ASTM F 1281 : 2026

1.1This specification covers a coextruded crosslinked polyethylene composite pressure pipe with a welded aluminum tube reinforcement between the inner and outer layers. The inner and outer crosslinked polyethylene layers are bonded to the aluminum tube by a melt adhesive. Included is a system of nomenclature for the crosslinked polyethylene-aluminum-crosslinked polyethylene (PEX-AL-PEX) pipes, the requirements and test methods for materials, the dimensions of the component layers and finished pipe, adhesion tests, and the burst and sustained pressure performance. Also given are the requirements and methods of marking. The pipe covered by this specification is intended for use in potable water distribution systems for residential and commercial applications, water service, building supply lines, underground irrigation systems, and radiant panel heating systems, baseboard, snow- and ice-melt systems, and gases that are compatible with the composite pipe and fittings.

1.2This specification covers metric sized pipe using diameter nominal (DN) size designations. Sizes range from DN 12 to DN 75. The same dimensions specified are also called out with nominal pipe size (NPS) designations. These sizes range from NPS ³/₈to NPS 2 ¹/₄, so that the same pipes are permitted to be specified for systems using inch-pound measurements.

1.3This specification covers only composite pipes incorporating a welded aluminum tube. Pipes consisting of metallic layers not welded together are outside the scope of this specification.

1.4Specifications for connectors for use with pipe meeting the requirements of this specification are given in Annex A1.

1.5This specification excludes polyethylene-aluminum-polyethylene pipes (see Specification F1282).

1.6The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.7The text of this standard references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the specification.

1.8The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 9, of this specification: 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.

1.9This 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.