IS 4985:2000 specifies requirements for unplasticized PVC (UPVC) pipes intended for potable water supply systems. It covers dimensions, physical and chemical properties, testing methods, and marking requirements to ensure safety, durability, and suitability for drinking water applications. This standard applies to manufacturers, suppliers, and engineers involved in the production, quality control, and installation of UPVC pipes for potable water and related agricultural uses.
Overview
IS 4985:2000 specifies requirements for unplasticized PVC (UPVC) pipes intended for potable water supply systems. It covers dimensions, physical and chemical properties, testing methods, and marking requirements to ensure safety, durability, and suitability for drinking water applications. This standard applies to manufacturers, suppliers, and engineers involved in the production, quality control, and installation of UPVC pipes for potable water and related agricultural uses.
Audience
Contents
Structure
IS 4985: Scope & Key Specifications
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| d | Nominal outside diameter |
| d₀ | Outside diameter at any point |
| dₘ | Mean outside diameter |
| dₘ,max / dₘ,min | Max/Min mean outside diameter |
| dᵢ | Mean inside socket diameter |
| e | Wall thickness at any point |
| eₘ | Mean wall thickness |
| eₘ,max / eₘ,min | Max/Min wall thickness |
| L | Overall length of pipe |
| Lₑ | Effective length of pipe |
| Pₙ | Nominal (working) pressure |
| f | Derating factor for application |
| fₜ | Derating factor for water temperature |
| ρ | Material density |
| σₕ | Hydrostatic stress |
| σ_d | Design stress |
| Nominal Outside Diameter (mm) | Mass of Falling Weight (kg) | Fall Height (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| ≤ 25 | 0.25 ±0.5% | 500 ±10 |
| 32 to 63 | 0.25 ±0.5% | 1000 - 2000 ±10 |
| 90 to 110 | 0.50 ±0.5% | 2000 ±10 |
| ≥ 125 | 1.00 ±0.5% | 2000 ±10 |
flowchart LR
A[PVC Pipes Scope] --> B[Dimensions & Tolerances]
A --> C[Classification by Diameter]
C --> D[Impact Test Parameters]
A --> E[Material & Mechanical
IS 4985 - Definitions & Key Specifications
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| dₙ | Nominal outside diameter |
| d₀ | Outside diameter at any point |
| dₘ | Mean outside diameter |
| dₘ, max | Maximum mean outside diameter |
| dₘ, min | Minimum mean outside diameter |
| dᵢ | Mean inside socket diameter |
| e | Wall thickness at any point |
| eₘ | Mean wall thickness |
| eₘ, max | Maximum wall thickness |
| eₘ, min | Minimum wall thickness |
| eₙ | Nominal wall thickness |
| L₀ | Overall length of pipe |
| Lₑ | Effective length of pipe |
| Lₛ | Minimum socket length |
| Pₙ | Nominal (working) pressure |
| fₐ | Derating/uprating factor |
| fₜ | Derating factor for temperature |
| ρ | Material density |
| σₕ | Hydrostatic stress |
| σ_d | Design stress |
| Nominal Outside Diameter (dₙ, mm) | Mass of Falling Weight (kg) | Fall Height (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 25 | 0.25 ± 0.5% | 500 ± 10 |
| 32 to 50 | 0.25 ± 0.5% | 1,000 ± 10 |
| 63 to 75 | 0.25 ± 0.5% | 2,000 ± 10 |
| 90 to 110 | 0.50 ± 0.5% | 2,000 ± 10 |
| 125 and above | 1.00 ± 0.5% | 2,000 ± 10 |
IS 4985 - Classification of PVC Pipes
| Class | Working Pressure (PN) at 27℃ |
|---|---|
| Class 1 | 0.25 MPa (2.5 kg/cm²) |
| Class 2 | 0.4 MPa (4.0 kg/cm²) |
| Class 3 | 0.6 MPa (6.0 kg/cm²) |
| Class 4 | 0.8 MPa (8.0 kg/cm²) |
| Class 5 | 1.0 MPa (10.0 kg/cm²) |
| Class 6 | 1.25 MPa (12.5 kg/cm²) |
| DN (mm) | Wall Thickness (mm) Example | Class 1 | Class 3 | Class 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | Min - Max | 1.1-1.5 | 1.7-2.1 | 2.8-4.0 |
| 110 | Min - Max | 1.6-2.0 | 3.7-4.3 | 7.5-8.7 |
| 200 | Min - Max | 2.9-3.4 | 6.8-7.7 | 13.6-15.7 |
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| (d_n) | Nominal outside diameter |
| (d) | Outside diameter at any point |
| (e) | Wall thickness at any point |
| (e_{min}), (e_{max}) | Min/Max wall thickness |
| (L) | Overall length of pipe |
| (PN) | Nominal (working) pressure |
IS 4985: Dimensions and Tolerances for uPVC Pipes
| Nominal Size DN | Socket Length L (mm) | Socket Internal Diameter at Mid-Point d (mm) Min | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 16.0 | 20.1 | 20.3 |
| 50 | 31.0 | 50.1 | 50.3 |
| 110 | 61.0 | 110.1 | 110.4 |
| 630 | 321.0 | 630.4 | 631.0 |
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Mean Outside Diameter | Per Table 1 (e.g., DN 50: 50.0-50.3 mm) |
| Outside Diameter at any point | Per Table 1 (e.g., DN 50: 49.4-50.6 mm) |
| Socket Length (L) | Per Table |
IS 4985: Material Requirements - Key Points
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| d | Nominal outside diameter |
| d₀ | Outside diameter at any point |
| dₘ | Mean outside diameter |
| dₘ,max | Maximum mean outside diameter |
| dₘ,min | Minimum mean outside diameter |
| dᵢ | Mean inside socket diameter |
| e | Wall thickness at any point |
| eₘ | Mean wall thickness |
| eₘ,max | Maximum wall thickness |
| eₘ,min | Minimum wall thickness |
| eₙ | Nominal wall thickness |
| L | Overall length of pipe |
| Lₑ | Effective length of pipe |
| Lₛ | Minimum socket length |
| Pₙ | Nominal (working) pressure |
| f | Derating/uprating factor |
| fₜ | Derating factor for water temp. |
| ρ | Material density |
| σₕ | Hydrostatic stress |
| σ_d | Design stress |
[ \sigma_d = \frac{P_n \times d_m}{
| Lot Size (pipes) | Sample Size (First/Second) | Acceptance Number | Rejection Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,000 | 5 / 5 | 0 / 1 | 2 / 2 |
| 1,001 to 3,000 | 8 / 8 | 0 / 1 | 2 / 2 |
| 3,001 to 10,000 | 13 / 13 | 0 / 1 | 2 / 2 |
| 10,001 and above | 20 / 20 | 0 / 3 | 3 / 4 |
For pipes with diameter >110 mm, sample sizes are reduced.
graph LR
A[Pipe End] --> B[Chamfer at 15°]
B --> C[Depth = 2/3 Wall Thickness]
C --> D[Proper Seal with Elastomeric Ring]
**Use IS 4985 Tables for sampling and chemical
IS 4985: Sockets and Jointing Key Specifications
| DN (mm) | Socket Length L (mm) | Mean Socket Internal Diameter d (mm) Min | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 16.0 | 20.1 | 20.3 |
| 25 | 19.0 | 25.1 | 25.3 |
| ... | ... | ... | ... |
| 630 | 321.0 | 630.4 | 631.0 |
[ L_s = 0.5 \times d_n + 6 \text{ mm} ]
where (d_n) = nominal outside diameter.
Must conform to Table 4 and Fig. 4 (not provided here).
Minimum Depth of Engagement (m):
[ m = \begin{cases}
50 \text{ mm} + 0.22 d_a, & d < 280 \text{ mm} \ 70 \text{ mm} + 0.15 d_a, & d \geq 280 \text{ mm} \end{cases} ]
(d_a) = outer diameter at any point.
Wall thickness at socket (including groove) ≥ minimum pipe wall thickness.
Joint pressure rating per Table 6 (not provided).
Types 1 to 6 as per IS 5382.
Manufacturer specifies ring type.
Test certificate recommended every 3 months.
Wall thickness for pipes based on safe working stress 8.6 MPa at 27°C.
Effective length and insertion length differ for plain-ended, solvent cement, and rubber jointed pipes (see Fig. 3).
IS 4985 - Marking of Pipes (Clause 13)
Marking Interval:
Every pipe must be marked at intervals ≤ 3 meters.
Marking Method:
Ink/paint or hot embossing on a white base; alternatively, inkjet printing in contrasting color.
Information to Mark:
Colour Coding by Pipe Class (Clause 13.1.1):
| Class of Pipe | Colour |
|---|---|
| Class 1 | Red |
| Class 2 | Blue |
| Class 3 | Green |
| Class 4 | Brown |
| Class 5 | Yellow |
| Class 6 | Black |
Markings ensure easy identification of pipe specifications and quality control. Colour coding aids quick visual classification on site.
flowchart LR
A[Pipe] --> B{Marking Interval ≤ 3m}
B --> C[Manufacturer's Name/Trade-mark]
B --> D[Outside Diameter]
B --> E[Class & Pressure Rating]
B --> F[Batch/Lot Number]
B --> G["Plumbing" (if applicable)]
B --> H[Colour Code by Class]
B --> I[Standard Mark (optional)]
IS 4985: Sampling and Testing Key Points
| Test Type | Lot Size (Number of Pipes) | Sample Number (1st/2nd) | Sample Size (Cumulative) | Acceptance Number | Rejection Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visual & Dimensional (Clause 1.4.1, Table 13) | Up to 1,000 | 13 / 13 | 13 / 26 | 0 / 1 | 2 / 2 |
| 1,001 to 3,000 | 20 / 20 | 20 / 40 | 0 / 1 | 2 / 2 | |
| 3,001 to 10,000 | 32 / 32 | 32 / 64 | 0 / 3 | 2 / 4 | |
| 10,001 and above | 50 / 50 | 50 / 100 | 1 / 4 | 4 / 5 | |
| Reversion, Vicat Softening Temp., Density (Clause 1.6, Table 14) | Up to 1,000 | 5 / 5 | 5 / 10 | 0 / 1 | 2 / 2 |
| 1,001 to 3,000 | 8 / 8 | 8 / 16 | 0 / 1 | 2 / 2 | |
| 3,001 to 10,000 | 13 / 13 | 13 / 26 | 0 / 1 | 2 / 2 | |
| 10,001 and above | 20 / 20 | 20 / 40 | 0 / 3 | 3 / 4 | |
| Sulphated Ash Content (Clause D-1.8, Table 15) | Up to 10,000 | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 | 0 / 1 | 1 / 1 |
| Above 10, |
IS 4985: Type Tests Summary
Type tests validate new pipe compositions or sizes, ensuring performance per IS 4985 requirements.
When to conduct:
Samples:
Relevant Clauses:
| Test Type | Purpose | Reference Clause/Table |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Hydrostatic Pressure | Verify pipe withstands pressure | Clause 2.1.3, Table 6 |
| Tensile Strength | Mechanical strength check | Table 7 |
| Impact Resistance | Durability against shock | Table 7 |
| Dimensional Checks | Verify pipe size & tolerance | Table 6 |
[ P = \frac{2 \times \sigma_t \times t}{D} ]
Where:
flowchart TD
A[Change in Polymer or Size] --> B[Select 3 Samples]
B --> C[Perform Type Tests]
C --> D[Internal Hydrostatic Pressure Test]
C --> E[Tensile Strength Test]
C --> F[Impact Resistance Test]
C --> G[Dimensional Checks]
D & E & F & G --> H[Compliance Verification]
Note: Refer IS 4985 Tables 6 & 7 for detailed test parameters and acceptance criteria.
IS 4985 Acceptance Tests for Steel Tubes
Internal Hydrostatic Pressure Test (Clause 1.10):
Tensile Strength Test (Clauses 2.20 & 1.16):
Acceptance Tests (Clause 3.20.2):
| Test Type | Test Parameter | Value | Clause Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Hydrostatic Test | Test Pressure | 1.5 × PN (MPa) | 1.10 |
| Tensile Strength Test | Minimum Tensile Strength | 2.20 × PN or 1.16 × PN | 2.20, 1.16 |
| Lot Acceptance | Sampling & Testing | As per Clause 3.20.2 | 3.20.2 |
flowchart TD
A[Lot of Tubes] --> B[Sample Selection]
B --> C{Acceptance Tests}
C --> D[Dimensional Checks]
C --> E[Mechanical Tests (Tensile)]
C --> F[Hydrostatic Pressure Test]
D --> G{Pass?}
E --> G
F --> G
G -->|Yes| H[Accept Lot]
G -->|No| I[Reject Lot]
Note: Always refer to the specific clauses for detailed test procedures and acceptance criteria.
IS 4985 - Inspection & Quality Control Key Points
| Lot Size (pipes) | Sample No. | Sample Size | Cumulative Sample | Acceptance No. | Rejection No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,000 | 1st | 13 | 13 | 0 | 2 |
| 2nd | 13 | 26 | 1 | 2 | |
| 1,001 to 3,000 | 1st | 20 | 20 | 0 | 2 |
| 2nd | 20 | 40 | 1 | 2 | |
| 3,001 to 10,000 | 1st | 32 | 32 | 0 | 3 |
| 2nd | 32 | 64 | 3 | 4 | |
| 10,001 and above | 1st | 50 | 50 | 1 | 4 |
| 2nd | 50 | 100 | 4 | 5 |
| Lot Size (pipes) | Sample No. | Sample Size | Cumulative Sample | Acceptance No. | Rejection No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 10,000 | 1st | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| 2nd | 2 | 4 |
1. Conditioning Period (Table 12, Clause C-7 A):
| Wall Thickness (mm) | Conditioning Period (minutes) |
|---|---|
| Liquid Bath | |
| up to 8.6 | 15 |
| 8.6 to 14.1 | 30 |
| above 14.1 | 60 |
2. Acceptance Sampling for Quality Tests (Tables 14 & 15):
| Lot Size | Sample Size (First) | Acceptance | Rejection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,000 | 5 | 0 failures | 2 failures |
| 1,001 to 3,000 | 8 | 0 | 2 |
| 10,001+ | 20 | 0 | 3 |
3. Test Evaluation - Number of Blows & Failures (Table 11, Clause C-6.5):
This ensures proper handling, conditioning, and quality acceptance during packaging and storage of IS 4985 pipes.
IS 4985 - List of Referenced Indian Standards (Annex A, Clause 2):
This standard references key IS codes related to PVC pipes and materials testing:
| IS No. | Title |
|---|---|
| 4669 : 1968 | Methods of test for poly vinyl chloride resins |
| 4905 : 1968 | Methods for random sampling |
| 5382 : 1985 | Rubber sealing rings for gas mains, water mains and sewers |
| 6307 : 1985 | Specification for rigid PVC sheets |
| 10148 : 1982 | Positive list of constituents of PVC resins safe for food, pharmaceuticals, drinking water |
| 10151 : 1982 | Specification for PVC and copolymers safe for food, pharmaceuticals, drinking water |
| 12231 : 1987 | Specifications for UPVC pipes for agricultural pump suction and delivery lines |
| 12235 (Parts 1-11) | Methods of test for unplasticized PVC pipes for potable water supplies |
| 12818 : 1992 | Unplasticized PVC screen and casing pipes for bore/tube wells |
| 13360 (Part 3)/Sec 1 : 1995 | Plastics - Methods of testing: Physical and dimensional properties, density determination |
Sulphated Ash Content Test (Clause 10.7):
Calcination with sulfuric acid followed by heating at 850°C until constant mass.
Rounding Off (IS 2:1960):
Test results must be rounded to the same decimal places as specified values.
BIS Certification Mark (Clause 13.2.2):
Use governed by BIS Act 1986; license details available from BIS.
graph TD
A[IS 4985] --> B[PVC Resin Testing - IS 4669]
A --> C[PVC Pipe Testing - IS 12235]
A --> D[Rubber Sealing Rings - IS 5382]
A --> E[UPVC Pipes for Agriculture - IS 12231]
A --> F[Safety for Food Contact - IS 10148/10151]
A --> G
IS 4985: Key Test Methods - Formulas, Tables & Specifications
Table 14: Sampling for Reversion, Vicat Softening Temp., and Density Tests
| Lot Size (No. of Pipes) | Sample No. | Sample Size | Cumulative Size | Acceptance | Rejection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,000 | 1st | 5 | 5 | 0 | 2 |
| 2nd | 5 | 10 | 1 | 2 | |
| 1,001 to 3,000 | 1st | 8 | 8 | 0 | 2 |
| 2nd | 8 | 16 | 1 | 2 | |
| 3,001 to 10,000 | 1st | 13 | 13 | 0 | 2 |
| 2nd | 13 | 26 | 1 | 2 | |
| 10,001 and above | 1st | 20 | 20 | 0 | 3 |
| 2nd | 20 | 40 | 3 | 4 |
For pipes diameter (d) > 110 mm, reduced sample sizes apply.
Table 15:
| Lot Size (No. of Pipes) | Sample No. | Sample Size | Cumulative Size | Acceptance | Rejection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 10,000 | 1st | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| 2nd | 2 | 4 | 1 | 1 | |
| Above 10,000 | 1st | 3 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| 2nd |
Frequently Asked
IS 4985 specifies dimensional tolerances for UPVC pipes primarily in Table 1 (Clause 7 and related amendments). Key points:
| Parameter | Tolerance Range |
|---|---|
| Outside Diameter | ±0.5% to ±1% of nominal OD |
| Wall Thickness | ±10% of nominal thickness |
| Length | ±1% of nominal length |
These tolerances ensure pipes meet pressure class requirements (0.25 to 0.80 MPa) and fit with solvent cement or elastomeric sealing ring joints.
For exact values, refer to Table 1 of IS 4985 and related amendments.
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IS 4985 ensures chemical safety of UPVC pipes for potable water through:
This comprehensive approach aligns with ISO 4422, ensuring pipes do not leach harmful chemicals into potable water, maintaining public health safety.
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IS 4985 Testing Procedures for Pipe Performance and Durability
Type Tests (Clause 2.1):
Effect on Water Test (Clause 2.1.2):
Hydrostatic Pressure Test (Clause 11.1, Table 6):
| Test Type | Temperature (°C) | Duration (hours) | Pressure (MPa) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type Test | 60 | 1000 | 1.16 × PN |
| Acceptance Test | 27 | 1 | 4.19 × PN |
These tests ensure pipe durability, pressure resistance, and safety before approval and use.
According to IS 4985, pipes must be clearly and indelibly marked at intervals not exceeding 3 meters with the following information:
Marking details:
This ensures traceability, size identification, and pressure class visibility for safe and compliant use.
According to IS 4985:2000 Clause 6.1, UPVC pipes for potable water must be made substantially of unplasticized polyvinyl chloride with only additives permitted by IS 10148. These additives:
Recycled or reworked materials are not explicitly permitted if they compromise these requirements. The standard emphasizes sound, durable pipes with good surface finish and mechanical integrity.
This ensures safety and durability for potable water applications.
IS 4985 Pressure and Temperature Ratings for Pipes:
| Class | Working Pressure (PN) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.25 MPa |
| 2 | 0.4 MPa |
| 3 | 0.6 MPa |
| 4 | 0.8 MPa |
| 5 | 1.0 MPa |
| 6 | 1.25 MPa |
| Test Type | Temp (°C) | Duration (h) | Test Pressure (MPa) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type Test | 60 | 1000 | 1.16 × PN |
| Acceptance Test | 27 | 1 | 4.19 × PN |
Summary:
Use pipes within 1–45°C; working pressure depends on class (0.25 to 1.25 MPa at 27°C). Adjust pressure for temperature >27°C. Hydrostatic tests ensure pipe integrity at elevated pressures and durations.
Design of Socket Ends (IS 4985 - Clause 7.2.1.2):
Dimensions: Sockets must follow Table 4 and Fig. 4.
Wall Thickness: Minimum wall thickness (including ring groove and neck e3) ≥ minimum wall thickness of the plain pipe (Table 1).
Inside Diameter (d): Measured at mid-depth of engagement (m).
Minimum Depth of Engagement (m):
Groove Diameter: Must ensure joint meets pressure rating (Table 6).
Parallelism: Socket ends must be reasonably parallel to pipe axis (Clause 7.2.1).
Testing for Joint Integrity (Clause 4.19, Table 7):
| Diameter Range | Test Type | Temp (°C) | Duration (h) | Min Test Pressure (MPa) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| d < 90 mm | Acceptance | 27 | 1 | 2.88 × PN |
| Type | 27 | 1000 | 2.20 × PN | |
| d ≥ 90 mm | Acceptance | 27 | 1 | 3.60 × PN |
| Type | 27 | 1000 | 2.74 × PN |
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