Imperial and Metric pipe and fittings difference

Whilst there are various worldwide standards governing the size of a finished PVC products, plastic pipe sizes in the UK are measured in two ways:

•    Metric, also referred to as millimetres (mm) and 
•    Imperial, also referred to as inch (“).

What are the differences between Imperial and Metric in the pipe world?

In terms of joining methods, robustness, and chemical resistance – both Imperial and Metric pressure pipe systems are exactly the same. There are no differences at all in functionality and performance as it is the same PVC raw material used for both. The variance is not in the composition of the material, but in the size designation and manufacturing standards.

The Metric System in PVC pipe manufacturing

The Metric system is the more modern of the two forms of measuring, making use of measurements such as millimetres, centimetres, and meters etc.

This system is commonly used in Europe and is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. In the pipe manufacturing industry, sizes are always referred to using the outside diameter (O.D) of the pipe, e.g. 20mm OD U-PVC PN16 = 20mm OD x 17mm ID (1.5mm w.t).

The Imperial System in PVC pipe manufacturing

The Imperial system is much older than the Metric System and is well established in the UK and the USA.

The Imperial system uses measurements such as inches, feet and yards. Sizes are always referred to using the nominal bore (N.B) of the pipe. The Imperial system of size referencing uses nonspecific dimensions to differentiate between sizes. This originates from historical steel pipe sizes and has not changed as PVC became more popular.

There is no correlation between the size reference of the pipe and the actual physical dimension of the pipe, e.g. 1/2” N.B* U-PVC Class E = 21.4mm OD x 18mm ID* (1.7mm w.t) *1/2” N.B* = 12.5mm.

As is demonstrated above, there is no correlation between the referenced dimension of half inch (12.5mm) and the actual dimension of the pipe (18mm).

Whilst both systems can be interchanged using a range of adaptor fittings such as Inch/Metric Adaptor Sockets and Inch/Metric Adaptor Unions it is not common practise.

Metric and Imperial Threaded Fittings Fit Both

Threaded PVC fittings work in metric and imperial pressure pipe systems because they are essentially the same.

Fittings are always supplied referenced Imperial/Inch i.e. there is no such thing as a Metric/mm threaded fitting in pipework systems, enabling you to adapt from one system to another with ease.

We’ve clearly defined this by listing both the Metric and Imperial sizes in our plastic pipe fittings catalogue and on our website.

Imperial vs Metric Pipe - Outer Diameter Sizes

Where is U-PVC Pipework commonly used?

Our products can be used in a wide variety of basic applications, from simple garden water features to substantial projects in a variety of industries including:

Always Obtain Professional Advice

If you wish to know more then why not seek professional advice from our team of experienced experts? It is always better to be safe rather than sorry when it comes to pipe systems.

If you are still unsure whether you have the right system in place, or require some simple advice on your measurement requirements, give us a call today. Alternatively, you can reach us on our contact page or email us directly on [email protected]