OK, Let's define terms here. If you are seeing PVC pipe only rated for
125psi it is thin-wall irrigation pipe and is illegal (most places) to
even use it for water inside a building.
Schedule 40 pvc pipe in the sizes (1/2"-3/4") used for home shop air is
rated at over 400 psi.
If I were piping for air I would use Schedule 80 which is twice as thick
as schedule 40 and can handle much more pressure.
Now I am NOT recomending using PVC, I am just saying that the RIGHT pipe
if not defective, PROPERLY installed will handle the pressures of a home
shop air system.
Note I say "if not defective". I say this because I am seeing more and
more products that are not made well. Before you use any "Life-Safety"
issue product, inspect it. Even black pipe will blow if it has a bad
seam. Look over what you are doing and if there is any doubt don't do
it. This includes engine stands, and lifts, and jacks, and brake parts.
All it takes is one dips*it worker hung over, or high on wacky weed, to
improperly crimp a brake line and one of us could be dead.
One big caveat about PVC, it hates heat, so don't tie it directly to the
compressor or use it where it will be exposed to more than room
temperature. I have seen where plumbers have tied it to the cold inlet
on a water heater and it has gotten hot enough to fail on 40 psi water
pressure.
Pete wrote:
>
> OK I've watched this thread long enough.
>
> DO NOT USE PVC.
>
> I say this because my best employee and very good friend lost his eyesight
> in one eye after over pressurizing a pvc line. Simple mistake that someone
> made and we didn't catch it before it happened. Sure you will see it rated
> at 125 psi and yes I have put 200 psi on a stretch once, but the bottom line
> is that this is not what it is made for and the manufactures will not stand
> behind it and insurance companies won't protect you from product liabilities
> outside of the intended useage. It is a serious matter not worth loosing
> your eyesight over a few dollars. I'm not rich, in fact my employees made
> more than me this year but the point is to spend the extra money for at
> least black pipe which is rated at a minimum of 400 psi. I have 1" black
> pipe in our small fabrication shop with the proper drip traps / oilers /
> water traps etc. It cost me about 1200.00 for a two stage compressor, pipe
> and all drip traps / oilers / water traps and connections for four locations
> in a 3000 sqft shop.
>
> It cost my best friend his 1/2 his eyesight to save 300 dollars.
>
> Pete
--
John Dorsey
Wauchula FL
http://www.strato.net/~jrdorsey
'49 3800 Chevy Panel
'52 640 GMC Firetruck
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