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IS 15328:2003 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for unplasticized non-pressure polyvinyl chloride ( pvc -u ) pipes for use in underground drainage and sewerage systems. This standard specifies the requirements for unplasticized non-pressure PVC (uPVC) pipes used in underground drainage and sewerage systems. It details material composition, dimensions, physical properties like ring stiffness, and testing methods for pipes ranging from 110 mm to 1000 mm nominal diameter. The standard categorizes pipes based on stiffness classes (SN values) to suit different burial and load conditions.
Unplasticized Non-Pressure Polyvinyl Chloride ( PVC -U ) Pipes for use in Underground Drainage and Sewerage Systems
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! The Stiffness Class (SN) is critical. Use SN 4 for light traffic/shallow burial and SN 8 for heavy traffic/deeper burial conditions.
! This standard is for non-pressure gravity flow systems only. For pressurized mains, IS 4985 (for water) or IS 14333 (for sewerage) must be used.
! The golden brown colour is a mandatory identification feature for pipes conforming to this standard, distinguishing them from potable water (blue) or agricultural (grey/black) pipes.
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
pvcupvcplasticpolymer
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
EN 1401-1:2019CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Plastics piping systems for non-pressure underground drainage and sewerage - Unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) - Part 1: Specifications for pipes, fittings and the system
Specifies requirements for solid-wall PVC-U pipes for the same application, using identical stiffness classes (SN).
ISO 4435:2003ISO (International Organization for Standardization), International
HighWithdrawn
Plastics piping systems for non-pressure underground drainage and sewerage — Unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U)
The direct international counterpart at the time IS 15328:2003 was published, covering the same product and application.
ASTM D3034 - 20ASTM International, USA
MediumCurrent
Standard Specification for Type PSM Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Sewer Pipe and Fittings
Covers PVC sewer pipe, but uses Standard Dimension Ratio (SDR) for classification instead of Stiffness Class (SN).
AS/NZS 1260:2017Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand, Australia/New Zealand
MediumCurrent
PVC-U pipes and fittings for drain, waste and vent application
Covers PVC-U pipes for drainage, but includes different stiffness classes (e.g., SN6, SN10) and applications like waste and vent.
Key Differences
≠IS 15328 specifies stiffness classes SN 2, SN 4, and SN 8. While EN 1401-1 also includes these, it extends the range to SN 16 for higher load applications.
≠ASTM D3034 classifies pipes using Standard Dimension Ratio (SDR), such as SDR 35, which is a fundamentally different system from the Stiffness Class (SN) used in IS 15328.
≠IS 15328 mandates a golden brown/terracotta color (RAL 8023) for pipe identification. In contrast, ASTM D3034 commonly specifies green for sewer pipes.
Key Similarities
≈Both IS 15328 and its European equivalent EN 1401-1 are based on the same Stiffness Class (SN) principle, measured in kN/m², which defines the pipe's resistance to external loads.
≈All standards mandate testing for key material properties, including Vicat Softening Temperature (VST) and Longitudinal Reversion (heat shrinkage), with very similar minimum requirements.
≈The primary application scope is identical: non-pressurized, underground conveyance of drainage and sewage using pipes made from unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC-U).
≈Performance requirements such as resistance to impact (falling weight test) and watertightness of joints are mandatory across IS 15328 and its international counterparts to ensure system integrity.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Stiffness Classes
SN 2, SN 4, SN 8 (in kN/m²)
SN 2, SN 4, SN 8, SN 16 (in kN/m²)
EN 1401-1:2019
Vicat Softening Temperature
≥ 79 °C
≥ 79 °C
EN 1401-1:2019
Longitudinal Reversion (at 150°C)
≤ 5%
≤ 5%
EN 1401-1:2019
Impact Strength (TIR at 0°C)
≤ 10% (by round-the-clock method)
≤ 10% (by staircase method)
EN 1401-1:2019
Min. Wall Thickness (160mm OD, SN 4)
4.0 mm
4.0 mm
EN 1401-1:2019
Pipe Identification Colour
Golden brown / Terracotta (RAL 8023)
Orange-brown (RAL 8023)
EN 1401-1:2019
Dimensional Classification
Stiffness Class (SN)
Standard Dimension Ratio (SDR 35, SDR 26)
ASTM D3034 - 20
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Minimum Ring Stiffness for SN 88 kN/m²
Minimum Vicat Softening Temperature79 °C
Required colour of pipesGolden Brown (Shade 414 of IS 5)
Maximum Reversion5 percent
Standard effective lengths3 m and 6 m
Maximum failure rate in impact strength test at 0°C10%
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Dimensions of Pipes
Table 3 - Stiffness Class and Ring Stiffness
Table 4 - Physical and Mechanical Properties of Pipes
Table 5 - Frequency of Tests
Key Clauses
Clause 4 - Material
Clause 5 - Colour
Clause 6 - Dimensions of Pipes
Clause 7 - Physical and Mechanical Properties
Clause 8 - Type Tests, Acceptance Tests and Routine Tests
What are the standard stiffness classes (SN) for these pipes?+
The standard defines three classes: SN 2, SN 4, and SN 8, which correspond to minimum ring stiffness values of 2, 4, and 8 kN/m² respectively (Table 3).
What is the mandatory colour for IS 15328 pipes?+
The pipes must be uniformly Golden Brown, corresponding to Shade 414 of IS 5 (Clause 5.1).
Can these pipes be used for drinking water?+
No. These are specified for non-pressure underground drainage and sewerage only. For potable water, refer to IS 4985.
What types of joints are used with these pipes?+
The standard covers plain-ended pipes for solvent cement jointing and pipes with integral sockets for elastomeric sealing rings (rubber rings) (Clause 6.3).