This document specifies the characteristics of pipes made from polyethylene (PE) for buried and above ground applications, intended for the conveyance of water for human consumption, raw water prior to treatment, drains and sewers under pressure, vacuum sewer systems, and water for other purposes, with the exception of industrial application.
NOTE 1 For PE components intended for the conveyance of water for human consumption and raw water prior to treatment, attention is drawn to 6.3 of this document. Components manufactured for water for general purposes, drains and sewers, and vacuum sewer systems are possibly not suitable for water supply for human consumption.
NOTE 2 Industrial application is covered by EN ISO 15494 [4].
The intended uses include sea outfalls, laid in water and pipes suspended below bridges.
For use in contaminated soils special consideration is taken for pipes intended for the transport of water intended for human consumption or raw water prior to treatment.
NOTE 3 Pipes constructions including barrier layers are not covered by this document. ISO 21004 provides an alternative solution for use in contaminated soils [10].
It also specifies the test parameters for the test methods referred to in this document.
In conjunction with EN 12201-1, EN 12201-3, EN 12201-4 and EN 12201-5, this document is applicable to PE pipes, fitting and valves, their joints and joints with components of PE and other materials intended to be used under the following conditions:
a) allowable operating pressure, PFA, up to 25 bar ;
b) an operating temperature of 20 °C as a reference temperature.
NOTE 4 For applications operating at constant temperatures greater than 20 °C and up to and including 50 °C, see EN 12201-1:2024, Annex A.
The EN 12201 series covers a range of allowable operating pressures and gives requirements concerning colours.
This document is applicable to three types of pipes:
— PE pipes (outside diameter dn) including any identification stripes;
— PE pipes with co-extruded layers on either or both the outside and/or inside of the pipe (total outside diameter dn) as specified in Annex B, where all PE layers have the same MRS rating;
— PE pipes (outside diameter dn) with a peelable and contiguous thermoplastics additional layer on the outside of the pipe (“coated pipe”) as specified in Annex C.
NOTE 5 It is the responsibility of the purchaser or specifier to make the appropriate selections from these aspects, taking into account their particular requirements and any relevant national guidance or regulations and installation practices or codes.
NOTE 6 Assessment of the resistance to slow crack growth of the PE pipe compound used for the manufacture of products conforming to this document is required in accordance with EN 12201-1:2024, Table 2.