of the most important tubular materials thanks to corrosion resistance, light weight, easy installation, and low cost. Yet many procurement and construction staff are confused by terms like DN, de, PN, and SDR when reading a PVC pipe specifications chart, leading to spec errors. This section clarifies the basics before giving the complete chart by type.
1.1 Key Terms
- DN (nominal diameter): nominal value, not the actual outside diameter; DN50 does not equal 50mm
- de (nominal outside diameter): actual pipe OD; PVC pipe specs are based on de
- PN (nominal pressure): allowable long-term working pressure at 20°C water, in MPa
- SDR (standard dimension ratio): ratio of OD to wall thickness de/en; smaller SDR means thicker wall and higher pressure rating
- en (nominal wall thickness): pipe wall thickness in mm
1.2 PVC Pipe Specifications Chart (General)
The chart below summarizes common sizes for water, drainage, and chemical UPVC pipes for quick selection:
| DN | de(mm) | Water PN1.0MPa | Water PN1.6MPa | Drainage | Chemical UPVC PN1.0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DN15 | 20 | 2.0 | 2.3 | — | 2.0 |
| DN20 | 25 | 2.0 | 2.3 | — | 2.0 |
| DN25 | 32 | 2.4 | 2.9 | — | 2.4 |
| DN32 | 40 | 3.0 | 3.7 | 2.0 | 3.0 |
| DN40 | 50 | 3.0 | 3.7 | 2.3 | 3.0 |
| DN50 | 63 | 3.8 | 4.7 | 3.0 | 3.6 |
| DN65 | 75 | 4.5 | 5.6 | 3.2 | 4.3 |
| DN80 | 90 | 5.4 | 6.7 | 3.8 | 5.1 |
| DN100 | 110 | 6.6 | 8.1 | 4.4 | 6.3 |
| DN150 | 160 | 9.5 | 11.8 | 5.5 | 9.1 |
| DN200 | 200 | 11.9 | 14.7 | 6.5 | 11.4 |
| DN250 | 250 | 14.8 | 18.4 | 8.0 | 14.2 |
| DN300 | 315 | 18.7 | 23.2 | 9.8 | 17.9 |
Note: Data synthesized from GB/T 10002.1 (water-supply PVC-U), GB/T 5836.1 (building drainage PVC-U), and common chemical-industry specs. Actual values are subject to manufacturer datasheets.
2. Water-Supply Rigid PVC Pipe Specs
2.1 Standard and Pressure Ratings
Water-supply UPVC pipe follows GB/T 10002.1-2006 with five PN ratings: PN0.63, PN1.0, PN1.25, PN1.6, PN2.0. PN1.0 and PN1.6 are most common. The pipe suits cold-water service below 45°C—municipal water, building supply, and agricultural irrigation. It must not be used for hot water.
2.2 Selection Tips
- Choose PN by working pressure: city mains PN1.0+; high-rise branches PN1.6
- Correct for temperature: allowable pressure drops ~20% per 10°C rise; select one PN higher for 40°C service
- Connection: solvent cement for de≤63; elastomeric ring push-fit for de>63 for easier maintenance
- Fittings: must match GB/T 10002.2; same brand as pipe to avoid dimensional mismatch
3. Building Drainage PVC Pipe Specs
3.1 Characteristics
Building drainage PVC-U pipe follows GB/T 5836.1-2018 with sizes de50, de75, de110, de160, de200, de250, de315. Walls are thin (e.g., de110 at 3.2mm or 4.0mm); it is non-pressure pipe with working pressure ≤0.05MPa.
3.2 Application Mapping
| de(mm) | Use | Min. Slope |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | Basin, floor drain branches | 2.5% |
| 75 | Bathtub, urinal drainage | 1.5% |
| 110 | Toilet, kitchen riser | 1.2% |
| 160 | Multi-floor horizontal main | 1.0% |
| 200 | Out-building, septic connection | 0.8% |
4. Chemical UPVC Pipe and Electrical Conduit
4.1 Chemical UPVC Pipe
Chemical UPVC pipe follows HG 20538-1992 and resists most acids, alkalis, and salts (except strong oxidizing acids, aromatics, and ketones). Long-term service: -10°C to 60°C. Selection tips:
- Choose PN1.0 or higher; correct for temperature and medium
- Excellent for concentrated HCl, dilute H2SO4, NaOH
- Use PVC flanges to avoid galvanic corrosion
- Support spacing: ≤1.0m for de50, ≤1.5m for de110
4.2 Electrical Conduit Specs
PVC electrical conduit follows JG 3050-1998 (or JG/T 3050). Common sizes de16, de20, de25; wall types light (1.0mm), medium (1.2mm), heavy (1.6mm). Heavy-duty conduit withstands ≥750N compression and is suitable for cast-in-place concrete.
5. Price Reference and Buying Tips
5.1 Price Ranges (Domestic, Reference Only)
| de(mm) | Water PN1.0 (RMB/m) | Drainage (RMB/m) | Chemical UPVC PN1.0 (RMB/m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | 3.5-6 | 2.5-4 | 4-7 |
| 63 | 9-14 | 7-11 | 11-17 |
| 110 | 22-32 | 15-23 | 26-38 |
| 160 | 38-55 | 28-42 | 45-65 |
| 200 | 55-80 | 45-65 | 65-95 |
| 250 | 85-120 | 70-100 | 100-140 |
5.2 Five-Step Buying Method
- Define medium and conditions: corrosion, temperature, and pressure determine material and PN
- Cross-check the PVC pipe specifications chart: use de as primary; DN only as reference
- Verify standards and test reports: require third-party inspection
- Sample-measure wall thickness: caliper multiple points; tolerance ≤±0.2mm
- Check batch stability and after-sales: large orders from one batch
As a professional engineering plastics supplier, huagong offers multi-spec, multi-brand PVC pipes with selection guidance. Contact us for quotes. The PVC pipe specifications chart is for initial reference; custom sizes are available on request.
6. FAQ
Q1: Are DN and de the same?
No. DN is nominal; de is the actual OD. For example, DN100 PVC pipe has actual OD 110mm; DN150 has OD 160mm. Always verify by de against the specifications chart to avoid ordering mistakes.
Q2: Can water-supply PVC pipe be used for hot water?
No. Long-term service limit is 45°C. Hot-water systems should use CPVC (chlorinated PVC) pipe rated to 95°C per GB/T 18993.
Q3: What is the difference between chemical and water-supply UPVC?
Similar formulations but different requirements. Chemical pipe emphasizes corrosion resistance and wall-thickness margin (HG 20538); water-supply pipe emphasizes hygiene (GB/T 17219) per GB/T 10002.1. The two are not interchangeable.
Q4: Is thicker wall always better?
Not necessarily. Wall thickness should match the PN rating; over-thickening raises cost and reduces flow. Use the PVC pipe specifications chart to match working pressure precisely and avoid over-design.
Q5: PVC vs PE pipe for chemical service?
For strong acids/alkalis choose PVC; for organic solvents or flexibility choose PE. See PVC vs PE Selection Guide.
7. Summary and Action
Mastering the PVC pipe specifications chart is the prerequisite for correct selection of chemical, building, and municipal piping. Before purchase, verify the DN/de mapping, PN rating vs working conditions, and standard compliance, then evaluate price and supplier qualification together.
For complete spec sheets or the latest quotation, contact huagong—our engineering plastics team provides professional selection support.
Related:
- Browse the Engineering Plastics Center for PVC pipe, sheet, and rod specs
- Read PVC Board Specifications and Prices for sheet-spec systems
- Contact huagong for custom cutting and bulk procurement