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What’s the Difference Between PEX A, B, and C Valves?

Tag Archive: PEX valve

  1. What’s the Difference Between PEX A, B, and C Valves?

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    PEX valves refer to valves designed to connect with tubing and piping made from cross-linked polyethylene (PEX). The main difference between them and regular valves is how the connections are made; PEX valves connect to PEX tubing and piping without the use of transition adapters. Other than this distinction, the two are highly similar, making them suitable for many of the same applications. Typical uses for PEX valves include shut-off, maintenance, and repair operations.

    The type of polyethylene used for PEX valve tubing and piping is cross linked polyethylene. It has tightly packed polymers, which results in some characteristics that are very good for plumbing and hyfronic applications. The cross-linking process enhances or adds certain properties that make the material better suited for plumbing components. It can be performed in three ways: A, B, and C. Each involves distinct techniques and/or technologies, which results in different material characteristics. Below, we highlight the differences between the three types of PEX production methods.

    PEX A vs. PEX B vs. PEX C Valve Tubing/Piping Material

    PEX tubing and piping components are available in three main varieties: PEX A, PEX B, and PEX C. While this naming convention may seem like the products are graded from best to worst, it actually refers to how their materials are made.

    • PEX A: These materials are cross-linked using the Engel process, which involves the introduction of peroxides to the HDPE before it is formed. The addition of the compounds allows for more bonding at the atomic level, resulting in the highest degree of cross-linking. The processed material offers the greatest flexibility and kink resistance of all PEX materials.
    • PEX B: These materials are cross-linked using the silane process, which is also commonly referred to as steam or moisture cross-linking. This process is performed on the HDPE material after it has been formed. By passing the formed component through steam in the presence of a silane-based catalyst, the polymers are encouraged to form cross-links. The processed material is not expandable and the least resistant to kinks.
    • PEX C: These materials are not as common as PEX A and PEX B. The cross-linking process involves subjecting the HDPE material to an electron beam or gamma radiation.

    In addition to their unique characteristics, PEX A, PEX B, and PEX C have some shared properties. For example:

    • They exhibit enough flexibility for use in plumbing components.
    • They offer resistance to corrosion.
    • They meet ASTM standards.
    • They accommodate use in potable water applications (if NSF-certified).

    PEX Valve Connection Types

    PEX valves can have a variety of connection types. Each has unique instructions on how the valve must be connected to the tubing or piping.

    PEX valves from RED-WHITE VALVE CORP. are available with the following connection types:

    5004ABF-1807

    PEX F1807 valve connections are manufactured according to the ASTM F1807 standard. Proper installation of these valves requires an appropriate crimp ring and PEX tube/pipe. The installation process is as follows:

    1. The crimp ring is slid over the end of the tubing/piping.
    2. If installing a tailpiece, the union nut is mounted over the tailpiece before it is connected to the tube/pipe.
    3. The valve is pushed into the end of the tubing/piping until it stops.
    4. The crimp ring is positioned 1/8 to 1/4 inch away from the end of the tubing/piping and over the ribs of the valve.
    5. The crimp ring is crimped using a crimping tool.
    6. The crimp is checked using a gauge.

    5014ABF-1960

    PEX F1960 valve connections are manufactured according to the ASTM F1960 standard. Proper installation of these valves requires an appropriate ring and PEX tube/pipe. The installation process is as follows:

    1. The ring is slid onto the PEX tube/pipe.
    2. If installing a tailpiece, the union nut is mounted over the tailpiece before it is connected to the tube/pipe.
    3. The PEX tubing/piping and ring are expanded using an expander tool.
    4. The expanded assembly is inserted onto the PEX valve.

    5414ABEVERLOC+

    REAHU Everloc+® valve connections are manufactured according to the REHAU EVERLOC+® patented system. Proper installation of valves with EVERLOC+® compression-sleeve connections requires EVERLOC+® PEXa compression sleeves and REHAU PEXa tubes/pipes. Installation operations should only be performed with EVERLOC+® compression-sleeve tools.

    PEX Valves at RED-WHITE VALVE CORP.

    Want to learn more about PEX valves? The valve experts at RED-WHITE VALVE CORP. are here to help! As a premier supplier of high-quality valves for the plumbing, commercial, industrial, and HVAC markets, including PEX valves, we can answer and address any questions or concerns you may have about the components. Additionally, if you need PEX valves for your operations, we can help you identify and source the right solution for your needs.

    Our PEX valve offerings include:

    • Ball valves
    • Transition ball valves
    • Ball valves with drains
    • Ball valves with mounting foot
    • Ball valves with drains and mounting foot

    To learn more about our products, check out our PEX valve catalog or contact us today.

  2. A Guide to PEX Valves

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    The term “PEX” is an acronym for cross-linked polyethylene. The material is used for a variety of industrial components, such as tubes and pipes for valves.

    What Are PEX Valves?

    PEX valves are highly similar to regular valves. The main difference between them is how they are connected; PEX valves can connect with PEX tubing and piping (i.e., tubing and piping made from PEX) without needing transition adapters. Typical applications for these components include shut-off, maintenance, and repair operations.

    PEX Valve Tubing/Piping Material

    There are three methods of producing cross-linked polyethylene. The resulting materials are designated as PEX A, PEX B, and PEX C. Each material is processed with different techniques and/or technologies, resulting in unique material characteristics depending on the method used. The differences in properties make each material suitable for different components and applications.

    • PEX A. This material is cross-linked using the “Engel” process, which involves introducing peroxides to the polyethylene material before it undergoes the forming process.
    • PEX B. This material is cross-linked using the silane process, which is also called steam or moisture cross-linking. The process is performed on the polyethylene after it undergoes the forming process.
    • PEX C. This material is cross-linked by subjecting it to an electron beam or gamma radiation. The process is the least commonly used of the three cross-linking methods.

    PEX Valve Connection Types

    Valves, tubes/pipes, and fittings can be connected in a variety of ways, depending on their design. PEX valves from RED-WHITE VALVE CORP. are available with the following connection types:

    F-1807

    These connections are manufactured according to the ASTM F1807 standard. The process of installing valves with them requires an appropriate crimp ring and PEX tube/pipe and involves the following steps:

    1. Sliding the crimp ring over the end of the tubing/piping
    2. If installing a tailpiece, mounting the union nut over the tailpiece before connecting it to the tube/pipe
    3. Inserting the valve into the end of the tubing/piping until it stops
    4. Positioning the crimp ring between 1/8 to 1/4 inch away from the end of the tubing/piping and over the ribs of the valve
    5. Crimping the crimp ring with a crimping tool
    6. Checking the crimp was made properly with a gauge5004AB

    F-1960

    These connections are manufactured according to the ASTM F1960 standard. The process of installing valves with them requires an appropriate ring and PEX tube/pipe and involves the following steps:

    1. Inserting the ring onto the PEX tube/pipe
    2. If installing a tailpiece, mounting the union nut over the tailpiece before connecting it to the pipe
    3. Expanding the PEX tubing/piping and ring with an expander tool
    4. Inserting the expanded assembly onto the PEX valve5014AB

    EVERLOC+

    These connections are manufactured according to the REHAU EVERLOC+® patented system. Valves with EVERLOC+® compression-sleeve connections require EVERLOC+® PEXa compression sleeves and REHAU PEXa tubes/pipes for installation. Installation of the components should only be performed with EVERLOC+® compression-sleeve tools.

    5414AB

    Why Should I Use PEX Valves for My Application?

    Why Should I Use PEX Valves for My Application
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    Valves are used in a wide range of applications across nearly every industry. Since they are often utilized in critical applications where failure can have catastrophic consequences, it is essential to choose the right type for the given use case. Below, we highlight some of the factors you should consider when vetting your valve options.

    • Cost. Cost is a big factor in nearly every purchase. You need to pick a product that meets your application requirements without surpassing your budget restrictions. Because PEX valves do not require an adapter to connect to the PEX tubing they are generally more cost effective and eliminate leak points.
    • Environment. The environment within an application plays a big role in how a product performs. Regarding valves, key environmental conditions include chemicals and temperatures. PEX valve assemblies should be manufactured using dezincification resistant (DZR) brass.
    • Installation timeline. The amount of time a component takes to install affects labor costs. Since PEX valves can attach to PEX tubing/piping without transfer adapters, they are much easier and, consequently, faster to install than other valves.

    If you’ve decided that you want to use PEX valve assembly for your application, you need to think about what type of tubing/piping you want to use: PEX A, PEX B, or PEX C. Some of the considerations you should keep in mind when making the selection are:

    • PEX A materials offer the greatest flexibility and kink resistance.
    • PEX B materials are the least flexible and kink resistant.
    • PEX C materials are not as commonly available as PEX A and PEX B materials.

    PEX Valves at RED-WHITE VALVE CORP.

    Want more information on PEX valves? Ask the experts at RED-WHITE VALVE CORP. We supply high-quality valves, including PEX valves, to customers in various markets. Our team can answer or address any questions or concerns you may have about these products.

    If you want to purchase PEX valves for your operations, we’ve got you covered. We offer a range of PEX valves:

    • Ball valves
    • Transition ball valves
    • Ball valves with drains
    • Ball valves with mounting feet
    • Ball valves with drains and mounting feet
    • Flange ball valves

    To learn more about our PEX valve offerings, check out our PEX valve catalog or contact us today.

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