IS 4984:1995 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for high density polyethylene pipes for potable water supply. This standard specifies the requirements for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes intended for potable water supply systems. It covers the material grades (PE 63, PE 80, PE 100), dimensions, pressure ratings (PN classes), and outlines the physical and performance tests required to ensure product quality and durability.
Covers requirements for high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes suitable for potable water supply, often adapted for drainage applications.
Overview
- Status
- Current
- Usage level
- Frequently Used
- Domain
- Water Resources — Drainage, Sewerage and Sanitary Fittings
- Type
- Specification
- Amendments
- Amendment 1 (1999); Amendment 2 (2001); Amendment 3 (2003); Amendment 4 (2005)…
Also on InfraLens for IS 4984
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Pipes are colour-coded blue for potable water. Black pipes containing 2-2.5% carbon black must be used for applications with direct exposure to sunlight for UV protection.
! Higher material grades like PE 100 allow for thinner pipe walls for the same pressure rating compared to PE 63, which can be more economical for large projects.
! Ensure proper jointing techniques (e.g., butt fusion, electrofusion) are used as per manufacturer guidelines and relevant codes to prevent leakages in the pipeline.
Frequently referenced clauses
Updates & Amendments5 amendments
1999Amendment 1 (1999)
2001Amendment 2 (2001)
2003Amendment 3 (2003)
2005Amendment 4 (2005)
2006Amendment 5 (2006)
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
high density polyethyleneHDPEplastic pipespolymers
International Equivalents
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International Comparison — Coming Soon
We're adding equivalent international standards for this code.
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Colour for potable water pipesBlue or Black with blue stripes
Standard Pressure Ratings (PN)2.5, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12.5 kgf/cm²
Material GradesPE 63, PE 80, PE 100
Maximum Longitudinal Reversion at 110°C3 percent
Carbon Black Content for UV stability (Black pipes)2 to 2.5 percent
Opacity RequirementShall not transmit more than 0.2 percent of visible light
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Dimensions of High Density Polyethylene Pipes
Table 2 - Tolerances on Outside Diameters
Table 3 - Physical Characteristics of Raw Material
Table 5 - Type Tests
Table 6 - Acceptance Tests
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - Material
Clause 4 - Classification
Clause 5 - Dimensions of Pipes
Clause 8 - Performance Requirements
Clause 11 - Marking
Frequently Asked Questions4
What does the PN rating of an HDPE pipe signify?+
PN stands for Nominal Pressure. A PN 10 pipe is designed to withstand a working pressure of 10 kgf/cm² (1.0 MPa) at 27°C (Clause 4.1).
What are the material grades for HDPE pipes as per this standard?+
The standard covers three grades: PE 63, PE 80, and PE 100, which correspond to a Minimum Required Strength (MRS) of 6.3, 8.0, and 10.0 MPa respectively (Clause 3.2.1).
What is the standard colour for potable water HDPE pipes?+
Pipes should be either completely blue or black with four longitudinal blue stripes (Clause 3.4).
What is the reversion test and why is it important?+
The longitudinal reversion test checks for residual stresses from manufacturing by heating a pipe sample. A high reversion ( > 3%) indicates poor processing, which can lead to future failures (Clause 8.3 & Table 5).
QA/QC Inspection Templates
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QA/QC templates coming soon for this code.