ASTM A795

ASTM A795 is a widely recognized standard for steel pipes used in fire protection systems. Designed for reliability and efficiency, these pipes are essential for water-based fire sprinkler systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. With various options such as ASTM A795 Type E Grade A, ASTM A795 Schedule 10, and ASTM A795 Schedule 40, this specification caters to diverse fire safety needs.

What Is ASTM A795?

ASTM A795 fire sprinkler pipe is a specialized carbon steel pipe designed exclusively for fire sprinkler systems. Developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), this international standards organization creates and publishes voluntary consensus standards that address a broad range of materials, products, systems, and services. ASTM A795 outlines the specifications for black and hot-dip galvanized welded and seamless steel pipes, ranging from sizes NPS 1/2 to NPS 10, with wall thicknesses detailed in its standard tables.They are available in ASTM A795 Type E Grade A and other variations to meet specific performance standards.When comparing ASTM A795 vs A53, the former is specialized for fire protection, while A53 pipes are more general-purpose. This makes ASTM A795 the preferred choice for sprinkler systems.

ASTM A795 Grade B

ASTM A795 Grade B is a type of steel grade that is commonly used for sprinkler pipes. This steel grade is available in both seamless and welded varieties. The seamless variety is manufactured using an extrusion process, while the welded variety is made using a welding process. Both types of pipe are strong and durable, making them ideal for use in a variety of applications. ASTM A795 Grade B pipe is typically used in high-pressure applications, such as sprinkler systems. This steel grade is also often used in other applications, such as in water treatment facilities and industrial piping systems.

Dimensions and sizes of astm a795 pipe

TABLE 1 Dimensions, Weights, and Test Pressure for Light-Weight Fire Protection ASTM A795 Pipe—Schedule 10A
NPS Designator	Outside Diameter		Nominal Wall Thickness		Weight Plain End		Test Pressure
							Furnace-Welded		Seamless and Electric-Resistance-Welded
	in.	mm	in.	mm	lb/ft	kg/m	psi	MPa	psi	MPa
3/4	1.05	(26.7)	0.083	(2.11)	0.86	(1.280)	500	(3.45)	700	(4.83)
1	1.315	(33.4)	0.109	(2.77)	1.41	(2.090)	500	(3.45)	700	(4.83)
1.25	1.66	(42.2)	0.109	(2.77)	1.81	(2.690)	500	(3.45)	1000	(6.89)
1 1/2	1.9	(48.3)	0.109	(2.77)	2.09	(3.110)	500	(3.45)	1000	(6.89)
2	2.38	(60.3)	0.109	(2.77)	2.64	(3.930)	500	(3.45)	1000	(6.89)
2 1/2	2.88	(73.0)	0.12	(3.05)	3.53	(5.260)	500	(3.45)	1000	(6.89)
3	3.5	(88.9)	0.12	(3.05)	4.34	(6.460)	500	(3.45)	1000	(6.89)
3 1/2	4	(101.6)	0.12	(3.05)	4.98	(7.410)	500	(3.45)	1200	(8.27)
4	4.5	(114.3)	0.12	(3.05)	5.62	(8.370)	500	(3.45)	1200	(8.27)
5	5.56	(141.3)	0.134	(3.40)	7.78	(11.580)	B	B	1200	(8.27)
6	6.63	(168.3)	0.134	(3.40)	9.3	(13.850)	B	B	1000	(5.51)
8	8.63	(219.1)	0.188C	(4.78)	16.96	(25.260)	B	B	800	(4.83)
10	10.75	(273.1)	0.188C	(4.78)	21.23	(31.620)	B	B	700	(6.89)
A：Schedule 10 corresponds to Schedule 10S as listed in ANSI B 36.19 for NPS 3⁄4 through 6 only.
B：Furnace-welded pipe is not made in sizes larger than NPS 4.
C：Not Schedule 10.

TABLE 2 Dimensions, Weights, Test Pressures for Standard-Weight Fire Protection ASTM A795 Pipe—Schedule 30 and Schedule 40
NPS Designator	Outside Diameter		Nominal Wall Thickness		Weight Plain End		Test Pressure
							Furnace-Welded		Seamless and Electric-Resistance-Welded
	in.	mm	in.	mm	lb/ft	kg/m	psi	MPa	psi	MPa
1/2	0.84	(21.3)	0.109	(2.77)	0.85	(1.270)	700	(4.83)	700	(4.83)
3/4	1.05	(26.7)	0.113	(2.87)	1.13	(1.690)	700	(4.83)	700	(4.83)
1	1.32	(33.4)	0.133	(3.38)	0.68	(2.500)	700	(4.83)	700	(4.83)
1  1/4	1.66	(42.2)	0.14	(3.56)	2.27	(3.390)	1000	(6.89)	1000	(6.89)
1 1/2	1.9	(48.3)	0.145	(3.68)	2.72	(4.050)	1000	(6.89)	1000	(6.89)
2	2.38	(60.3)	0.154	(3.91)	3.66	(5.450)	1000	(6.89)	1000	(6.89)
2 1/2	2.88	(73.0)	0.203	(5.16)	5.8	(8.640)	1000	(6.89)	1000	(6.89)
3	3.5	(88.9)	0.216	(5.49)	7.58	(11.290)	1000	(6.89)	1000	(6.89)
3 1/2	4	(101.6)	0.226	(5.74)	9.12	(13.580)	1200	(8.27)	1200	(8.27)
4	4.5	(114.3)	0.237	(6.02)	10.8	(16.090)	1200	(8.27)	1200	(8.27)
5	5.56	(141.3)	0.258	(6.55)	14.63	(21.790)	C	C	1200	(8.27)
6	6.63	(168.3)	0.28	(7.11)	18.99	(28.290)	C	C	1200	(8.27)
8	8.63	(219.1)	0.277A	(7.04)	24.72	(36.820)	C	C	1200	(8.27)
10	10.75	(273.1)	0.307A	(7.80)	34.27	(51.050)	C	C	1000	(6.89)
A：NPS 1⁄2 through 6—Schedule 40; NPS 8 and 10—Schedule 30.
B：Based on 20-ft (6.1-m) lengths.
C：Furnace-welded pipe is  not made in sizes larger than NPS 4.

Chemical composition of astm a795 pipe

The ASTM A795 standard mandates hydrostatic testing to ensure the pipe wall is leak-free. This applies to plain-end, threaded, and coupled pipes. Pipes must meet specified chemical composition requirements, verified through analysis in line with Test Methods A 751. For every 500 pipes, two are analyzed, and if any fail, additional tests on double the number of pipes from the same lot are required. These procedures ensure that all pipes meet ASTM A795's quality and safety standards.

Chemical Requirements
Si	C	Mn	P	S
Type E (Electric-Resistance-Welded Pipe) & Type S (Seamless Pipe)
Open-Health Electric-Furnace or Basic-Oxygen
Grade A	0.25	0.95	0.035	0.035
Grade B	0.3	1.2	0.035	0.035

Key Features of ASTM A795 Pipes

Material and Grades

ASTM A795 Material includes high-quality steel with excellent mechanical properties.
Available in Type E (electric-resistance-welded) and Type S (seamless).
Grade A is the most common and reliable option, suitable for fire sprinkler applications.

Schedule Options

ASTM A795 Schedule 10: Lightweight with thinner walls, ideal for low-pressure systems.
ASTM A795 Schedule 40: Thicker walls for higher-pressure requirements, offering enhanced durability.

Coatings and Finishes

Black Pipes: Commonly used in dry systems with minimal corrosion risks.
Galvanized Pipes: Zinc-coated for corrosion resistance, perfect for wet systems.

Compatibility with Other Standards

Pipes can meet multiple standards, such as ASTM A795 A135 A53, providing versatility for various projects.

Test Requirements for ASTM A795 Pipes

Hydrostatic Test

ASTM A795 requires each pipe to undergo a hydrostatic test to check for leaks. This test applies to pipes with plain ends, threads, or couplings, ensuring that all lengths in a batch are tested for quality. The minimum test pressure is specified in the Dimension & Size Table.

Nondestructive Electric Test (NDT)

NDT is an alternative to the hydrostatic test for black and galvanized steel pipes. This method uses electrical current to detect material defects without damaging the pipe. It’s faster and more effective at finding weld defects, making it increasingly popular in the fire sprinkler industry. Pipes must pass NDT before being used in systems.

Flattening Test

The flattening test checks pipe quality by flattening a specimen between two plates. The weld's ductility is tested, and cracks or breaks before the plates are within specific distances indicate a failure. The test ensures the weld's strength and soundness. If defects are found, the pipe must be repaired or discarded.

Applications of ASTM A795 Pipes

ASTM A795 pipes are designed specifically for fire protection systems, including sprinklers and standpipes. The use of ASTM A795 Type E pipes ensures cost-effective and durable solutions for water flow in these critical systems. Additionally, ASTM A795 Schedule 10 pipes are commonly used in low-pressure systems, while Schedule 40 options cater to more demanding conditions.These pipes are also utilized in some low-pressure water distribution systems and light structural applications, adding to their versatility.

Fire Protection System: ASTM A795 steel tubes can withstand high pressure water flow and corrosive media to ensure the normal operation of the fire protection system.
Oil and Gas transportation: ASTM A795 steel tubes are quickly and reliably connected to a variety of equipment, responsible for the safe transportation of oil and gas.
Chemical and Pharmaceutical: ASTM A795 steel pipe has excellent corrosion resistance and sealing properties. It can resist the erosion of chemical substances and ensure the safe operation of the pipeline system.

Coating of ASTM A795 Pipes

ASTM A795 fire sprinkler pipes must be galvanized on both the inside and outside to protect against corrosion. The zinc coating should be free of uncoated spots, blisters, flux, or excessive dross. Any lumps or heavy zinc deposits that could affect the pipe's function are not allowed. The pipe must meet high-quality standards due to its crucial role in fire safety systems.

When coated with zinc, the pipe requires a minimum coating weight of 1.5 oz/ft² (0.46 kg/m²), typically achieved through hot-dip galvanizing. This process dips the steel into molten zinc, forming a durable corrosion-resistant layer. The coating's thickness is vital for the pipe’s fire resistance, with ASTM A795 specifying a minimum of 1.3 oz/ft² (0.40 kg/m²).

To meet buyer requirements, fire sprinkler pipes can also be coated with oil, lacquer, enamel, or other materials. The pipe is cleaned and dried before applying the coating. This step ensures that the pipe adheres to necessary standards for quality and performance.

Advantages of Using ASTM A795 Pipes

Optimized for Fire Safety
Designed specifically for fire protection, ASTM A795 ensures reliable performance under critical conditions.

Corrosion Resistance
Galvanized pipes offer long-lasting protection against rust, making them suitable for wet fire sprinkler systems.

Lightweight and Easy to Install
ASTM A795 Schedule 10 pipes are lightweight, simplifying transportation and installation.

Versatile Standards
Compliance with standards like ASTM A795 A135 A53 ensures these pipes meet various project requirements.

Strength and Durability
ASTM A795 Schedule 40 pipes provide the toughness needed for high-pressure systems, ensuring long-term reliability.

ASTM A795 vs A53: Which One to Choose?

While both ASTM A795 and A53 pipes are steel, their applications differ significantly:
ASTM A795: Focused on fire protection systems, featuring lightweight options like Schedule 10 for easier installation.
A53: A general-purpose pipe standard used in multiple industries, but not optimized for fire safety.
For fire protection systems, ASTM A795 Schedule 10 or Schedule 40 pipes offer better suitability and compliance with sprinkler system requirements.

Maintenance and Longevity of ASTM A795

To ensure the longevity of ASTM A795 pipes:
Inspect regularly for corrosion, particularly in wet systems using galvanized pipes.
Flush systems periodically to prevent blockages.

Use compatible fittings to avoid leaks and maintain system integrity.

Conclusion

ASTM A795 pipes, including options like ASTM A795 Type E Grade A, ASTM A795 Schedule 10, and ASTM A795 Schedule 40, are indispensable in modern fire protection systems. Their specialized design, durability, and compliance with multiple standards make them the preferred choice for sprinkler systems worldwide.Whether comparing ASTM A795 vs A53 or exploring materials like ASTM A795 A135 A53, these pipes consistently prove their value in safety and performance. Selecting ASTM A795 ensures a reliable and effective solution for fire protection and water distribution needs.