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While pipe sizes in Australia are inch-based, they are classified by outside rather than inside diameter (e.g., a nominal 3 ⁄ 4 inch copper pipe in Australia has measured diameters of 0.750 inches outside and 0.638 inches inside, whereas a nominal 3 ⁄ 4 inch copper pipe in the U.S. and Canada has measured diameters of 0.875 inch outside and ...
Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) is a North American set of standard sizes for pipes used for high or low pressures and temperatures. [1] " Nominal" refers to pipe in non-specific terms and identifies the diameter of the hole with a non-dimensional number (for example – 2-inch nominal steel pipe" consists of many varieties of steel pipe with the only criterion being a 2.375-inch (60.3 mm) outside ...
For pipe sizes of NPS 14 inch (DN 350) and greater the NPS size is the actual diameter in inches and the DN size is equal to NPS times 25 (not 25.4) rounded to a convenient multiple of 50. For example, NPS 14 has an OD of 14 inches or 355.60 millimetres, and is equivalent to DN 350.
Fittings allow multiple pipes to be connected to cover longer distances, increase or decrease the size of the pipe or tube, or extend a network by branching, and make possible more complex systems than could be achieved with only individual pipes. Valves are specialized fittings that permit regulating the flow of fluid within a plumbing system.
Nominal Pipe Size is used for the outside diameter of pipes. Below NPS14, the NPS number is not consistent with the pipe diameter in inches. Copper tubing, however, is measured in nominal size, 1 ⁄ 8 inch less than the outside diameter. The Schedule system is used for standard pipe thicknesses.
The difference between pipes and tubes is a matter of sizing. For instance, PVC pipe for plumbing applications and galvanized steel pipe are measured in iron pipe size (IPS). Copper tube, CPVC, PeX and other tubing is measured nominally, basically an average diameter. These sizing schemes allow for universal adaptation of transitional fittings.
The iron pipe size standard came into being early in the 19th century and remained in effect until after World War II. The IPS system was primarily used in the United States and the United Kingdom. In the 1920s, the Copper Tube Size (CTS) standard was combined with the IPS standard.
Copper pipe in the US at least, comes in different thickesses, and the outside diameter is based on the nominal size plus 1/8". That is, 1/2" copper plumbing pipe (not refrigeration tubing) is exactly 5/8" outside diameter. There is also standard for PVC pipe below schedule 40, for irrigation use called PS125 or something like that.