What size PVC pipe do I need for my PVC project

What diametre pipe do I need for my PVC project ?

Not all PVC (polyvinyl chloride PVC) pipe will fit Klever Cages PVC connectors. They all have slightly different PVC pipe dimensions, and this can be frustrating and challenging to buy the right pipe to fit the connectors. We want to help, so this is why we have compiled the information below.

Klever Cages supplies five different sizes of PVC connectors( 20, 25, 32, 40 and 50) that will fit PVC plumbing pressure pipe.

Topics we will cover in this blog are:

Why is the PVC pipe diametre not the same number that is printed on the PVC pipe?

Why will a Klever Connector not fit poly, metal, electrical pipe, drainage or ag pipes?

What does PN mean as written of the pipe?

What is the difference between PVC pipe from hardware, plumbing or other PVC pipe suppliers and Klever Cages

Why is the PVC pipe diametre not the same number that is printed on the PVC pipe?

If you have a pipe that measures an outside diameter of 20mm, it will not fit a 20 PVC connector from Klever Cages. This is because the DN number DN (diametre nominal) that is printed on PVC pressure pipes is not referring to the outside diameter of the PVC pipe.

The table below has the different PVC pipe diameters required to fit connectors from Klever Cages. In Australia, the outside dimension measures PVC pipe sizes in mm. These PVC pressure pipe sizes are as per Australian/New Zealand standard 1477. This information is also listed on the front page of our website, the product description, and the buying guide.

Table: Dimensions of PVC plumbing pressure pipes as per Australian/New Zealand standard 1477

Below is an example of a PVC pipe you may buy from a hardware or plumbing store with the writing you will see on the pipe.

Different size PVC pipes(DN20, DN25, DN32, DN40 & DN50) and their outside diameter measurement in mm.

The image below shows the outside diameter dimensions of a 32mm PVC pipe suitable to fit a Klever Cages 32mm connector.

There is also NPS which stands for nominal pipe size NPS. This is mainly on American pipes as it refers to imperial sizes. ¾’ 1’, 1 1/4’, 2’ and other sizes. This is also when you will see sch 40 printed on the pipe.

Why will a Klever Connector not fit poly, metal, electrical pipe, drainage or ag pipes?

A connector from Klever Cages will not fit poly, metal, electrical pipe, drainage or ag pipes as they have a different diameter od to PVC plumbing pressure pipe standard 1477. All pipes will have their standards. We also do not advise using these as they will have a loose fit and the possibility of making your project dangerous as they may slip out of the connector, causing harm.

What does PN mean as written of the pipe?

The PN number or the class refers to the pressure rating of the pipe and factors in different considerations between the size of the pipe, the wall thickness and what PVC it is made from. As we are not using the pipes for plumbing purposes, the class or PN is only relevant to the wall thickness and not the pressure.

The greater the number, the thicker the wall size, the heavier the pipe weight, the greater the strength of the PVC pipe and the stronger your PVC project will be. The sizes you may see will be PN6, PN9, PN12 & PN18. This may also be referred to as the Class. The most common is class 12 PVC pipe.

There are also schedule numbers, such as schedule 40 pipe and schedule 80 pipes. These PVC pipes have thick walls and are common in the United States but not in Australia.

You will also find with these PVC pipes; the size values will be in inches, not mm. A 20mm will be a ¾’ PVC pipe. We do carry a limited stock of sch 40 pipes if you require them.

Benefits of using Klever Cages PVC pipe

Our PVC Pipe with no writing
Clean white gloss finish
Available in different colours
It can be used outside as it has a UV stabiliser
Great for PVC projects as is a rigid PVC
If you purchase the pipe from Klever Cages, you know it will be the correct size.

Conclusion

PVC pipe is a great building material, and as long as you buy the PVC plumbing pressure pipe series 1477 with the same DN number as the size PVC connector, you will be fine.

If you want to be sure you have purchased the correct pipe for our connectors, we do supply a range of high-quality pipes for your PVC projects.

Don't use other pipes such as metal, poly and electrical and expect them to fit Klever Cages PVC connectors. Pipe diameter dimensions can be found on the front of the Klever Cages website, the product description and in the buying guide.