Overview
EN ISO 15875-2:2025 - "Plastics piping systems for hot and cold water installations - Crosslinked polyethylene (PE‑X) - Part 2: Pipes" – is the CEN-adopted ISO standard that specifies requirements and test parameters for PE‑X pipes used in domestic water and heating systems inside buildings. It covers pipes with and without barrier layers and applies to water conveyed for human consumption or other building services, under the design pressures and temperatures defined by the application classes (see ISO 15875-1:2025, Table 1).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Material specification: Composition and characterization of crosslinked polyethylene (PE‑X) pipe material, including evaluation of long-term stress/strength (σ‑curves) and reference lines.
- Barrier layers: Rules for pipes with thin barrier layers, including thermal stability requirements for barrier, adhesive and outer layers and dedicated test procedures (see normative Annex C).
- Geometrical and physical properties: Outside diameter, wall thickness tolerances, opacity, oxygen permeability and pipe construction options (dimensional integration or barrier on top).
- Mechanical and performance requirements: Mechanical characteristics, physical and chemical resistance, and performance under application class design pressures and temperatures.
- Test parameters: Specifies parameters for referenced test methods (interchangeability and completeness of tests); includes derivation of S-values and related calculations (Annex B).
- Marking and traceability: Minimum marking requirements for product identification and conformity.
- Documentation updates: Technical revision from previous editions - updated normative references, new Clause 4 (generic requirements), and added 110 °C reference curve formula and reference lines.
Practical applications
- Design and specification of in‑building hot and cold water piping systems (domestic water and heating).
- Selection and quality control of PE‑X pipes by manufacturers and testing laboratories.
- Regulatory and compliance checks for building services and potable water systems.
- Guidance for product development where barrier layers are used to reduce gas or contaminant ingress.
Who should use this standard
- Pipe manufacturers and material suppliers (product design, testing, production control)
- Consulting and design engineers specifying piping for buildings
- Plumbing and HVAC contractors for product selection and installation compatibility
- Testing laboratories and certification bodies performing conformity assessment
- Regulators and building authorities assessing compliance with European standards
Related standards
Keywords: EN ISO 15875-2:2025, PE‑X pipes, crosslinked polyethylene, plastics piping systems, hot and cold water installations, barrier layer, test parameters, ISO 15875 series.
