Basics Tap Water

Dec.
2001
Wirsbo Tap Water System

Basic Manual
Contents
Page
Introduction...................................................................................................... 4
Chapter 1 System description

The Wirsbo Tap Water System......................................................................... 5
Wirsbo-PEX pipe .............................................................................................. 5
Easy to install ................................................................................................... 6
Security against water damage ...................................................................... 6
Wirsbo conduit ................................................................................................. 7
Marking and identification .............................................................................. 7
Longitudinal expansion................................................................................... 7
Longitudinal contraction (shrinkage) ............................................................. 8
Joining methods .............................................................................................. 8
Chapter 2 Calculation principles

Water flow demand ......................................................................................... 9
Design flow...................................................................................................... 10
Velocity of flow ................................................................................................ 11
Hot water circulation (HWC) .......................................................................... 11
Pressure drop .................................................................................................. 11
Generally ......................................................................................................... 13
Chapter 3 Diagrams and tables

Pressure drop nomograms ............................................................................ 14
Heat emission loss.......................................................................................... 16
Working pressure/temperature ...................................................................... 18
Thermal expansion.......................................................................................... 19
Chapter 4 Calculation methods

Calculation example 1 .................................................................................... 20
Calculation example 2 .................................................................................... 22
Chapter 5 Installation methods/directions

Traditional method.......................................................................................... 25
Manifold system ............................................................................................. 25
Conduit ”Pipe-in-Pipe” system ...................................................................... 26
Securing the conduit ...................................................................................... 26
Location of the manifolds .............................................................................. 27
Location of the pipes ...................................................................................... 28
Installation in concrete structures ................................................................. 28
Installation in wooden structures .................................................................. 29
Installation in single-family houses............................................................... 29
Installation in a block of flats ......................................................................... 30
Installation in basements and ceilings.......................................................... 30
Installation not allowing for thermal expansion .......................................... 31
Installation allowing for thermal expansion................................................. 32
Fixing and clamping pipes on to a rack ........................................................ 32
Installation in a vertical pipe duct.................................................................. 33
Expansion compensating devices ................................................................. 34
Calculation of a flexible arm and expansion loop........................................ 34
2 Wirsbo Tap Water System – Basic Manual

Page
Chapter 6 General directions

Storage and general care ............................................................................... 36
Uncoiling the pipe........................................................................................... 36
Method of cutting ........................................................................................... 36
Assembling a Wirsbo Q&E fitting .................................................................. 37
Assembling a compression fitting ................................................................. 38
Assembling a WIPEX Coupling ...................................................................... 39
Minor repairs................................................................................................... 40
Inserting a PE-X pipe into a conduit .............................................................. 41
Replacing a damaged pipe............................................................................. 42
Pipe bending ................................................................................................... 44
Minimum bend radius .................................................................................... 44
Filling the system............................................................................................ 44
Pressure test.................................................................................................... 44
Fire protection ................................................................................................. 45
Chapter 7 Wirsbo-PEX Technical data............................................................................. 46
Chapter 8 Quality Assurance, tap water approvals ....................................................... 47
Chapter 9 Conversion tables ........................................................................................... 49
Chapter 10 List of figures, tables and diagrams

Figures ............................................................................................................. 55
Tables................................................................................................................ 56
Diagrams ......................................................................................................... 56
Wirsbo Tap Water System – Basic Manual 3

Introduction
This manual will give basic information regarding the design of tap water
systems incorporating Wirsbo-PEX pipes and is intended mainly for use in
the design of systems for apartments and houses.
Wirsbo systems are easy to install and calculation principles, with the
exception of material and installation costs, are the same as for other systems.
However it is recommended that design and installation be carried out by
experienced personnel. Local authority regulations in any case govern the kind
of persons authorised to carry out this work, which in most instances will be
certified plumbers. Moreover, although recommendations given here are in
general based on Nordic norms (NKB), individual requirements specific to the
country concerned should be taken in to account where necessary.
In the case of high-rise buildings such as hotels or offices, necessary
additional information is available from Uponor Wirsbo AB or one of our
many agents and distributors throughout the world.
Uponor Wirsbo AB
© Uponor Wirsbo AB, Sweden in December 2001.

Reprinting, copying or any kind of reproduction is allowed provided the source of the
material is mentioned.

Chapter 1
System description
The Wirsbo Tap Water For years, selecting a tap water system was done in a routine fashion. Choice
System of material was limited, and attention was paid only to basic requirements.
Today, selecting a tap water system involves taking into consideration a wider
range of aspects. Although the purpose is the same, a modern tap water system
has a number of additional features, features which have a direct impact on
the overall performance of a system.
As in other aspects of modern life, development and improvement are
continuous. Wirsbo piping systems are by no means new on the market.
These have been developed and improved on since 1972.
Wirsbo offers a complete system for domestic hot and cold water. The
system consists of a wide range of pipes and accessories. It is clean, easy to
install and flexible. Being flexible means for example, that longer lengths of
pipe can be installed, resulting in fewer joints and less associated installation
work. The Wirsbo Tap Water System includes components for installation in
new buildings as well as in renovation projects, and is suitable for concealed
runs in building structures of wood, concrete and brick, and for exposed
runs in basements or ceilings.
Wirsbo-PEX pipe Wirsbo-PEX is a pipe for hot and cold water applications. The pipes are
made from cross-linked high-density polyethylene (PE-X) in accordance with
the Engel process. Cross-linking is a process which changes the chemical
structure of the plastic material in such a way that the polymer chains
are connected with each other to form a strong three-dimensional net of
chemical bonds.
Figure 1 Molecule chain for a cross-linked

polyethylene pipe
The new chemical structure makes it impossible to melt or dissolve the

polymer, without first destroying its structure. Wirsbo-PEX pipes are therefore
suitable for use at pressures and temperatures for which previously only
metal pipes were appropriate.
In addition, Wirsbo-PEX pipes have a unique elasticity. Thus, when
expanded, a pipe will always strive to resume its original dimension (unless it
is expanded beyond the breakpoint which is over 300%). Using this feature
for example means that pipes can be simply and securely connected to each
other (see joining methods below).

Wirsbo-PEX pipes have excellent long-term properties and are proof
against corrosion. The internal diameter will not be reduced due to corrosion
or to sediment build-up that can often occur in metal pipes. The pipe material
also boasts the advantage of not being affected by high flow velocities or
by low pH-valued water (aggressive water). Nor is it affected by building
materials such as concrete, lime mortar, gypsum, etc. Wirsbo-PEX pipes have
a very high resistance to chemicals and are thus resistant to chemical additives
in water. Wirsbo-PEX does not give off taste and smell, or add any harmful
substances to the drinking water.
The material used for Wirsbo-PEX pipes is elastic and has a shock-
absorbing effect in situations such as when a mixing tap is suddenly shut
off. Water hammer in fact is reduced to one third compared with traditional
metal pipes.
Figure 2 Wirsbo-PEX pipe
Note
• Prevent tape, paint and sealing compounds containing plasticizers and
other products containing solvents from coming into contact with the
pipe as the compositions in these products affect the long-term properties
of the pipe negatively.
• Since UV radiation affects the pipe, a Wirsbo-PEX pipe should not
be stored or installed in such a way as to be exposed to sunlight (UV
radiation).
Easy to install Wirsbo-PEX pipes have many features that simplify the installation work.
They are light and flexible and there is no need for high-temperature
operations such as soldering or welding. Connecting a Wirsbo-PEX pipe
is made simple using Wirsbo Quick & Easy couplings and the pipe can be
easily cut and bent by hand. Furthermore the pipes are delivered in coils for
easy transportation and handling.
Security against water Wirsbo tap water pipes can be safely placed in concealed locations within
damage building structures because they offer security against water damage. This is
because the pipes are channelled through a conduit, a protective outer pipe,
which can be installed in a single seamless length around the water-bearing
pipe from the manifold all the way to the draw-off point (a ”pipe in pipe”
system). Thus any water leakage, due for example to a pipe being damaged by
a misplaced nail, will be carried and discharged beyond the building structure
and will be detected at an early stage.
In addition as a further guarantee against damage, the various cabinets
in the Wirsbo range, such as the manifold cabinets, are fitted with leakage
indicators.

Wirsbo conduit The conduit itself is corrugated, which makes it highly flexible and gives it
a high load-bearing capacity. As well as ensuring against water damage, it
also provides mechanical protection and allows for the substitution of an
accidentally-damaged water pipe.
Figure 3 Conduit pipe
Marking and identification Wirsbo pipes are always marked with the product name, outer diameter,
wall thickness, date of manufacture, and continuous metre marks. They
are also marked with the current standard, together with a type approval
label and depending on the type of pipe, with the relevant production
monitoring authority.
Wirsbo-PEX tap water pipes are approved according to the relevant
international standards with respect to material properties, installation
technique and health requirements.
Dimension (outside Approval for tap water Identification:

diameter and wall in Germany material, machine, year,
thickness) month, day
Figure 4 The marking on Wirsbo-PEX

pipe
DIN standard
specifying pressure
The name of Production Manufacturing and temperature
the product monitoring authority process (Engel) rating
Longitudinal expansion Compared to metal pipes, Wirsbo-PEX pipes have a high longitudinal
expansion (although associated expansion forces are low).
If a ”pipe in pipe” system is installed in concealed pipe runs, longitudinal
expansion is taken up in the space between the water-bearing pipe and
the conduit.
In exposed pipe runs, the expansion forces are transmitted to expansion
compensating devices or to the structure of the building via anchor points.

Longitudinal contraction When a pipe has been in use for a while, the pressure and temperature of
(shrinkage) the water can drop and so the pipe may shrink longitudinally by up to
1.5%. If the pipe is prevented from shrinking, a tensile force will be built
up. However, since the grip of the coupling on the pipe is stronger than
any tensile force and the pipes are often laid somewhat slack, longitudinal
shrinkage is normally not a problem.
Joining methods A wide range of couplings and fittings are available for the easy and secure
connection of plastic pipes; mainly compression fittings, press fittings among
others of various manufacture.
Wirsbo has developed its own joining method, Wirsbo Quick & Easy
(Q&E), based on the unique properties of the Wirsbo-PEX pipe.
A Wirsbo Quick & Easy joint is made by gradually expanding the pipe
with a ring of PEX material fitted on its outside, and then by allowing the pipe
and support ring to shrink back onto the fitting nipple.
This demonstrates the elastic properties of the PE-X material which always
strives to resume its original shape as mentioned above and helps give Wirsbo
Quick & Easy the reputation of being probably the most efficient and safe
PE-X coupling available today.
The WIPEX coupling is the other main coupling in Wirsbo’s assortment,
designed especially for connecting larger dimension Wirsbo-PEX pipes, used
in tap water systems or in district heating installations.
WIPEX couplings are available for pipe dimensions, ranging from outer
diameters of 32 mm up to 110 mm. The joints here are sealed with o-rings.
Note
• For the safest couplings, Wirsbo-PEX pipes should be connected with
approved fittings recommended by Wirsbo or any of our retailers.

Chapter 2
Calculation principles
Water flow demand The water flow requirements do vary in each country, therefore the following
figures should be verified with the relevant authorities in your area.
Water flow demand l/s

Application Nordic (NKB) prEN 806*
Water closet with flush tank 0.1 0.13
Wash basin 0.1 0.07
Shower 0.2 0.15
Bath 0.3 0.30
Sink 0.2 0.10
Washing machine 0.2 0.20
Table 1 Water flow demand
Bidet 0.1 0.20
(* method 4)
Example 1: Bathroom
In a bathroom with bath tub, wash basin, water closet and bidet the maximum
flow, according to Nordic norms, is:
Cold water (l/s) Hot water (l/s)

Bath 0.3 0.3
Wash basin 0.1 0.1
Water closet 0.1 –
Bidet 0.1 0.1
Total flow rate 0.6 0.5
Bathrooms are normally used by one person at a time, the largest volume of
water being taken by the bath. Therefore the maximum water flow would be
0.3 l/s and used as design flow rate.
Example 2: Apartment
An apartment has a bathroom, a toilet and a kitchen:
a) The bathroom is similar to the bathroom in example 1

b) The toilet has one water closet and one wash basin (only one used
at a time)
c) The kitchen has a sink and a washing machine
The total flow rate in l/s to be considered for cold water is:
a) Bathroom in example 1 0.6

b) WC and wash basin 0.2
c) Sink and washing machine 0.4
Total flow rate 1.2

According to Nordic norms, when the demand flow of an apartment is
larger than 0.7 l/s, it is sufficient to calculate with 0.7 l/s for both cold and
hot water supply. If hot water is to be heated in the apartment, then the
supply to the apartment should be 1.6 l/s.
Design flow In practice, most faucets used in tap water installations have a predominantly
short usage time (less than 15 minutes per 24 hours) and not all faucets are in
use at the same time. For this reason the design flow is based on the total flow
(total volume required), and accordingly reduced by a design factor.
The table below shows design flow (Nordic norms) according to various
total flows.
Total Design Total Design Total Design Total Design

flow flow flow flow flow flow flow flow
0.3 0.30 3.2 0.59 12.0 0.98 27.0 1.46
0.4 0.35 3.4 0.61 12.5 1.00 28.0 1.49
0.5 0.37 3.6 0.62 13.0 1.01 29.0 1.52
0.6 0.39 3.8 0.63 13.5 1.03 30.0 1.55
0.7 0.40 4.0 0.64 14.0 1.05 32.0 1.60
0.8 0.41 4.2 0.65 14.5 1.07 34.0 1.60
0.9 0.42 4.4 0.66 15.0 1.08 36.0 1.71
1.0 0.43 4.6 0.67 15.5 1.10 38.0 1.77
1.1 0.44 4.8 0.68 16.0 1.12 40.0 1.82
1.2 0.45 5.0 0.69 16.5 1.13 45.0 1.95
1.3 0.46 5.5 0.71 17.0 1.15 50.0 2.08
1.4 0.47 6.0 0.74 17.5 1.17 60.0 2.33
1.5 0.48 6.5 0.76 18.0 1.18 70.0 2.57
1.6 0.49 7.0 0.78 18.5 1.20 80.0 2.81
1.7 0.49 7.5 0.80 19.0 1.22 90.0 3.04
1.8 0.50 8.0 0.82 19.5 1.23 100.0 3.26
1.9 0.51 8.5 0.84 20.0 1.25 110.0 3.49
2.0 0.52 9.0 0.86 21.0 1.28 120.0 3.70
2.2 0.53 9.5 0.88 22.0 1.31 130.0 3.92
2.4 0.54 10.0 0.90 23.0 1.34 140.0 4.13
2.6 0.56 10.5 0.92 24.0 1.37 150.0 4.34
2.8 0.57 11.0 0.94 25.0 1.40 160.0 4.55
3.0 0.58 11.5 0.96 26.0 1.43 170.0 4.76
Table 2 Design flow
Note
• For hotels, office buildings and other large installations the above in-
formation should not be used. Consultation with your local authority is
recommended in these instances.

Velocity of flow Velocity of flow in a tap water system has a direct influence on:
- Internal erosion
- Noise level
- Water hammer
- Pressure drop
With the use of copper pipes, limiting the velocity of flow to a maximum of
1.5 m/s is recommended. Wirsbo-PEX pipes are not subject to this restriction.
Tap water system installations with Wirsbo-PEX pipes can be designed to a
maximum calculated water velocity of 2.5 m/s.
Hot water circulation (HWC) When designing a hot water system, consideration should be given to the
installation of a circulation system, which reduces to a minimum the time
between turning on the tap and the arrival of the hot water. This not only saves
time but also reduces water consumption, since water need not cool between
tap usage and unwanted cold water need not therefore be drawn off.
The following example shows the method for calculating the time with the
hot water circulating relatively close to the manifold.
Example:
The waiting time requirement is 10 seconds. The distance between the faucet
(wash basin; 0.1 l/s) and the manifold is 10 m. The pipe from the manifold
to the faucet is a Wirsbo-PEX pipe of 16x2.2 mm.
The internal volume of a Wirsbo-PEX pipe of 16x2.2 mm is 0.099 l/m.
Since the distance is 10 m, there will be 0.99 l in the pipe between the
connection points. The water flow is 0.1 l/s.
0.99 l
= 9.9 s
0.1 l/s
Thus the time of under 10 seconds is acceptable.
Pressure drop Once the total flow (total volume required) in each main supply pipe has been
calculated and the design flows have been determined, pressure requirements
must then be considered before selecting a pipe dimension. The pressure drop
in valves, mixers, flow metres, shut-off valves, fittings, etc., has to be taken into
account when calculating these requirements. The pressure drop diagrams for
Wirsbo-PEX pipes in the next chapter can now be used. These are based on
specific temperatures. Calculations based on other temperatures are subject
to a correction factor as shown in the table below.
Temp. Correction Factor

°C 70°C 10°C
90 0.95 0.76
80 0.98 0.78
70 1.00 0.80
60 1.02 0.82
50 1.05 0.84
40 1.10 0.87
30 1.14 0.91
20 1.20 0.96
Table 3 Correction factors 10 1.25 1.00

Pressure drop kPa/m 70°C
Flow Pipe Dimension, mm

l/s 12x2 20x2.8 32x4.4 50x6.9 75x10.3 110x15.1
16x2.2 25x3.5 40x5.5 63x8.7 90x12.3
0.10 5.68 1.01
0.15 11.78 2.09
0.20 19.79 3.52 1.13
0.25 5.25 1.69
0.30 7.30 2.35 0.84
0.35 9.64 3.10 1.11
0.40 12.27 3.94 1.41
0.45 4.87 1.74
0.50 5.90 2.11 0.62
0.60 8.20 2.93 0.87
0.70 10.83 3.87 1.14
0.80 4.93 1.45
0.90 6.10 1.80 0.61
1.00 7.38 2.18 0.74
1.20 10.27 3.03 1.02
1.40 4.00 1.35 0.49
1.60 5.10 1.72 0.63
1.80 6.31 2.13 0.78
2.00 7.64 2.58 0.94 0.28
2.50 3.87 1.41 0.43
3.00 5.39 1.96 0.59 0.26
3.50 7.13 2.60 0.78 0.34
4.00 3.31 1.00 0.44
4.50 4.10 1.23 0.54 0.22
5.00 4.97 1.49 0.65 0.27
6.00 2.08 0.91 0.37
7.00 2.76 1.20 0.49 0.19
8.00 3.51 1.54 0.63 0.24
9.00 1.90 0.78 0.30
10.00 2.31 0.94 0.36
12.00 1.32 0.51
14.00 1.74 0.67
16.00 0.85
Table 4 Pressure drop for various Wirsbo- 18.00 1.06
PEX pipe dimensions at 70°C 20.00 1.28
Explanation:
For each marked value of flow in table 4, is a marked value for pressure
drop in each column. This marking indicates the pressure drop level for the
maximum recommended velocity of 2.5 m/s.
Example:
The total flow for a cold water supply pipe (20°C) is 5 l/s. The pipe length is
20 m and the pressure drop must not exceed 40 kPa.
From the table above we can see that pipe sizes 40, 50 and 63 mm can be
used. Pipe sizes of 63 mm give a pressure drop of 1.49 kPa/m. The length of
the pipe is 20 m so the pressure drop would be:
20 x 1.49 = 29.8 kPa
However, the correction factor in table 3 must be used since the pipe
will be used for cold water:
29.8 x 1.20 = 35.8 kPa
The value above is therefore acceptable.

Generally 1. The design flow for a room is the maximum volume needed to supply
the faucet which requires the maximum flow. In bathrooms this is
normally the bath tub.
2. The pressure drop for fittings supplied in the Wirsbo Tap Water System
is equivalent to a pipe length of less than 0.5 m. (0.1 m for Wirsbo Q&E
and 0.5 for WIPEX).
3. When a pipe dimension is selected the common acceptable value is 1-10
kPa/m (10-100 H2O).
4. There are occasions where approximations can be useful for selecting a
pipe dimension. The following table gives an indication of the required
Wirsbo-PEX pipe dimension considering three various selection criteria.
The values in the table are based on the examples, rules and tables shown
in this manual.
A. Number of B. Number of
Pipe Apartments bathrooms C. Total
dimension (acc.to ex 2 (acc.to ex 1 flow l/s
mm in section 2.1) in section 2.1)
20x2.8 1 2 1.4
25x3.5 3 6 3.7
32x4.4 12 24 14.2
40x5.5 29 57 34.2
50x6.9 43 86 51.5
Table 5 Indication of required Wirsbo-
63x8.7 107 213 127.9
PEX pipe dimension
Example1:
Dimension a supply pipe for 30 apartments of the same sort as in example 2
in Chapter 2, ”Water flow demand”.
Conclusion: Wirsbo-PEX 40x5.5 mm is sufficient for 29 apartments but
not for 30. Select Wirsbo-PEX 50x6.9 mm.
Example 2:
Dimension a supply pipe for two bathrooms of the same sort as in example 1
in Chapter 2, ”Water flow demand”.
Conclusion: Wirsbo-PEX 20x2.8 mm is sufficient for these two bath-
rooms.
Example 3:
Dimension a supply pipe for a total flow of 3 l/s.
Conclusion: Wirsbo-PEX 25x3.5 mm is sufficient for this flow.
Note
• You have to consider the pipe length, hoisting height and available
pressure.

Chapter 3
Diagrams and tables
Pressure drop nomogram Wirsbo-PEX 1.0 MPa 90°C

Water temperature 10°C
l/s 100
10
m
m
.7
x8
63 12.0
1
.9
x6
50
10.0
x 5.5
40
.4
x4
32 7.0
6.0
.5 5.0
x3
25 4.0
.8
x2 3.0
20 2.5
0.1
.2 2.0
x2 1.75
16
1.5
1.25 m/s
.0
x2 1.0
12
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.25
0.01
0.1 0.15 0.2
0.01 0.1 1 10 100 kPa/m
Correction factors for Temperature °C 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10

other temperatures Factor 0.76 0.78 0.80 0.82 0.84 0.87 0.91 0.96 1.00
Diagram 1 Pressure drop nomogram Wirsbo-PEX 1.0 MPa 90°C

Pressure drop nomogram Wirsbo-PEX 0.6 MPa 90°C
Water temperature 70°C

l/s 100
10
m
0m
0x1
11
.2
x8
90
.9
x6
75
.8
x5
63
.6 12.0
x4
50 10.0
1
.7 7.0
x3
40 6.0
.0 5.0
x3
32 4.0
.3 3.0
x2
25 2.5
m/s
2.0
.0
x2 1.75
20 1.5
1.25
0.1 .0 1.0
x2
16
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.25
0.2
0.01
0.01 0.1 1 10 100 kPa/m
Correction factors for Temperature °C 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10

other temperatures Factor 0.95 0.98 1.00 1.02 1.05 1.10 1.14 1.20 1.25
Diagram 2 Pressure drop nomogram Wirsbo-PEX 0.6 MPa 90°C

Heat emission loss Heat emission loss can be calculated according to the formula in figure 5. The
diagrams show heat emission loss for Wirsbo-PEX pipes rated 1 MPa, 90°C
and 0.6 MPa, 90°C. Temperature difference (water - ambient).
T2
d1 α2
d2 λ3
λ1 λ2
d3
d4 α1
T1
Surface
temperature T
1
2
Figure 5 Heat loss from a pipe based
3
upon a length of 1 metre.
1 = Piping wall Q Q = W
T= + T2
2 = Insulating layer π d4 α2 T = °C
3 = Insulating layer d = m
λ = W/m °K
α = W/m2 °K
l = m
π · (T1-T2)· l
Q=
1 1 1 d2 1 d3 1 d4
+ + ln + ln + ln
α1d1 α2d4 2λ1 d1 2λ2 d2 2λ3 d3

Heat emission loss Wirsbo-PEX 1.0 MPa 90°C
63x8.7 50x6.9 mm
W/m
140
40x5.5
120
32x4.4
100
25x3.5
80 20x2.8
16x2.2
60
12x2.0
40
20
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 °C
Diagram 3 Heat emission loss Wirsbo-PEX 1.0 MPa 90°C
Heat emission loss Wirsbo-PEX 0.6 MPa 90°C

mm
110x10 90x8.2 75x6.9

63x5.8
W/m 200
180
50x4.8
160
140 40x3.7
120 32x3.0
100
25x2.3
80 20x2.0
16x2.0
60
40
20
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 °C
Diagram 4 Heat emission loss Wirsbo-PEX 0.6 MPa 90°C

Working pressure/ The following diagram shows the applicable working pressure for Wirsbo-PEX
temperature pipes series S = 3.2 (10 bar at 95°C) and series S = 5 (6 bar at 95°C) at
different continuous temperatures.
Pressure (bar) Sf 1,3 = Safecty factor 1.3
30
20
S = 3.2
10
S=5
Diagram 5 Working pressure as a

function of temperature for normal hot
water use 0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Temperature °C
ISO/DIS 15875 is the standard documentation which classifies service

conditions for plastic pipes and fittings for hot and cold water systems.
The service conditions with safety factors for 10 bar (class 2, hot water
supply, 70°C) are specified below.
Dimen- Opera- Time Max. Time Malfunc. Time Typical

sion tive at temp. at temp. at field
series temp. Top Tmax, Tmax, Tmal, Tmal of appli-
Top, °C Years °C Years °C Hours cation
Table 6 Service conditions with safety Hot water
3.2 70 49 80 1 95 100
factors supply
Note
• Systems are not always in operation throughout their 50-year service life,
and therefore, when calculating the projected service life to ensure that it
equates with the actual service life, allowance must be made for the time
the system is not in use. A temperature of 20°C, approximating to room
temperature, must be used for calucation purposes for this period.
• Pipes in series 3.2 should be installed in a hot water supply system
with a maximum design pressure of 10 bar. Pipes in dimension series
5 should be installed in a hot water supply system with a maximum
design pressure of 6 bar.

Thermal expansion The diagram below shows the thermal expansion of a Wirsbo-PEX pipe as
a function of the temperature.
Expansion, mm/m
25
20
15
10
Diagram 6 Thermal expansion 0

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Temperature, °C
This diagram is used in the example on page 35.

Chapter 4
Calculation methods
In this chapter we will show two calculation examples to do with risers. For
the sake of simplicity any pressure loss through manifolds and fittings has been
omitted since it would have an insignificant effect upon calculations.
Calculation example 1 Example 1 shows a pressure loss calculation for the dimensioning of a riser
in a small-size building.
l/s 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.1

l/s 5 kPa/m
7.30 1.01 1.01 3.52
0.6
4
1.2
3
1.8
2
2.4
Heater 1
P0
3.0
M
Figure 6 Outline drawing of an installation
The basic criteria required for pressure loss calculations:
A five floor building

A bathroom on each floor
Each floor has a height of 3 m
The available water pressure at ground level is 400 kPa (hypothetical figure)
The pressure loss through the heater is 100 kPa (hypothetical figure)
The pressure loss in every faucet is 50 kPa (hypothetical figure)
Step 1 Calculate the known pressure loss
Pressure loss in the heater 100 kPa

Pressure loss due to the force
of gravity 147.2 kPa (9.81 x 3 m x 5 floors)
Pressure loss in each faucet 50 kPa
297.2 kPa

Step 2 Calculate the average pressure loss/m of the riser
This calculation gives an indication of the pressure loss when a pipe dimension
is to be selected. Approximate pipe length = 15 m (3 m x 5 floors) + 5 m
(bathrooms) = 20 m
The average pressure loss will be the difference between the available
pressure from the pump (400 kPa) and the known pressure loss (297.2 kPa),
which is 102.8 kPa. Thus
102.8 kPa
= 5.14 kPa/m
20 m
Step 3 Calculate the maximum pressure loss in the bathroom
The maximum flow in the bathroom comes from supply to the bath which
is 0.3 l/s and gives a pressure loss of 7.3 kPa/m for a Wirsbo-PEX pipe of
16x2.2 mm. The distance from the manifold to the draw-off point is 4 m.
The pressure loss will therefore be:
7.3 kPa/m x 4 m = 29.2 kPa
The maximum pressure loss is a function of the flow requirement, pipe

dimension and pipe length. It is not always the outlet with the highest water flow
requirement that gives the maximum pressure loss. That is why a comparison of
pressure loss for all the outlets in the bathroom should be made.
Distance to Pipe Pressure Pressure

Outlet manifold dim Flow loss/m loss
(m) (mm) (l/s) (kPa/m) (kPa)
Bath 4 16x2.2 0.3 7.30 29.2
Wash basin 6 16x2.2 0.1 1.01 6.06
Toilet 7 16x2.2 0.1 1.01 7.07
Table 7 Calculated pressure loss for all Bidet 4 16x2.2 0.1 1.01 4.04
outlets in the bathroom
Step 4 Calculate the pressure loss in the riser
According to Nordic norms, (NKB), the required flow for every bathroom
is 0.3 l/s. However, the riser must be dimensioned for the total flow rate of
each bathroom. In this case 0.6 l/s.
The total flow will thus be 3.0 l/s. From table 2 (Chapter 2; ”Design flow”)
we know the design flow is 0.58 l/s. Using this value in table 4 (Chapter 2;
”Pressure drop”) will give an indication of a suitable pipe dimension.
In step 2, the average pressure loss/m was calculated at 5.14 kPa/m. This
should not be exceeded. If we select a pipe dimension of 25x3.5 mm this will
give a pressure loss of 2.77 kPa/m.
By using table 2 and then table 4 the value of the pressure loss in the riser
can be determined. Here for example are comparison values obtained from
the tables for a dimension of 25 x 3.5 mm.
Pressure loss Design Total flow

kPa/m flow l/s l/s
1.35 0.39 0.6
1.74 0.45 1.2
2.11 0.50 1.8
2.44 0.54 2.4
2.77 0.58 3.0
Table 8 Values based on total flow

The total pressure loss in the riser.
1.35 kPa/m x 3 m = 4.05 kPa
1.74 kPa/m x 3 m = 5.22 kPa
2.11 kPa/m x 3 m = 6.33 kPa
2.44 kPa/m x 3 m = 7.32 kPa
2.77 kPa/m x 3 m = 8.31 kPa
31.23 kPa
Step 5 Add together the calculated pressure loss
Known pressure loss (step 1) 297.20 kPa

Maximum pressure loss (step 3) 29.20 kPa
Pressure loss in riser (step 4) 31.23 kPa
357.63 kPa (<400 kPa)
Since the pressure loss is lower than the available pressure (a difference of
42.37 kPa), there is sufficient pressure for the water supply. If the pressure
loss had been greater than available pressure, a larger pipe diameter would
have been used.
Comments
It is worth noting that the pipes themselves only account for about 18%
of the pressure loss.
Calculation example 2 Example 2 shows a pressure loss calculation for the dimensioning of a
riser in a small size building with water supplied from a storage tank on
top of the building.
Storage l/s 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.1

3.0 5 kPa/m
7.30 1.01 1.01 3.52
2.4
4
1.8
3
1.2
2
P0 0.6
M 1
Figure 7 Outline drawing of an installation
The basic criteria required for pressure loss calculations.
A five floor building

A bathroom on each floor
Each floor has a height of 3 m
The height from the water surface in the storage tank to the highest located
faucet is 9 m
The pressure loss of the faucet is 50 kPa (hypothetical figure)

Step 1 Calculate the minimum available pressure from the water
tank
The minimum available pressure is the pressure in the manifold nearest the
water tank. In this example the vertical distance to the nearest manifold is 9
m. Thus the available pressure is:
9.81 x 9 m = 88.3 kPa
Step 2 Calculate the pressure loss from the water tank down to
the nearest bathroom
If we calculate initially for a 32x4.4 mm pipe, using the same tables (tables 2
and 4) as in example 1 will give a pressure loss of 0.82 kPa/m for 0.58 l/s. The
vertical pipe length to be calculated for is 9 m.The pressure loss is then:
0.82 kPa/m x 9 m = 7.38 kPa
For Wirsbo-PEX 32x4.4 mm

kPa/m flow l/s l/s
0.82 0.58 3.0
0.72 0.54 2.4
Step 3 Calculate the maximum pressure loss in the nearest bath-

room
As the water tank is located on top of the building, the nearest bathroom
will be on the top floor. This bathroom is the same as the one in the previous
example. The calculated pressure loss will thus be 29.2 kPa.
Step 4 Calculate if the available pressure is sufficient to supply

the bathroom on the top floor
Available pressure 88.30 kPa

Pressure loss in riser - 7.38 kPa
Pressure loss in bathroom - 29.20 kPa
Pressure loss in faucet - 50.00 kPa
1.72 kPa
There is sufficient pressure available to supply water to the bathroom. Again,

if the pressure loss had been greater than the available pressure, a larger pipe
diameter would have had to be used.
Step 5 Check the available pressure for the floors below the
top floor
Due to the force of gravity, the available pressure will increase for every floor
below the top floor, as the riser descends. This final check is intended to:
a) Ascertain if the available pressure is sufficient to supply the required

flow to the 4th floor.
The pressure loss from the riser is:
0.8 kPa/m x 3 m = 2.4 kPa

The pressure increase due to the force of gravity is:
9.81 x 3 m = 29.43 kPa
Since the pressure increase is higher than the pressure loss, the available
pressure will be sufficient for the demand flow on the 4th floor.
b) Ascertain if the available pressure on the bottom floor is excessive.

If so this would indicate that a reduction in pipe size is necessary to
limit the pressure.
For Wirsbo-PEX 25x3.5 mm

kPa/m flow l/s l/s
2.11 0.50 1.8
1.74 0.45 1.2
1.35 0.39 0.6
The pressure loss from the riser is:
0.72 kPa/m x 3 m = 2.16 kPa

2.11 kPa/m x 3 m = 6.33 kPa
1.74 kPa/m x 3 m = 5.25 kPa
1.35 kPa/m x 3 m = 4.05 kPa
17.79 kPa
The pressure increase is:
9.81 x 12 m = 117.72 kPa
Comment:
The available pressure is in fact excessive so that the dimension of the riser
should be reduced from the 4th floor downwards in order to reduce the
pressure in the system.

Chapter 5
Installation methods/directions
Traditional method
Figure 8 Traditional method with 16 joints
The Wirsbo Tap Water System can be installed in the same fashion as a
traditional system made of metal pipes i.e. a ”Tee system”. The advantage
with this installation method is that it does use less piping than the manifold
system described below. However, the traditional method has some inherent
disadvantages that should be taken into consideration.
The design work for example is more complicated. Most engineers wish
to reduce the pipe dimension, from a larger one at the beginning of the
system to a smaller one at the end, which is why calculations are needed to
determine the various pipe sizes.
Also, there are temperature and pressure variations due to the fact that
one supply pipe normally has more than one draw-off point. In addition,
there are more connection points than with the manifold system and these
are often inaccessibly situated within the walls. Furthermore, because of the
various pipe dimensions and the large number of corresponding fittings, stock
keeping is more complicated on-site.
Manifold system The manifold system does not present any of the above-mentioned difficulties.
It can be designed with one single pipe dimension from the manifold to
the draw-off point, which simplifies design and installation work. With
connection points only at the manifold and the faucet, the risk of leakage
from joints is considerably reduced and there are no awkward connections
within the walls. Since also there are no other draw-off points on the
same supply pipe, pressure and temperature variations are minimal when
faucets are turned on and off in varying sequences. Furthermore fewer pipe
dimensions and fittings allow for easier stock keeping and save on installation
time and labour costs.

Figure 9 Manifold system with 10 joints
Conduit ”Pipe-in-Pipe” system Although a properly installed Wirsbo piping system is secure from leakage,
there may be occasions when extra precautions against damage from leakage
within the construction of a building are required. Different local standards
and regulations or simply the demands of the purchaser may require this.
Using a manifold system in conjunction with Wirsbo Pipe-in-Pipe, the factory
prefabricated Wirsbo-PEX pipe within a conduit, will meet these requirements.
With Wirsbo-PEX Pipe-in-Pipe, any leakage caused by accidental damage
is retained within the conduit and easily detected after being carried safely
beyond the building structure. In addition, in a concealed pipe run, without
the complicating Tee-joints of a traditional pipe system, an accidentally
damaged length of pipe can be substituted from within the conduit without
causing structural harm in the process.
Wirsbo-PEX Pipe-in-Pipe comes in ready-to-install prefabricated lengths.
However if so desired, the conduit may be installed separately with the water
pipe being inserted at a later stage.
Securing the conduit Conduits should be properly secured, particularly so if run in wooden
structures. This not only simplifies the insertion of the water pipe into the
conduit as required, but also helps reduce any noise from water hammer and
pipe expansion. Note that Wirsbo-PEX Pipe-in-Pipe should be laid with the
fewest possible bends and the largest possible bend radii. This too will help
minimise noise, but in addition, it will make easier the removal of the water
pipe at a later stage if this should prove necessary.
Securing to timber studs and joists is done with nailed clips placed at
suitable intervals and with straps or securing plates, specially designed
and supplied by Wirsbo. Pipes should be secured to concrete structures
with tying wire.
However please note the following:
• Conduits running in stud walls, a timber floor structure or in a pipe
duct should not be secured above an interval of 1000 mm (as measured
from the centre of the clips).
• Pipes run at right angles through studs or wooden frames should be
secured to these by securing plates.
• When studs or joists are spaced 600 mm apart they should be secured
at every other stud or joist.
• Where the pipe run bends, the conduit should be fastened at either
side of the bend.

Figure 10 A conduit run through joists
with pipe clips and securing plates
Location of the manifolds Manifolds should be positioned for easy access to maintenance and in close
proximity to all faucets. Location should also permit convenient connection
to the supply mains, provide adequate protection from freezing, especially in
areas with very low winter temperatures, and should be situated away from
load-bearing parts of the building.
It may sometimes be appropriate to have more than one manifold location.
In some cases, in keeping with local standards and regulations, a manifold may
be best located where any leakage can be quickly detected, such as near a floor
drain. Alternatively, manifolds can be placed in special watertight cabinets
where any leakage, from for example a pipe damaged during installation, can
be run off and quickly discovered at an appropriate detection point away
from a buildings structure. Location could for example be on the wall in the
laundry room, under a wash basin, or in a kitchen cabinet.
Figure 11 Manifold in a watertight

cabinet (left)
Figure 12 An example of a manifold

attached to the wall (right)

Figure 13 Example of a manifold situated
in a ceiling
Location of the pipes The pipe runs should be located where there is no risk of freezing and
where there is least danger of an accidental drilling. The length of pipe
between the manifold and the faucet should be kept to a minimum so
as to reduce the number of bends, which in turn will keep pressure loss
as low as possible.
Installation in concrete Wirsbo-PEX pipes are not affected by concrete. Thus they can be cast directly
structures into structural concrete or run in recesses made after casting.
Always allow some extra piping at the beginning and at the end of the
runs to simplify connection to manifolds and fittings. The pipes should
be tied to the reinforcement mesh at a maximum spacing of 750 mm,
with wire or plastic straps. These must not deform or damage the pipe
or the conduit.
A pipe bend support supplied by Wirsbo is recommended for perpendicular
upturns from the floor whilst a temporary stand is often used to hold in
place a loose pipe end, and in some cases even a manifold, if it is mounted
before the wall is built.
Figure 14 A temporary stand supports

the pipe and manifold (left)
Figure 15 A temporary stand supports a

pipe. Note the end cap is retained as long
as the pipe remains unconnected (right)
Note
• When installing Wirsbo-PEX Pipe-in-pipe make sure that no concrete or
mortar forces its way into either water pipe or conduit.
• Before casting or otherwise concealing the conduit, make sure it has
not been deformed or blocked. An obstruction may affect the insertion
of the water pipe.

Installation in wooden If pipes are run in wooden floor structures and stud walls, they should
structures be laid in runs which are simple to locate in order to help prevent any
puncturing with nails or screws.
A pipe bend support is recommended for vertical upturns from the floor
or where a small bend radius is needed.
Openings cut in joists along inner and outer walls should be under 250 mm
from joist supporting points.
If the pipes are run in load-bearing structures, they must be laid so that the
load-bearing capacity of the floor will not be impaired.
In general if an opening for a pipe run is to be made in a wooden structure,
always check with the building constructor first as to how this will affect the
structural strength of the building.
Figure 16 Suggested run of pipes along

an outer wall (left)
Figure17 Suggested run of pipe along an

inner wall (right)
Figure 18 Suggested run of pipes in

secondary boarding in the ceiling
Installation in single-family An installation here could, for example, start with pipes run from the
houses water heater to the manifold. The manifold could be located near the water
heater, as long as any extra pipe length incurred between the manifold
and the faucets does not increase pressure loss to the extent that it will
affect the function of the system. In such cases it may be convenient to
install several manifolds.
The pipe runs can be concealed in the foundation slab, stud walls, floor
structures or loft floor structure.
An outside water outlet could ideally be located under the sink in the
laundry room or kitchen, or under the wash basin in the bathroom.
Figure 19 An example of manifolds

vertically connected to each other in a
single-family house (left)
Figure 20 An example of manifolds

horizontally connected to each other in a
one-storey house (right)

Installation in a block of flats In keeping with good design, manifold cabinets should be used in installations
in multi-family houses where concealed pipe runs are used. These cabinets
are designed to be built into the wall for close connection to a pipe duct.
Using Wirsbo-PEX pipes in straight lengths, running from floor to floor,
will facilitate installation work.
Figure 21 Riser installation using

watertight cabinets
Installation in basements and The installation of Wirsbo-PEX pipes in a basement or under a ceiling in the
ceilings traditional manner, with pipes suspended from hangers, can be carried out
with or without allowance for expansion.
Linear expansion in plastic pipes is greater than in metal pipes (although
associated expansion forces are low). Plastic pipes may expand to such an
extent that, without any support along their length, they may sag between the
hangers. Although this does not affect the operation of the system, in exposed
runs it gives a poor general impression.
To give the impression of neat installation work, Wirsbo recommend that
channels should be used to support the pipes. The examples shown below are
in accordance with European draft standards (prENV 12108).
Figure 22 Pipe runs in support channels
Figure 23 Pipes run on a rack

Figure 24 Branched pipe run in support
channels
These examples also illustrate the recommended manner of clamping

and fixing Wirsbo-PEX pipes.
The support channels should overlap by 100 mm and pipes should be
secured with straps to these. Otherwise because of axial material stress related
to temperature change, the pipes will ”climb” out of the channels. Straps
should be fitted at the following recommended intervals:
Distance (mm) Wirsbo-PEX pipe,

Cold water Hot water Do (mm)
500 200 16, 20
500 300 25
750 400 32
750 600 40
Table 11 Binding distances in accordance 750 750 50, 63, 75
with prENV 12108 1000 1000 90, 110
Installation not allowing for Pipes should be anchored and clamped so that expansion forces are transmitted
thermal expansion to the structure of the building. The flexible Wirsbo material will ensure
a low load on the anchor points because, when the longitudinal expansion
is restrained, the pipe will expand radially. In line with prENV 12108 the
maximum permitted distance between anchor points is 6 m. Therefore factory
supplied 6 m lengths are ideally suited for this purpose.
Hanger Hanger support bar Binding Anchor support bar
Anchor point
Figure 25 Wirsbo-PEX pipes in support
channels with anchor points at every 6 m
and supporting hangers inbetween Anchor point Clamp Channel
Support bars, which act as anchor points, should be secured to the ceiling
in pairs at intervals of 6m, and pipes must then be fixed to them at pipe
couplings by means of U-bolts. Support between the anchor points should
be provided by hanger support bars fixed securely to the ceiling. These are
then fitted with hangers clamped to supporting channels. Both hangers and
channels should be securely tightened in order to prevent lateral movement.
Hanger lengths should not exceed 150 mm. Hanger support bars should be
mounted between the anchor support bars at the following recommended
distances:

Distance (mm) Wirsbo-PEX pipe,
Cold water Hot water Do (mm)
1500 1000 16, 20
1500 1200 25, 32, 40
Table 12 Distances between hanger 1500 1500 50, 63
support bars in accordance with prENV 2000 2000 75, 90, 110
12108
Installation allowing for

thermal expansion
Figure 26 Pipe runs in support channels
In general, pipes should be installed with supports fitted so that the pipe is
free to move. The expansion will then be taken up by expansion compensating
devices, such as an expansion loop or a flexible arm. (see below)
Hangers should be provided as in the preceding example above, with the
clamps fitted at the above recommended distances and tightened so that the
pipe is free to move between the anchor points, which must be set at branches
and at expansion compensating devices.
For particulars of securing the pipe to the support channels, see also the
preceeding example above.
Fixing and clamping pipes on Laying on racks is appropriate where there are pipes of longer lengths and
to a rack where only a few tees are to be fitted. The pipes are then free to move on the
rack and will, by themselves, take up the linear expansion. In order to control
expansion movements it is important to fasten the pipes to the rack at max.
1000 mm intervals and anchor at each tee branch.
Figure 27 Wirsbo-PEX pipes on a

rack where thermal length variation is
compensated by the ”snaking” of the
pipe

Figure 28 Wirsbo-PEX Pipe-in-Pipe on
a rack will protect the pipes from dirt
accumulation
Installation in a vertical pipe In a vertical pipe duct, pipes must be

duct anchored at each floor. This can be
done by means of a rubber-lined pipe
clamp located on each side of a tee
branch. This prevents the spreading
of linear expansion from one floor
to another. If the riser passes several
floors without branches, it should be
anchored at intervals of max. 6 m as
earlier explained.
As the riser is concealed, the pipe
need only be supported at the anchor
points. However, in order to avoid
unwanted sounds generated by pipe
movement caused by rapid changes
in flows and pressures, it is recom-
mended that pipe supports should be
installed between each floor.
Note
• If a conduit is used it should be
clamped to the pipe duct wall at
intervals of max. 1000 mm.
Figure 29 Pipe supported only by anchor

points

A vertical exposed pipe run with
supporting channels could be instal-
led in the same way as a horizontal
installation which does not allow for
thermal expansion (see above).
Note
• Someoftheaccessoriesusedin
the described installations are not
included in our list of compoents
as they are available locally in
most countries.
• Asexplainedearlierpipesshould
be insulated according to the
standards of each country. Adhe-
sives should not be used for faste-
ning insulation to the pipe as
some of them can damage the
Figure 30 A vertical exposed pipe run PE-X material.
Expansion compensating No special expansion compensators are needed if:

devices • the water pipe is supported and anchored at a maximum spacing of 6 m
• the water pipe is run in a conduit where the necessary space for expansion
is provided in the gap between water pipe and conduit
• the pipe is run in long lengths on a rack.
However, in installations allowing for thermal expansion, where the pipes
are expected to stay straight, expansion compensators should be used.
Calculation of a flexible arm The flexible arm should be long enough to prevent damage, and support
and expansion loop clamps should be placed sufficiently far from the wall to allow for longitudinal
thermal expansion.
Use the formula below to calculate the minimum length of the flexible
arm.
LB = C Do x ∆L Anchor L ∆L
point
FIX
Where:
E
L B
LB is the flexible arm in mm

C is the material constant (12 for PE-X)
Do is the outside diameter of the pipe FIX
Anchor
Figure 31 Flexible arm ∆L is the thermal length variation in mm point

When designing an expansion loop it is preferable to design it so
that l2 = 0.5l1. In this case the flexible arm is calculated according to the
equation below:
LB = C Do x 2∆L = 2l + l
1 2
2 L
Anchor Anchor
FIX
point ∆L/2 ∆L/2 FIX
point
l1
E/2 FIX l
E/2
1
Figure 32 Expansion loop

E/4
l2
Example:
A Wirsbo-PEX pipe with an outside diameter (Do) of 50 mm is installed with
30 m between anchor points. The hot water it carries is 70°C and the ambient
temperature is 20°C. Calculate the length (LB) of the flexible arm.
Calculate the thermal length variation by using the diagram from Chapter 3.
Expansion, mm/m
25 From the graph, the thermal expan-
sion at 20°C is 2.5 mm/m, while the
expansion at 70°C is 12.5 mm/m.
20
The expansion of the pipe will be

12.5-2.5 = 10 mm/m when carrying
15
water at 70°C. The total thermal
length variation in this case is:
∆L = 10 mm/m x 30 m = 300 mm.
10
LB = 12x 50x300 = 1470 mm

5
Diagram 7 Thermal expansion, example 0

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Temperature, °C

Chapter 6
General directions
Storage and general care Wirsbo-PEX pipes are supplied in various dimensions, lengths and packages.
Product information including some installation recommendations and sets
of special end plugs are included in the packaging.
To ensure a long-term service life, pipes should be stored in a clean,
dry environment and away from exposure to UV radiation (sunlight).
They should also be kept in their packaging as long as possible in order
to avoid dirt accumulation.
Pipes should be kept clean from dirt, grease, mortar etc. To avoid the
introduction of dirt into the system during installation, end plugs should be
fixed to the pipes and retained for as long as possible. With Wirsbo Pipe-in
Pipe, no concrete or mortar should force its way between the water pipe
and conduit. If this happens any future substitution of the water pipe will
be made more difficult.
Uncoiling the pipe A Wirsbo pipe uncoiler can be used to facilitate uncoiling. The uncoiler should
be positioned as close to the current working area as possible. In this way, the
length of pipe pulled over the floor is kept short and the number of corners
around which the pipe is pulled are kept to a minimum.
Figure 33 Wirsbo pipe uncoiler
Method of cutting Wirsbo-PEX pipes are manufactured to close dimensional tolerances and
fittings are provided to meet those tolerances. A pipe cutter purposely designed
for use with plastic pipes is recommended. However for larger pipe dimensions
a cutter with large cutting discs should be used. When cutting the pipes,
always ensure that the cut is straight and square. No excess material or burrs
should remain that might affect the fitting connection.

Figures 34-37 Methods of cutting a pipe
Assembling a Wirsbo Q&E Assembling procedure:

fitting 1. Cut the pipe.
2. Fit the Q&E ring to the pipe.
3. Use the expander tool to expand the pipe end with the ring. It is important
to rotate the tool slightly before the segments of the tool are pushed further
into the pipe, prior to the next expanding. Rotate the tool alternating to
the right and to the left between each expansion.
4. Push the pipe onto the fitting nipple. The Q&E ring and pipe will strive to
resume their original shape and in so doing will grip the coupling.
Figures 38 and 39 Assembling a Wirsbo

Q&E fitting steps 1 and 2
Figures 40 and 41 Assembling a Wirsbo

Q&E fitting steps 3 and 4

A correctly fitted Wirsbo Q&E joint can be pressurised after 30 minutes at
temperatures above +5°C. At room temperature the joint will be as strong as
the pipe itself after six hours. However ambient temperature affects the time it
takes for the pipe and ring to shrink firmly on to the fitting nipple to make a
watertight seal; the lower the temperature, the slower the contraction.
If uncertain as to how long the pipe will take to contract on to the
fitting a small test using a short piece of pipe can be made. When correctly
mounted the pipe should grip the fitting nipple within 3 seconds although
for dimension greater than 16 mm this may tale from 3-10 seconds. If it takes
longer, the number of expansions may have been too many or the duration
of each expansion too long.
Useful tips
• Keep the number of expansions to a minimum. Expand just enough to
allow the pipe to slip comfortably onto the fitting nipple.
• Warming up the fittings and expander rings speeds up contraction time.
Heat the pipe for a maximum of about 30 seconds until it reaches 40-50°C,
which is the temperature at which you can hold the pipe in your hand
without discomfort. Never use a naked flame for heating.
• Approximate waiting times before pressurising a joint are presented in the
assembly instructions enclosed with the Wirsbo Q&E toolbox.
• For further product information about the Wirsbo Q&E fitting, please
see the separate Wirsbo Q&E catalogue.
Note
• Wirsbo Quick & Easy is a fitting intended and designed only for Wirsbo
pipes. Only genuine Wirsbo fittings, rings and expander tools should
be used.
• When Wirsbo Q&E fittings are used with pipes in concealed runs, they
should be insulated to prevent condensation.
Assembling a compression The fittings used with Wirsbo-PEX pipes must be approved connection
fitting fittings recommended by either Wirsbo or one of our retailers. Pipe inserts
must always be used.
Assembling procedure:
1. Slide the nut and the compression ring over the end of the pipe.
2. Push the pipe insert into the pipe by hand. Ensure that the insert is pressed
in as far as the flange in order to get a secure joint. If manual pressure is
insufficient a rubber hammer may be used.
3. Fit the pipe to the connector and tighten firstly by hand and then with the
aid of a spanner, until the tightening torque increases noticeably.
Figures 42 and 43 Assembling a

compression fitting, steps 1 and 2

Figures 44 and 45 Assembling a
compression fitting, steps 3 and 4
Note
• When using compression fittings, pipe inserts must always be used.
• Tighten the nut in line with manufacturer’s recommendations.
• If for any reason the fitting is dismantled, a new compression ring
should be fitted.
• In some countries it is not allowed to conceal compression fittings within
walls. Therefore consultation with local authorities and standards is
recommended.
Assembling a WIPEX coupling The WIPEX coupling is an excellent pipe fitting, intended mainly for use
with Wirsbo pipe dimensions greater than 32 mm.
Assembling procedure:
1. Chamfer the square cut pipe end with a deburring tool or knife. Ensure that
the pipe end is clean and that any external burrs are removed.
2. Unbolt the clamping sleeve, prise it apart as shown with pliers and remove
it from the coupling.
3. Mount the sleeve on to the end of the pipe. Note that the clamping sleeve is
strong and will resist being prised apart. Therefore, once the bolt has been
removed and the sleeve forced open, place the head of the bolt into the gap
before removing the pliers, in order to keep the lugs apart.
4. Connect the pipe to the coupling pressing it as far as the locking groove.
5. Reunite the clamping sleeve with the coupling ensuring that the locking
groove on the support sleeve of the coupling engages with the clamping
sleeve.
6. Lubricate the threads on the bolt and the washer with a suitable lubricant
and insert the bolt into position. Tighten until the lugs on the outer
sleeve are drawn together.
Figures 46 and 47 Assembling a WIPEX

fitting

Figures 48-50 Assembling a WIPEX fitting
Note
• Because the nut, bolt and washer are made of acid-resistant stainless steel,
the threads and the washer must be lubricated.
• For a correctly fitted, secure connection follow the instructions enclosed
with the WIPEX coupling.
• O-rings are used for sealing all joints in the WIPEX assortment and are
supplied with the fittings. If a coupling is to be fitted to some other
component, seal the threaded joint with linen yarn, flux or a linseed
oil based compound.
• For further product information please consult the WIPEX catalogue.
Minor repairs Because cross-linked polyethylene cannot be welded or repaired with adhesives,
if a pipe is accidentally sliced or punctured, the safest and simplest repairing
method is to cut away the damaged area and replace it with a Wirsbo
Q&E joint.
However if a pipe has been buckled, after for example being bent too
far, an alternative repair method, which actually reforms the pipe and takes
advantage of cross-linked polyethylene’s unique thermal memory (see chap 1
above), can be applied as shown below.
Reforming method:
1. Straighten the damaged section by hand
2. Carefully heat the damaged area with a hot-air gun, rotating the gun
around the pipe throughout the process for an even application. Heat until
the pipe has returned to its original shape or until the material begins to
become transparent round its whole circumference. This will happen at
around 130°C. However see note below.

3. Allow the pipe to cool to room temperature before use. Using cold water
or blowing cold air on the repaired section will accelerate cooling. Once
cooled it will return to its original appearance and regain all of its strength.
However see note below.
Figure 51 Reforming a Wirsbo-PEX pipe
Note
• Do not use an open flame for heating. Use a hot-air gun.
• Do not heat Wirsbo-pePEX or Wirsbo-evalPEX pipes. They have an outer
oxygen diffusion barrier which, if heated, will be damaged.
• Keep heating to a minimum. It is not always necessary to heat the pipe
until it is transparent before it resumes its original shape. Note any change
in the pipes surface. If heating has discoloured the pipe, this indicates that
the material has been damaged and the pipe needs replacing.
• When a hot-air gun is used, the factory calibrated tolerances are lost.
Therefore the reheated section should not be used for joining to a fitting.
However Wirsbo Q&E joints, if mounted as recommended, can still
be used.
Inserting a PE-X pipe into a The conduit and the PE-X pipe can be installed together or separately. If the
conduit conduit is installed on its own, check before it is concealed that it has not been
deformed or otherwise obstructed. Also check that clamping has been carried
out properly before inserting the water pipe (see also Chapter 5).
Useful tips
• The water pipe will be easier to
insert into the conduit, if the pipe
end is cut into a sharp tongue
about 150 mm long.
• Ifinsertionisfoundtobedifficult,
a drawing wire, attached to the pipe
end and then threaded through the
conduit beforehand, can be used
Figure 52 Pipe end with sharp tongue to pull the pipe through.

Replacing a damaged pipe One of the advantages of using Wirsbo-PEX Pipe-in-Pipe is that, if required,
the water pipe can be replaced without causing structural damage to the
building. Replacement is made easier if the conduit has been correctly
installed. It should have been well secured, be one seamless run from manifold
to draw-off point, and should have as few bends as necessary with bends being
as gradual as possible (see chapter 5).
Before removing the pipe see useful tips below.
Normally it is possible to pull out the pipe by hand but sometimes this
may prove difficult, for example in an installation where there are many sharp
bends. If this is the case, having once disconnected the pipe from the manifold
and faucet/mixing tap, and having removed the fittings from the manifold
end of the pipe, take the following steps:
1. Pull out the termination elbow in order to expose more of the PE-X pipe.
2. Mount the forked extender supplied by Wirsbo on a crowbar end as
shown.
3. Insert protection in the form of, for example a piece of plywood, between
the crowbar and the wall.
4. Press the exposed pipe end into the fork and lock it with pliers if
necessary.
5. Lever the crow bar downwards and pull out a section of pipe.
6. Relocate the extender next to the wall and repeat steps 4 and 5. Repeat as
necessary or until the pipe has been totally removed from the conduit.
Figures 53-56 Replacing a damaged pipe

Once the pipe has been removed the new pipe can be inserted (see
section above).
Useful tips
• Removing the old pipe is made easier if it is first softened either by blowing
warm air or by running warm water through it.
• Installing a new Wirsbo-PEX pipe can be done at the same time as
removing the old one by connecting the pipes to each other and then
pulling both pipes through at once. Connect the pipes, for example, with a
100 mm length of close-fitting electrical cable using a staple gun as shown.
Make sure that the pipe ends are as close to each other as possible and that
the staples do not stick out on the other side of the pipe, as in both cases
this could cause the pipe to catch on the inside of the conduit.
• Taping the join to give it extra strength is permitted since it will be

cut away later.

Pipe bending Wirsbo-PEX pipes are normally bent without the need for any special tool. If
bends with small radii are necessary, a bending support should be used.
Alternatively, the pipes can be bent after being heated up in accordance
with the procedure described below.
1. Heat the pipe carefully with a hot-air gun. Move the gun around the pipe
throughout the process for an even application.
2. Heat the pipe until the material begins to become transparent where the
pipe is to be bent, which will occur at around 130°C.
3. Bend the pipe at once to the required angle.
4. Hold the pipe at the required angle and cool it with water or air. The
pipe will maintain the new shape. If it is heated once more it will resume
its original shape.
Useful tips
• Where a sharp bend with a narrow radius is required, a flexible support
should be placed in the pipe at the bending point prior to bending (step
3), in order to prevent the pipe from folding.
Note
• An open flame must not be used for heating the pipe.
• Do not heat more than necessary. If heating has discoloured the pipe,
this indicates that the material has been damaged and the pipe must
be replaced.
• Note any change in the surface of the pipe during the heating operation.
• Do not heat Wirsbo-pePEX or Wirsbo-evalPEX pipes. They have an outer
oxygen diffusion barrier which, if heated, will be damaged.
Minimum bend radius The figures below give the minimum bending radius for pipe dimensions used
in the Wirsbo Tap Water System. Do = outer diameter.
Cold bending 8 x Do
Cold fixture bending 5 x Do
Hot bending 5 x Do
Note
• It is not practical to manually bend dimensions larger than 32 mm to
the minimum bending radius.
• The radius with which Wirsbo-PEX pipes can be bent, depends on the
installation temperature, pipe wall thickness and type of pipe.
Filling the system All pipe systems should be filled slowly in order to expel as much air as
possible. In order to remove any remaining air pockets, venting the system
afterwards is recommended. Examine the coupling points and pipe runs
whilst filling the system.
Note
• In extremely cold areas the system should be protected at all times
from freezing.
Pressure test PE-X systems can be pressure tested in accordance with the local standards
and regulations which apply to metal pipes. However there is a more
appropriate method of testing, which takes into account the fact that
a PE-X system expands and contracts radially when pressure is applied.
This is as follows:

• Vent all air from the system and pressurise the system to 1.5 x operating
pressure. Maintain this pressure for 30 minutes and inspect the joints
and pipe runs. Quickly drain off water to reduce the pressure to 0.5 x
operating pressure and close the drain valve. If the pressure rises to a value
higher than 0.5 x operating pressure and remains constant, this indicates
that the system is watertight. Leave the system pressurised for 90 minutes
keeping it under continued inspection. If the pressure drops during this
period, this indicates leakage in the system.
Operating pressure
1.5
1.0
0.5
Diagram 8 Pressure testing

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Time (min)
Fire protection When pipes are installed in a fire-resistant construction/structure, fire-resistance

ratings must be maintained.
In general:
• Pipes should be run within one continuous length of conduit through

a hole in a construction.
• The space between the water pipe and the conduit must be sealed to
prevent the spread of fumes caused by fire between fire cells. This seal may
conveniently be mounted at the end of the conduit.
• The gap between conduit and wall must be filled with an incombustible
homogenous material such as mortar.
• In order to prevent the spread of fumes, spaces between building structures
and pipes and between separate pipes should be large enough to allow
each conduit to be sealed separately.
Note
• All fire precaution has to be carried out according to regulations by
local authorities.

Chapter 7
Wirsbo-PEX Technical data
Material Properties
Mechanical properties Value Unit Standard

Density 0.938 g/cm3
Tensile strength (at 20°C) 19–26 N/mm2 DIN 53455
(at 100°C) 9–13 N/mm2
Modulus of elasticity E (at 20°C) 800–900 N/mm2 DIN 53457
(at 80°C) 300–350 N/mm2
Elongation on failure (at 20°C) 350–550 % DIN 53455
(at 100°C) 500–700 %
Impact strength (at 20°C) No failure kJ/m2 DIN 53453
(at –140°C) No failure kJ/m2
Moisture absorption (at 22°C) 0.01 mg/4d DIN 53472
Coefficient of friction with steel 0.08-0.1 –
Surface energy 34 x 10–3 N/m
Oxygen permeability (at 20°C) 80 m3 mm/m2 x day x atm ASTM D1434
(at 55°C) 250 m3 mm/m2 x day x atm ASTM D1434
Thermal properties
Temperature range –100 to +110 °C
Coefficient of linear expansion (at 20°C) 1.4 x 10 –4 m/m°C
Coefficient of linear expansion (at 100°C) 2.05 x 10 –4 m/m°C
Softening temperature +133 °C
Specific heat 2.3 kJ/kg°C
Coefficient of thermal conductivity 0.35 W/m°C DIN 4725
Electrical properties
Specific internal resistance (at 20°C) 10 15 Ωm
Dielectric constant (at 20°C) 2.3 –
Dielectric loss factor (at 20°C/50 Hz) 1 x 10–3 –
Rupture voltage (at 20°C) 60–90 kV/mm
Table 13 Material properties
Forces of expansion and Dimension Max force

contraction mm N
22x3.0 250
These can appear when a pipe has 25x2.3 200
been installed at an ambient tempe- 25x3.5 300
rature of about 20°C and is then sud- 28x4.0 400
denly exposed to a water temperature 32x2.9 400
of 90°C. Forces can appear during 32x4.4 500
both expansion and contraction. 40x3.7 600
However if the temperature changes 40x5.5 800
gradually or if the pipe can give 50x4.6 900
sideways, the strength of the forces 50x6.9 1300
will diminish. Naturally sideways 63x5.8 1500
movement can be influenced by pipe 63x8.7 2100
length and by clamping, but note 75x6.8 2100
that the length of the pipe has no 90x8.2 2900
bearing on the size of the force. 110x10.0 4400
Table 14 Forces of expansion and contraction

Chapter 8
Quality Assurance, tap water approvals
Wirsbo-PEX approvals for hot

and cold water installations Germany The Netherlands
have been issued in: Sweden Denmark
Norway Austria
Switzerland Belgium
France Portugal
Great Britain Spain
Finland Poland
USA Canada
China Australia
Iceland Hungary
Bulgaria Estonia
Lithuania Latvia
Croatia Slovakia
Rumania Kazakhstan
Russia The Ukraine
Malaysia Japan
Hong Kong
Standards and other quality The following published ”guidelines” are available at present:
guidelines relating to Wirsbo-
PEX 1) DIN 16892 - 2000 (Germany)
2) DIN 16893 - 2000 (Germany)
3) DVGW Arbeitsblatt W 544 - 1988 (Germany)
4) DVGW Arbeitsblatt W 534 - 2000 (Germany)
5) Australian Standard 2537 - 1994 (Australia)
6) Australian Standard 2492 - 1994 (Australia)
7) Guide Technique Specialisé TE Q/1 No 30142 (France)
8) UNE 53381 (Spain)
9) ASTM F 876 -84
10) F877 -84 (USA)
11) KIWA CRITERIA No. 41 (Netherlands)
12) ÖNORM B 5153 (Austria)
13) Type approval requirements for hot water pipes
- NKB Product rule 3 (Nordic countries)
14) Type approval requirements for mechanical fittings of metal
for PEX and PB pipes for tap water installations
- NKB Product rule 18 (Nordic countries)
15) UNI 9338 (Italy)
16) UNI 9349 (Italy)
The following standards are under preparation:
17) prEN 12318

18) ISO/DIS 15875

Production of Wirsbo-PEX is monitored by the following bodies:
1) MPA Darmstadt (Germany)

2) Statens Provningsanstalt (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland)
3) Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment (CSTB) (France)
4) KIWA (Netherlands)
5) National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) (USA)
6) Plastico y Caucho (Spain)
7) Österreisische Kunststoff Institut (ÖKI) (Austria)
8) Laboratório Nacional de Engenharia Civil (LNEC) (Portugal)
9) BCCA Belgium
10) QAS Australia

Chapter 9
Conversion tables
Metric and nonmetric (English and American) units
Length – Inches (fractions) into millimetres
in mm in mm in mm
1/32 0.794 3/8 9.525 23/32 18.256
1/16 1.588 13/32 10.319 3/4 19.050
3/32 2.381 7/16 11.112 25/32 19.844
1/8 3.175 15/32 11.906 13/16 20.638
5/32 3.969 1/2 12.700 27/32 21.431
3/16 4.762 17/32 13.494 7/8 22.225
7/32 5.556 9/16 14.288 29/32 23.019
1/4 6.350 19/32 15.081 15/16 23.812
9/32 7.144 5/8 15.875 31/32 24.606
5/16 7.938 21/32 16.669 1 25.400
11/32 8.731 11/16 17.462
Table 15 Length – Inches (fractions) into millimetres
Length — Inches into millimetres and vice versa
in mm in mm in mm
0.03937 1 25.4 1.06299 27 685.8 2.04724 52 1320.8
0.07874 2 50.8 1.10236 28 711.2 2.08661 53 1346.2
0.11811 3 76.2 1.14173 29 736.6 2.12598 54 1371.6
0.15748 4 101.6 1.1811 30 762.0 2.16535 55 1397.0
0.19685 5 127.0 1.22047 31 787.4 2.20472 56 1422.4
0.23622 6 152.4 1.25984 32 812.8 2.24409 57 1447.8
0.27559 7 177.8 1.29921 33 838.2 2.28346 58 1473.2
0.31496 8 203.2 1.33858 34 863.6 2.32283 59 1498.6
0.35433 9 228.6 1.37795 35 889.0 2.3622 60 1524.0
0.3937 10 254.0 1.41732 36 914.4 2.40157 61 1549.4
0.43307 11 279.4 1.45669 37 939.8 2.44094 62 1574.8
0.47244 12 304.8 1.49606 38 965.2 2.48031 63 1600.2
0.51181 13 330.2 1.53543 39 990.6 2.51968 64 1625.6
0.55118 14 355.6 1.5748 40 1016.0 2.55905 65 1651.0
0.59055 15 381.0 1.61417 41 1041.4 2.59842 66 1676.4
0.62992 16 406.4 1.65354 42 1066.8 2.63779 67 1701.8
0.66929 17 431.8 1.69291 43 1092.2 2.67716 68 1727.2
0.70866 18 457.2 1.73228 44 1117.6 2.71653 69 1752.6
0.74803 19 482.6 1.77165 45 1143.0 2.7559 70 1778.0
0.7874 20 508.0 1.81102 46 1168.4 2.79527 71 1803.4
0.82677 21 533.4 1.85039 47 1193.8 2.83464 72 1828.8
0.86614 22 558.8 1.88976 48 1219.2 2.87401 73 1854.2
0.90551 23 584.2 1.92913 49 1244.6 2.91338 74 1879.6
0.94488 24 609.6 1.9685 50 1270.0 2.95275 75 1905.0
0.98425 25 635.0 2.00787 51 1295.4 2.99212 76 1930.4
1.02362 26 660.4
Table 16 Length — Inches into millimetres and vice versa

Length — Feet into metres and vice versa
ft m ft m ft m
3.2808 1 0.3048 88.5816 27 8.2296 170.6 52 15.8496
6.5616 2 0.6096 91.8624 28 8.5344 173.88 53 16.1544
9.8424 3 0.9144 95.1432 29 8.8392 177.16 54 16.4592
13.1232 4 1.2192 98.424 30 9.144 180.44 55 16.764
16.404 5 1.524 101.7 31 9.4488 183.72 56 17.0688
19.6848 6 1.8288 104.99 32 9.7536 187.01 57 17.3736
22.9656 7 2.1336 108.27 33 10.0584 190.29 58 17.6784
26.2464 8 2.4384 111.55 34 10.3632 193.57 59 17.9832
29.5272 9 2.7432 114.83 35 10.668 196.85 60 18.288
32.808 10 3.048 118.11 36 10.9728 200.13 61 18.5928
36.0888 11 3.3528 121.39 37 11.2776 203.41 62 18.8976
39.3696 12 3.6576 124.67 38 11.5824 206.69 63 19.2024
42.6504 13 3.9624 127.95 39 11.8872 209.97 64 19.5072
45.9312 14 4.2672 131.23 40 12.192 213.25 65 19.812
49.212 15 4.572 134.51 41 12.4968 216.53 66 20.1168
52.4928 16 4.8768 137.79 42 12.8016 219.81 67 20.4216
55.7736 17 5.1816 141.07 43 13.1064 223.09 68 20.7264
59.0544 18 5.4864 144.36 44 13.4112 226.38 69 21.0312
62.3352 19 5.7912 147.64 45 13.716 229.66 70 21.336
65.616 20 6.096 150.92 46 14.0208 232.94 71 21.6408
68.8968 21 6.4008 154.2 47 14.3256 236.22 72 21.9456
72.1776 22 6.7056 157.48 48 14.6304 239.5 73 22.2504
75.4584 23 7.0104 160.76 49 14.9352 242.78 74 22.5552
78.7392 24 7.3152 164.04 50 15.24 246.06 75 22.86
82.02 25 7.62 167.32 51 15.5448 249.34 76 23.1648
85.3008 26 7.9248
Table 17 Length — Feet into metres and vice versa
Surface — Square feet into square metres and vice versa
ft2 m2 ft2 m2 ft2 m2

10.76365 1 0.092903 290.6185 27 2.508382 559.7097 52 4.830958
21.5273 2 0.185806 301.3822 28 2.601285 570.4734 53 4.923861
32.29095 3 0.278709 312.1458 29 2.694188 581.237 54 5.016764
43.05459 4 0.371612 322.9095 30 2.787091 592.0007 55 5.109667
53.81824 5 0.464515 333.6731 31 2.879994 602.7643 56 5.20257
64.58189 6 0.557418 344.4368 32 2.972897 613.528 57 5.295473
75.34554 7 0.650321 355.2004 33 3.0658 624.2916 58 5.388376
86.10919 8 0.743224 365.9641 34 3.158703 635.0553 59 5.481279
96.87284 9 0.836127 376.7277 35 3.251606 645.8189 60 5.574182
107.6365 10 0.92903 387.4914 36 3.344509 656.5826 61 5.667085
118.4001 11 1.021933 398.255 37 3.437412 667.3462 62 5.759988
129.1638 12 1.114836 409.0186 38 3.530316 678.1099 63 5.852892
139.9274 13 1.20774 419.7823 39 3.623219 688.8735 64 5.945795
150.6911 14 1.300643 430.5459 40 3.716122 699.6372 65 6.038698
161.4547 15 1.393546 441.3096 41 3.809025 710.4008 66 6.131601
172.2184 16 1.486449 452.0732 42 3.901928 721.1645 67 6.224504
182.982 17 1.579352 462.8369 43 3.994831 731.9281 68 6.317407
193.7457 18 1.672255 473.6005 44 4.087734 742.6918 69 6.41031
204.5093 19 1.765158 484.3642 45 4.180637 753.4554 70 6.503213
215.273 20 1.858061 495.1278 46 4.27354 764.2191 71 6.596116
226.0366 21 1.950964 505.8915 47 4.366443 774.9827 72 6.689019
236.8003 22 2.043867 516.6551 48 4.459346 785.7464 73 6.781922
247.5639 23 2.13677 527.4188 49 4.552249 796.51 74 6.874825
258.3276 24 2.229673 538.1824 50 4.645152 807.2736 75 6.967728
269.0912 25 2.322576 548.9461 51 4.738055 818.0373 76 7.060631
279.8549 26 2.415479
Table 18 Surface — Square feet into square metres and vice versa

Volume — Cubic feet into cubic metres and vice versa
ft3 m3 ft3 m3 ft3 m3

35.31338 1 0.028317 953.4612 27 0.764555 1836.296 52 1.472476
70.62676 2 0.056634 988.7746 28 0.792872 1871.609 53 1.500793
105.9401 3 0.084951 1024.088 29 0.821189 1906.922 54 1.52911
141.2535 4 0.113267 1059.401 30 0.849505 1942.236 55 1.557427
176.5669 5 0.141584 1094.715 31 0.877822 1977.549 56 1.585743
211.8803 6 0.169901 1130.028 32 0.906139 2012.863 57 1.61406
247.1936 7 0.198218 1165.341 33 0.934456 2048.176 58 1.642377
282.507 8 0.226535 1200.655 34 0.962773 2083.489 59 1.670694
317.8204 9 0.254852 1235.968 35 0.99109 2118.803 60 1.699011
353.1338 10 0.283168 1271.282 36 1.019406 2154.116 61 1.727328
388.4472 11 0.311485 1306.595 37 1.047723 2189.429 62 1.755644
423.7605 12 0.339802 1341.908 38 1.07604 2224.743 63 1.783961
459.0739 13 0.368119 1377.222 39 1.104357 2260.056 64 1.812278
494.3873 14 0.396436 1412.535 40 1.132674 2295.37 65 1.840595
529.7007 15 0.424753 1447.849 41 1.160991 2330.683 66 1.868912
565.0141 16 0.45307 1483.162 42 1.189308 2365.996 67 1.897229
600.3274 17 0.481386 1518.475 43 1.217624 2401.31 68 1.925546
635.6408 18 0.509703 1553.789 44 1.245941 2436.623 69 1.953862
670.9542 19 0.53802 1589.102 45 1.274258 2471.936 70 1.982179
706.2676 20 0.566337 1624.415 46 1.302575 2507.25 71 2.010496
741.5809 21 0.594654 1659.729 47 1.330892 2542.563 72 2.038813
776.8943 22 0.622971 1695.042 48 1.359209 2577.877 73 2.06713
812.2077 23 0.651287 1730.356 49 1.387525 2613.19 74 2.095447
847.5211 24 0.679604 1765.669 50 1.415842 2648.503 75 2.123763
882.8345 25 0.707921 1800.982 51 1.444159 2683.817 76 2.15208
918.1478 26 0.736238
Table 19 Volume — Cubic feet into cubic metres and vice versa
Volume — US gallons into litres and vice versa
gallons l gallons l gallons l

0.246 1 3.785 6.642 27 102.195 12.792 52 196.82
0.492 2 7.57 6.888 28 105.98 13.038 53 200.605
0.738 3 11.355 7.134 29 109.765 13.284 54 204.39
0.984 4 15.14 7.38 30 113.55 13.53 55 208.175
1.23 5 18.925 7.626 31 117.335 13.776 56 211.96
1.476 6 22.71 7.872 32 121.12 14.022 57 215.745
1.722 7 26.495 8.118 33 124.905 14.268 58 219.53
1.968 8 30.28 8.364 34 128.69 14.514 59 223.315
2.214 9 34.065 8.61 35 132.475 14.76 60 227.1
2.46 10 37.85 8.856 36 136.26 15.006 61 230.885
2.706 11 41.635 9.102 37 140.045 15.252 62 234.67
2.952 12 45.42 9.348 38 143.83 15.498 63 238.455
3.198 13 49.205 9.594 39 147.615 15.744 64 242.24
3.444 14 52.99 9.84 40 151.4 15.99 65 246.025
3.69 15 56.775 10.086 41 155.185 16.236 66 249.81
3.936 16 60.56 10.332 42 158.97 16.482 67 253.595
4.182 17 64.345 10.578 43 162.755 16.728 68 257.38
4.428 18 68.13 10.824 44 166.54 16.974 69 261.165
4.674 19 71.915 11.07 45 170.325 17.22 70 264.95
4.92 20 75.7 11.316 46 174.11 17.466 71 268.735
5.166 21 79.485 11.562 47 177.895 17.712 72 272.52
5.412 22 83.27 11.808 48 181.68 17.958 73 276.305
5.658 23 87.055 12.054 49 185.465 18.204 74 280.09
5.904 24 90.84 12.3 50 189.25 18.45 75 283.875
6.15 25 94.625 12.546 51 193.035 18.696 76 287.66
6.396 26 98.41
Table 20 Volume — US gallons into litres and vice versa

Mass, weight — Pounds into kilograms and vice versa
lb kg lb kg lb kg
2.2046 1 0.4536 59.5242 27 12.2472 114.6392 52 23.5872
4.4092 2 0.9072 61.7288 28 12.7008 116.8438 53 24.0408
6.6138 3 1.3608 63.9334 29 13.1544 119.0484 54 24.4944
8.8184 4 1.8144 66.138 30 13.608 121.253 55 24.948
11.023 5 2.268 68.3426 31 14.0616 123.4576 56 25.4016
13.2276 6 2.7216 70.5472 32 14.5152 125.6622 57 25.8552
15.4322 7 3.1752 72.7518 33 14.9688 127.8668 58 26.3088
17.6368 8 3.6288 74.9564 34 15.4224 130.0714 59 26.7624
19.8414 9 4.0824 77.161 35 15.876 132.276 60 27.216
22.046 10 4.536 79.3656 36 16.3296 134.4806 61 27.6696
24.2506 11 4.9896 81.5702 37 16.7832 136.6852 62 28.1232
26.4552 12 5.4432 83.7748 38 17.2368 138.8898 63 28.5768
28.6598 13 5.8968 85.9794 39 17.6904 141.0944 64 29.0304
30.8644 14 6.3504 88.184 40 18.144 143.299 65 29.484
33.069 15 6.804 90.3886 41 18.5976 145.5036 66 29.9376
35.2736 16 7.2576 92.5932 42 19.0512 147.7082 67 30.3912
37.4782 17 7.7112 94.7978 43 19.5048 149.9128 68 30.8448
39.6828 18 8.1648 97.0024 44 19.9584 152.1174 69 31.2984
41.8874 19 8.6184 99.207 45 20.412 154.322 70 31.752
44.092 20 9.072 101.4116 46 20.8656 156.5266 71 32.2056
46.2966 21 9.5256 103.6162 47 21.3192 158.7312 72 32.6592
48.5012 22 9.9792 105.8208 48 21.7728 160.9358 73 33.1128
50.7058 23 10.4328 108.0254 49 22.2264 163.1404 74 33.5664
52.9104 24 10.8864 110.23 50 22.68 165.345 75 34.02
55.115 25 11.34 112.4346 51 23.1336 167.5496 76 34.4736
57.3196 26 11.7936
Table 21 Mass, weight — Pounds into kilograms and vice versa
Density — Pounds per cubic foot into kilograms per cubic metre and vice versa
lb/ft3 kg/m3 lb/ft3 kg/m3 lb/ft3 kg/m3

0.062428 1 16.019 1.685556 27 432.513 3.246256 52 832.988
0.124856 2 32.038 1.747984 28 448.532 3.308684 53 849.007
0.187284 3 48.057 1.810412 29 464.551 3.371112 54 865.026
0.249712 4 64.076 1.87284 30 480.57 3.43354 55 881.045
0.31214 5 80.095 1.935268 31 496.589 3.495968 56 897.064
0.374568 6 96.114 1.997696 32 512.608 3.558396 57 913.083
0.436996 7 112.133 2.060124 33 528.627 3.620824 58 929.102
0.499424 8 128.152 2.122552 34 544.646 3.683252 59 945.121
0.561852 9 144.171 2.18498 35 560.665 3.74568 60 961.14
0.62428 10 160.19 2.247408 36 576.684 3.808108 61 977.159
0.686708 11 176.209 2.309836 37 592.703 3.870536 62 993.178
0.749136 12 192.228 2.372264 38 608.722 3.932964 63 1009.197
0.811564 13 208.247 2.434692 39 624.741 3.995392 64 1025.216
0.873992 14 224.266 2.49712 40 640.76 4.05782 65 1041.235
0.93642 15 240.285 2.559548 41 656.779 4.120248 66 1057.254
0.998848 16 256.304 2.621976 42 672.798 4.182676 67 1073.273
1.061276 17 272.323 2.684404 43 688.817 4.245104 68 1089.292
1.123704 18 288.342 2.746832 44 704.836 4.307532 69 1105.311
1.186132 19 304.361 2.80926 45 720.855 4.36996 70 1121.33
1.24856 20 320.38 2.871688 46 736.874 4.432388 71 1137.349
1.310988 21 336.399 2.934116 47 752.893 4.494816 72 1153.368
1.373416 22 352.418 2.996544 48 768.912 4.557244 73 1169.387
1.435844 23 368.437 3.058972 49 784.931 4.619672 74 1185.406
1.498272 24 384.456 3.1214 50 800.95 4.6821 75 1201.425
1.5607 25 400.475 3.183828 51 816.969 4.744528 76
1.623128 26 416.494
Table 22 Density — Pounds per cubic foot into kilograms per cubic metre and vice versa

Temperature — Degrees Fahrenheit into degrees Celsius and vice versa
°F °C °F °C °F °C
-148 -100 -73.3333 50 10 -12.2222 194 90 32.22222
-130 -90 -67.7778 53.6 12 -11.1111 203 95 35.0
-112 -80 -62.2222 57.2 14 -10.0 212 100 37.77778
-94 -70 -56.6667 60.8 16 -8.88889 248 120 48.88889
-76 -60 -51.1111 64.4 18 -7.77778 284 140 60.0
-58 -50 -45.5556 68 20 -6.66667 320 160 71.11111
-40 -40 -40.0 71.6 22 -5.55556 356 180 82.22222
-22 -30 -34.4444 75.2 24 -4.44444 392 200 93.33333
-4 -20 -28.8889 78.8 26 -3.33333 437 225 107.2222
14 -10 -23.3333 82.4 28 -2.22222 482 250 121.1111
23 -5 -20.5556 86 30 -1.11111 572 300 148.8889
24.8 -4 -20.0 89.6 32 0.0 662 350 176.6667
26.6 -3 -19.4444 93.2 34 1.111111 752 400 204.4444
28.4 -2 -18.8889 96.8 36 2.222222 842 450 232.2222
30.2 -1 -18.3333 100.4 38 3.333333 932 500 260.0
32 0 -17.7778 104 40 4.444444 1112 600 315.5556
33.8 1 -17.2222 113 45 7.222222 1292 700 371.1111
35.6 2 -16.6667 122 50 10.0 1472 800 426.6667
37.4 3 -16.1111 131 55 12.77778 1652 900 482.2222
39.2 4 -15.5556 140 60 15.55556 1832 1000 537.7778
41 5 -15.0 149 65 18.33333 2192 1200 648.8889
42.8 6 -14.4444 158 70 21.11111 2552 1400 760.0
44.6 7 -13.8889 167 75 23.88889 2912 1600 871.1111
46.4 8 -13.3333 176 80 26.66667 3272 1800 982.2222
48.2 9 -12.7778 185 85 29.44444 3632 2000 1093.333
Table 23 Temperature — Degrees Fahrenheit into degrees Celsius and vice versa
Thermal conductivity — Btu · in/ft2 · h · degrees F into W/K · m
Btu 0 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06 0.07 0.08 0.09
0.1 0.0144 0.01584 0.001728 0.001872 0.002016 0.00216 0.002304 0.002448 0.002592 0.002736
0.2 0.0288 0.03024 0.03168 0.03312 0.03456 0.036 0.03744 0.03888 0.04032 0.04176
0.3 0.0432 0.04464 0.04608 0.04752 0.04896 0.0504 0.05184 0.05328 0.05472 0.05616
0.4 0.0576 0.05904 0.06048 0.06192 0.06336 0.0648 0.06624 0.06768 0.06912 0.07056
0.5 0.072 0.07344 0.07488 0.07632 0.07776 0.0792 0.08064 0.08208 0.08352 0.08496
0.6 0.0864 0.08784 0.08928 0.09072 0.09216 0.0936 0.09504 0.09648 0.09792 0.09936
0.7 0.1008 0.10224 0.10368 0.10512 0.10656 0.108 0.10944 0.11088 0.11232 0.11376
0.8 0.1152 0.11664 0.11808 0.11952 0.12096 0.1224 0.12384 0.12528 0.12672 0.12816
0.9 0.1296 0.13104 0.13248 0.13392 0.13536 0.1368 0.13824 0.13968 0.14112 0.14256
1 0.144 0.14544 0.14688 0.14832 0.14976 0.1512 0.15264 0.15408 0.15552 0.15696
1.1 0.1584 0.15984 0.16128 0.16272 0.16416 0.1656 0.16704 0.16848 0.16992 0.17136
1.2 0.1728 0.17424 0.17568 0.17712 0.17856 0.18 0.18144 0.18288 0.18432 0.18576
1.3 0.1872 0.18864 0.19008 0.19152 0.19296 0.1944 0.19584 0.19728 0.19872 0.20016
1.4 0.2016 0.20304 0.20448 0.20592 0.20736 0.2088 0.21024 0.21168 0.21312 0.21456
1.5 0.216 0.21744 0.21888 0.22032 0.22176 0.2232 0.22464 0.22608 0.22752 0.22896
1.6 0.2304 0.23184 0.23328 0.23472 0.23616 0.2376 0.23904 0.24048 0.24192 0.24336
1.7 0.2448 0.24624 0.24768 0.24912 0.25056 0.252 0.25344 0.25488 0.25632 0.25776
1.8 0.2592 0.26064 0.26208 0.26352 0.26496 0.2664 0.26784 0.26928 0.27072 0.27216
1.9 0.2736 0.27504 0.27648 0.27792 0.27936 0.2808 0.28224 0.28368 0.28512 0.28656
2 0.288 0.28944 0.29088 0.29232 0.29376 0.2952 0.29664 0.29808 0.29952 0.30096
Table 24 Thermal conductivity — Btu · in/ft2 · h · degrees F into W/K · m

Pressure
1 Pa 1 kPa 1 bar 1 mm WS 1 lb/in2

1 N/m = 1 Pa
2
1 10-3 10-5 0.102 1.45·10-4
1 kPa 1.000 1 0.01 102 0.145
1 bar 105 100 1 1.02·104 14.50
1 mm WS 9.81 9.81·10-3 9.81·10-5 1 1.42·10-3
1 lb/in2 (psi) 6.89·103 6.89 0.069 703 1
Table 25 Pressure
Energy
1 J = 1 Nm
= 1 WS 1 kpm 1 kcal 1 kWh 1 Btu
1 J = 1 Nm
= 1 WS 1 0.101972 2.38844·10-4 2.77778·10-7 9.47817·10-4
1 kpm 9.80665 1 2.34228·10-3 2.72407·10-6 9.29421·10-3
1 kcal 4.1868·103 426.935 1 1.163·103 3.96832
1 kWh 3.6·106 3.670978·105 859.845 1 3.41214·103
1 Btu 1.055056·103 1.075857·102 0.251996 2.93071·10-4 1
Table 26 Energy

Chapter 10
List of figures, tables and diagrams
Figures Figure No. Text Page
1 Molecule chain for a cross-linked polyethylene pipe .............. 5

2 Wirsbo-PEX pipe ........................................................................ 6
3 Conduit pipe................................................................................ 7
4 The marking on Wirsbo-PEX pipe ............................................. 7
5 Heat loss from a pipe based upon a length of 1 metre ......... 16
6 Outline drawing of an installation........................................... 20
7 Outline drawing of an installation........................................... 22
8 Traditional method with 16 joints ........................................... 25
9 Manifold system with 10 joints ............................................... 26
10 A conduit run through joists with pipe clips ......................... 27
11 Manifold in a watertight cabinet ............................................. 27
12 An example of a manifold attached to the wall ..................... 27
13 Example of a manifold situated in a ceiling ........................... 28
14 A temporary stand supports the pipe and manifold ............ 28
15 A temporary stand supports a pipe ........................................ 28
16 Suggested run of pipes along an outer wall .......................... 29
17 Suggested run of pipe along an inner wall ............................ 29
18 Suggested run of pipes in secondary boarding in the .......... 29
19 An example of manifolds vertically connected to ................. 29
20 An example of manifolds horizontally connected to............. 29
21 Riser installation using watertight cabinets ........................... 30
22 Pipe runs in support channels ................................................. 30
23 Pipes run on a rack ................................................................... 30
24 Branched pipe run in support channels.................................. 31
25 Wirsbo-PEX pipes in support channels with ......................... 31
26 Pipe runs in support channels ................................................. 32
27 Wirsbo-PEX pipes on a rack where thermal length ............... 32
28 Wirsbo-PEX Pipe-in-Pipe on a rack will protect .................... 33
29 Pipe supported only by anchor points.................................... 33
30 A vertical exposed pipe run..................................................... 34
31 Flexible arm .............................................................................. 34
32 Expansion loop ......................................................................... 35
33 Wirsbo pipe uncoiler ................................................................ 36
34 Method of cutting a pipe.......................................................... 37
38 Assembling a Wirsbo Q&E fitting, step 1 ............................... 37
42 Assembling a compression fitting, step 1 .............................. 38
46 Assembling a WIPEX fitting ..................................................... 39

Figure No. Text Page

51 Reforming a Wirsbo-PEX pipe ................................................. 41
52 Pipe end with a sharp tongue.................................................. 41
53 Replacing a damaged pipe ...................................................... 42
Tables Table No. Text Page
1 Water flow demand .................................................................... 9

2 Design flow ................................................................................10
3 Correction factors ...................................................................... 11
4 Pressure drop for various Wirsbo-PEX pipe dimen ............... 12
5 Indication of required Wirsbo-PEX pipe dimension .............. 13
6 Service conditions with safety factors.................................... 18
7 Calculated pressure loss for all outlets in the ........................ 21
8 Values based on total flow....................................................... 21
11 Binding distances in accordance with prENV 12108 ............. 31
12 Distances between hanger support bars in ........................... 32
13 Material properties Wirsbo-PEX .............................................. 46
14 Forces of expansion and contraction...................................... 46
15 Length – Inches (fractions) into millimetres ........................... 49
16 Length – Inches into millimetres and vice versa.................... 49
17 Length – Feet into metres and vice versa............................... 50
18 Surface – Square feet into square metres and vice versa .... 50
19 Volume – Cubic feet into cubic metres and vice versa.......... 51
20 Volume – US gallons into litres and vice versa...................... 51
21 Mass, weight – Pounds into kilograms and vice versa ......... 52
22 Density – Pounds per cubic foot into kilograms per ............. 52
23 Temperature – Degrees Fahrenheit into degrees Celsius ..... 53
24 Thermal conductivity – Btu · in/ft2 · h · degrees F into .......... 53
25 Pressure..................................................................................... 54
26 Energy ....................................................................................... 54
Diagrams Diagram No. Text Page
1 Pressure drop nomogram Wirsbo-PEX 1.0 MPa 90°C.............14

2 Pressure drop nomogram Wirsbo-PEX 0.6 MPa 90°C ........... 15
3 Heat emission loss Wirsbo-PEX 1.0 MPa 90°C ....................... 17
4 Heat emission loss Wirsbo-PEX 0.6 MPa 90°C ....................... 17
5 Working pressure as a funcion on temperature for .............. 18
6 Thermal expansion....................................................................19
7 Thermal expansion, example .................................................. 35
8 Pressure testing ........................................................................ 45

1127GB 01-12-2-M
Här får reklambyrå och tryckeri sätta ut tryckort
Wirsbo-PEX© is the registered Trade Mark of Uponor Wirsbo AB of Sweden. The
products described in this manual are generally protected by Letters Patent throughout
the world. In keeping with our policy of continuous improvement and development,
Wirsbo reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice.
Uponor Wirsbo AB
Box 101 Phone +46 223 380 00
SE-730 61 Virsbo Fax +46 223 381 02
Sweden www.wirsbo.org

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Wirsbo Tap Water System

Chapter 1 System description

Chapter 2 Calculation principles

Chapter 3 Diagrams and tables

Chapter 4 Calculation methods

Chapter 5 Installation methods/directions

2 Wirsbo Tap Water System – Basic Manual

Chapter 6 General directions

Chapter 7 Wirsbo-PEX Technical data............................................................................. 46

Chapter 8 Quality Assurance, tap water approvals ....................................................... 47

Chapter 9 Conversion tables ........................................................................................... 49

Chapter 10 List of figures, tables and diagrams

Wirsbo Tap Water System – Basic Manual 3

© Uponor Wirsbo AB, Sweden in December 2001.

4 Wirsbo Tap Water System – Basic Manual

Figure 1 Molecule chain for a cross-linked

The new chemical structure makes it impossible to melt or dissolve the

Wirsbo Tap Water System – Basic Manual 5

Figure 2 Wirsbo-PEX pipe

6 Wirsbo Tap Water System – Basic Manual

Figure 3 Conduit pipe

Dimension (outside Approval for tap water Identification:

Figure 4 The marking on Wirsbo-PEX

Wirsbo Tap Water System – Basic Manual 7

8 Wirsbo Tap Water System – Basic Manual

Water flow demand l/s

Cold water (l/s) Hot water (l/s)

Total flow rate 0.6 0.5

a) The bathroom is similar to the bathroom in example 1

a) Bathroom in example 1 0.6

Total flow rate 1.2

Wirsbo Tap Water System – Basic Manual 9

Total Design Total Design Total Design Total Design

10 Wirsbo Tap Water System – Basic Manual

Thus the time of under 10 seconds is acceptable.

Temp. Correction Factor

Wirsbo Tap Water System – Basic Manual 11

Flow Pipe Dimension, mm

20 x 1.49 = 29.8 kPa

29.8 x 1.20 = 35.8 kPa

The value above is therefore acceptable.

12 Wirsbo Tap Water System – Basic Manual

Wirsbo Tap Water System – Basic Manual 13

Pressure drop nomogram Wirsbo-PEX 1.0 MPa 90°C

Correction factors for Temperature °C 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10

Diagram 1 Pressure drop nomogram Wirsbo-PEX 1.0 MPa 90°C

14 Wirsbo Tap Water System – Basic Manual

Water temperature 70°C

Correction factors for Temperature °C 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10

Diagram 2 Pressure drop nomogram Wirsbo-PEX 0.6 MPa 90°C

Wirsbo Tap Water System – Basic Manual 15

16 Wirsbo Tap Water System – Basic Manual

Diagram 3 Heat emission loss Wirsbo-PEX 1.0 MPa 90°C

Heat emission loss Wirsbo-PEX 0.6 MPa 90°C

110x10 90x8.2 75x6.9

Diagram 4 Heat emission loss Wirsbo-PEX 0.6 MPa 90°C

Wirsbo Tap Water System – Basic Manual 17

Diagram 5 Working pressure as a

ISO/DIS 15875 is the standard documentation which classifies service

Dimen- Opera- Time Max. Time Malfunc. Time Typical

18 Wirsbo Tap Water System – Basic Manual

Diagram 6 Thermal expansion 0