ASTM_F_1290_-_98a_2011.pdf

Designation:F129098a(Reapproved 2011)Standard Practice forElectrofusion Joining Polyolefin Pipe and Fittings1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1290;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This practice describes general procedures for makingjoints with polyolefin pipe and fittings by means of electrofu-sion joining techniques.These should be regarded as generalprocedures and not as a substitute for the installation proce-dures specified by the manufacturers.Manufacturers should berequested to supply specific recommendations for joining theirproducts.NOTE1Reference to the manufacturer in this practice is defined as theelectrofusion fitting manufacturer.1.2 The techniques covered are applicable only to joiningpolyolefin pipe and fittings of related polymer chemistry,forexample,polyethylenes to polyethylenes using a polyethyleneelectrofusion fitting.Consult the manufacturers recommenda-tions for compatibility of the electrofusion fitting with thespecific pipe or fitting material to be joined.1.3 The electrofusion joining technique described can pro-duce sound joints between polyolefin pipe and fittings,pro-vided that all products involved(that is,pipe and fittings)meetthe appropriate ASTM specifications.1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2D1600 Terminology forAbbreviated Terms Relating to Plas-ticsF412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping SystemsF1055 Specification for Electrofusion Type PolyethyleneFittings for Outside Diameter Controlled Polyethyleneand Crosslinked Polyethylene(PEX)Pipe and Tubing3.Terminology3.1 DefinitionsDefinitions are in accordance with Termi-nology F412,and abbreviations are in accordance with Termi-nology D1600,unless otherwise specified.3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.2.1 control boxthe apparatus placed between the powersource and the electrofusion fitting to regulate energy input tothe fitting.4.Significance and Use4.1 Using the procedures in Sections 8 and 9,the manufac-turers instructions and equipment,pressure-tight joints can bemade between manufacturer-recommended combinations ofpipe that are as strong as the pipe itself.5.Operator Experience5.1 Skill and knowledge on the part of the operator arerequired to obtain a good quality joint.Each operator shall bequalified in accordance with recommended procedures and anyregulatory agency or industry organization that has jurisdictionover these practices.5.2 These procedures require the use of electrical andmechanical equipment.The person responsible for the joiningof polyolefin pipe and fittings should ensure that recommendedprocedures developed for the electrofusion fittings involved,including the safety precaution to be followed,are issuedbefore joining operations commence.It is especially importantthat the operator be aware of specific instructions regarding theuse of electrical equipment in the presence of a potentiallyexplosive environment.6.Electrofusion Joining Processes6.1 Electrofusion is a heat-fusion joining process where aheat source is an integral part of the fitting.When electriccurrent is applied,heat is produced,melting and joining thecomponents.Fusion occurs when the joint cools below the melttemperature of the material.The specified fusion cycle usedrequires consideration of the properties of the materials beingjoined,the design of the fitting being used,and the environ-mental conditions.See Specification F1055 for performancerequirements of polyethylene electrofusion fittings.6.2 Adequate joint strength for field testing is attained whenthe fitting is not disturbed or moved until the joint material1This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F17 on PlasticPiping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.20 on Joining.Current edition approved Feb.1,2011.Published March 2011.Originallyapproved in 1990.Last previous edition approved in 2004 as F1290 98a(2004).DOI:10.1520/F1290-98AR11.2For referenced ASTM standards,visit the ASTM website,www.astm.org,orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org.For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information,refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 cools(Note 2).Bond strength can be affected if the joint is notallowed to cool sufficently.NOTE2Polybutylene undergoes a crystalline transformation forseveral days after cooling below i